Hua E Tulou Building in Meizhou
Overview
Hua E Building (花萼楼), also known as Lianfeng Hua E Building, is located in Lianfeng Village, Dapu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. Built in the 36th year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli reign (1608), it has a history of nearly 400 years. The name “Hua E” means “flower calyx,” referring to the building’s round shape resembling a flower calyx and symbolizing the love and unity among brothers and neighboring villagers.
The building covers an area of 2,300 square meters, with a construction area of 2,286 square meters. It is a circular structure made of earth and wood, comprising three rings: the inner ring has 30 rooms on the first floor, the second ring has 60 rooms on the second floor, and the outer ring has 120 rooms on the third floor. The building stands 11.9 meters tall. Hua E Building’s exquisite design and unique structure reflect the Hakka people’s ideals of completeness, unity, equality, and fairness, making it significant for the study of ancient Hakka residential architecture and customs.
In July 2002, Hua E Building was included in the fourth batch of provincial-level cultural relic protection units in Guangdong. On October 7, 2019, it was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit of ancient architecture by the State Council.
Historical Background
In the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, the fifth-generation ancestor of the Lin family, Lin Yuanyu (林援宇), lived in poverty, often seeking shelter in a cave on Shitou Mountain to escape the elements. He made a living by transporting salt and lime between Fujian, Jiangxi, and Raoping. According to legend, Lin Yuanyu discovered three large vats of silver in front of the Guanyin Temple on Shitou Mountain.
In the 36th year of the Wanli reign (1608), Lin Yuanyu began constructing Hua E Building. Once completed, he welcomed all villagers without homes to live there. Because the circular shape of the building resembled a flower calyx and symbolized the love among brothers and neighbors, it was named “Hua E Building.” In 2001, it was proposed for World Cultural Heritage status along with Dapu Tai’an Building.
In 2002, a significant collapse occurred at Hua E Building. The Dapu County People’s Government invited Xu Songsheng (徐松生), a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project of Hakka earthen building construction skills, to repair it. In 2015, the government invested over 15 million yuan to restore Hua E Building and other historic residences in the area. In 2016, Meizhou’s municipal government raised 14 million yuan for cultural relic protection and repair, restoring several significant historical sites.
Architectural Features
Hua E Building adopts the architectural style of Beijing’s siheyuan (courtyard houses). The entire structure is arranged in a bagua (eight trigrams) shape, resembling an orange that has been peeled, with the outer ring larger than the inner one. The building covers 2,300 square meters and has 210 rooms. The inner ring contains 30 rooms on the first floor, the second ring has 60 rooms on the second floor, and the outer ring has 120 rooms on the third floor. The building is 11.9 meters high, with walls made of rammed earth. The base is 2 meters wide, tapering to 1.3 meters at the top, and the roof is made of wooden beams and grey tiles.
The first floor does not have windows, while the second and third floors feature triangular gun holes. There is only one main entrance, framed with thick granite slabs, and the door is reinforced with heavy iron plates. These features were specifically designed to deter external intrusions. The layout of the building ensures good ventilation and light, remaining warm in winter and cool in summer. Each household has a three-story unit, connected through a corridor on the third floor, emphasizing self-protection rather than traditional designs for light and ventilation.
Cultural Relics
The entrance of Hua E Building is arched, adorned with two lanterns. The name “Hua E Building” is written in blue ink between the lanterns, with couplets on either side: “Flowers bloom like the common calyx; the calyx emits blue clouds.” Historically, it is said, “When brothers are united, it is called the flower calyx shining together; brothers sharing fragrance is like the pear tree competing in bloom.” The name “Hua E” symbolizes familial affection and neighborly love.
Inside, there is a circular courtyard measuring 283.4 square meters, paved with pebbles of varying sizes, featuring a 3-meter diameter design of ancient coins at the center, symbolizing the people’s wishes for abundance. A well located on one side serves both for fire prevention and daily use. The courtyard’s design resembles the character for “nine,” representing longevity and continuity, emphasizing that water is the source of life.
Cultural Activities
Legend has it that Hua E Building was built under the guidance of Lin Yuanyu, who once lived in poverty and sheltered in a cave. Known for his honesty and generosity, he often assisted even poorer villagers. One day, after a tiring journey transporting lime, he dreamt of Guanyin, who appeared on a lotus throne, accompanied by three white horses. Upon waking, he found three large vats of silver, which he used to construct the building and welcome his neighbors.
People believe that Guanyin, out of compassion for human suffering, manifested to help them build this house. In gratitude, a statue of Guanyin on a lotus throne is worshipped in the cave on Shitou Mountain, and the Lin family holds annual rituals to pay respects.
Events
- In December 1992, CCTV filmed a cultural program titled “Shenzhou People Celebrate Lantern Festival” at Hua E Building.
- In April 1993, Guangzhou Television filmed a documentary titled “Hakka People” at the site.
- In January 1999, CCTV and China Film Group produced an eight-episode TV series “Sister-in-law” at Hua E Building.
- In October 2000, a large tea gathering of Hakka earthen buildings took place at the site.
- In 2004, various media, including Guangdong Satellite TV and CCTV, filmed special programs and series at Hua E Building.
Each year, a blessing activity takes place, reflecting the village’s tradition. On the third day of the first lunar month, villagers gather for the “Welcoming Guanyin” event, setting up tables with offerings for the deity.
Cultural Significance
Hua E Building is one of the most representative and grand structures in Dapu’s Hakka residential architecture. It is the largest, most exquisitely designed, and best-preserved ancient residential building in Guangdong’s earthen architecture. It stands as a remarkable example of global residential architecture, inheriting the essence of Hakka culture while innovating traditional earthen building techniques. The building embodies the Hakka people’s values of unity, equality, and fairness.
Protection Measures
In July 2002, Hua E Building was included in the fourth batch of provincial-level cultural relic protection units. In April 2008, with the approval of the Guangdong Provincial Government, the Meizhou Municipal Government announced the “Protection Plan for Hua E Building (2018-2035).” On October 7, 2019, it was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit of ancient architecture by the State Council.
Tourist Information
Address
Hua E Building is located at 151 Provincial Road North, Lianfeng Village, Dapu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province.
Admission
Ticket price: 10 yuan per person.
Transportation
Self-driving directions: From Meizhou Meixian Airport, the distance is approximately 116.7 kilometers, taking about 2 hours. From Meizhou Railway Station, it is about 117.2 kilometers, also taking around 2 hours.
