The Fortress Cluster in Datian, Fujian, represents an era

🔶 Fujian's earthen buildings and fortresses, as one of the regional representatives of traditional Chinese architecture in Fujian, possess unique architectural forms and artistic value. 🔶 Earthen buildings are probably familiar to many, especially the more developed Yongding earthen buildings and Nanjing earthen buildings (Yunshuiyao). However, as large defensive fortress buildings, earthen fortresses are less well-known due to their scattered distribution and their locations mostly in remote valleys. 1️⃣ Pipa Fortress: Named for its planar shape resembling a pipa (a Chinese lute). It is situated on a hillside, at a higher elevation, with roads encircling the building, complementing the architecture and the site. The building is not open to the public. 2️⃣ Anliang Fortress: Located within the She ethnic group scenic area, with a general level of development, and drivable with a fee during the off-season. The building backs onto a mountain and has strong defensive features. It is enclosed on all sides, with a typical layered sloping roof (similar to Anzhen Fortress) on the perimeter, and a hall with a gentler sloping roof in the middle. 3️⃣ Anzhen Fortress: Requires a ticket to enter the scenic area, with a relatively well-developed level of development. The building's footprint and volume are larger than Anliang Fortress. It has a rich interior functional space and a mature defense system. 4️⃣ Taian Fortress: A small earthen fortress with a square plan layout, with the rear two sides forming curved corners, aligning with the traditional cosmological view of 'round sky and square earth.' The building is not open to the public. 5️⃣ Guangchong Hall: Located near Taian Fortress, with a plan resembling a 🦀,