Youxi Tubao Complex (Jukuibao, Shujing Tubao, Maojingbao, Ju’anbao, Lianhuabao, Shengpingbao, Chongguangbao)

Youxi Tubao Complex is located in Taixi Town, Zhongxian Township, Meixian Township and Xinyang Town, Youxi County, Fujian Province. Youxi Tubao Complex, comprising Jukuibao, Shujing Tubao, Maojingbao, Ju’anbao, Lianhuabao, Shengpingbao, Chongguangbao, etc., is listed as the fifth, eighth, and ninth batch of provincial cultural protection sites respectively. 

Dating from the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties to the beginning of the Republic of China, these earth buildings which stand for a distinct regional defensive architecture settlement with local characteristics, are of different sizes, ranging from 900 to 4,000 square meters. Youxi Tubao Complex, which was born out of a unique historical period, a special geographical environment, a particular social formation, and a certain production and living space, is a typical vernacular architecture with both residential and defensive functions, and a product of feudal social upheaval. 

The original civil structure of Tubao is different from Tulou in Fujian, Weiwu in Gannan, and Weilongwu in Guangdong. Its unique spatial form, architectural structure, and specific defensive function, play a significant role in Chinese defensive vernacular architecture. 

The craftsmen have selected the superior natural environment, taken advantage of the natural barriers as the garrison, and followed the design concept of keeping the balance between offense and defense, residence and functions, as well as safety and aesthetics, to make Tubao a self-contained system in terms of architectural layout, structure, functions, craftsmanship, and decoration, which makes it unique among defensive vernacular architectural buildings in China and the world. Tubao carries a rich culture of defensive architecture and humanity. It is a creative masterpiece of genius and a special testimony of the civilization and architectural culture of the Tubao settlement on the verge of extinction.