Tulou, the unique buildings of Fujian Province in southeastern China, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on Sunday, during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee. According to the submission provided by China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the Tulou buildings have been built since the 11th century. Designed to meet the requirements of a whole clan living together, they usually consist of a rammed earth outer wall and internal wooden framework, often of a circular configuration surrounding a central shrine. From the People's Daily:

In recommending the inscription of the Tulou buildings, ICOMOS, the professional evaluation institution of the World Heritage Committee, praised their breath-taking magnificence, unique and exquisite style as well as their durable and ingenious structure, saying they present a unique charm and outstanding universal value.

The World Heritage program recognizes and conserves sites of cultural and natural importance. As of 2008, 851 sites have been listed, each agreed upon by the 21 members of the World Heritage Committee. Although each site added to the World Heritage List belongs to the country on whose property it is located, its preservation is considered in the interest of the international community, and some listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund.

Photo by alllovelpy-2.