Tujia architecture is characterized by "three big pieces". What are they?

First, the most recognizable and iconic corner building. The turret may be the most conspicuous feature and performance of Tujia landmark buildings. The design of the turret also reflects the Tujia culture and life scene. The design of turret is based on the living environment of Tujia people. Because Tujia people are located in hilly areas. So in addition to the main house, they will extend the main house vertically with many columns to form a circle. Seen from the outside, it forms a patchwork of building railings. And according to the size of the building area, there are three floors: upper, middle and lower. Moreover, the roofs and corridors of turrets should adapt to the local climate, so the turrets of Tujia nationality are generally near the water or sloping. This design method can effectively avoid wet and rainy weather, which is the unique charm of corner buildings.

Second, the wooden house flower bridge is the most poetic building bridge. Speaking of wooden house flower bridge, many people have seen it in junior high school geography textbooks. One of the most famous is the unique wooden house flower bridge in Enshi, Hunan Province. The building is mainly used to protect the bridge from rain corrosion, so a pavilion is built above the bridge. Sometimes it can be used for pedestrians to shelter from the rain, and in summer, it can also go to the bridge to enjoy the cool. Wooden house flower bridge is mainly composed of pier and bridge corridor. Because of its unique Jiangnan style. It is arranged in a shuttle shape from the roof to the eaves. Pure wood and a small amount of cement are used for construction. Durability and aesthetics are first-class.

Third, the most common but unique hexagonal pavilion. Compared with other areas, Tujia pavilions have more national characteristics in design. The symmetry and shape of the pavilion are very particular. The general design is that the six corners are symmetrical, and the number of columns in each pavilion is an auspicious number. Generally speaking, it will be equal to the number of angles. In ancient times, pavilions and pavilions were mainly used by Tujia ancestors to shelter pedestrians from the wind and rain, and also to accumulate good deeds for their own people. Of course, the hexagonal pavilion is also very careful in the hollowing out and carving process of columns. Auspicious dragon and phoenix signs can often be seen at the six corners of the pavilion and at the top of the pillars.