Architect Preserves Tujia Stilt House Tradition as National Cultural Heritage
Architect Tan Zunzhu, aged 70, was documented taking measurements for a stilt house construction in Zhushan township, Xuan'en county, within Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hubei province, China, on December 2, 2017. With over five decades of experience, he has constructed more than 200 such dwellings. The building method, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2011, involves wooden pillars that elevate structures above water, historically protecting residents from environmental hazards like damp air, toxic plants, and snakes.
Key facts
- Tan Zunzhu is a 70-year-old architect specializing in Tujia stilt houses.
- He has built over 200 stilt houses during his 55-year career.
- The construction technique was designated a national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.
- Stilt houses are elevated on wooden pillars over water to avoid miasma, poisonous vegetation, and venomous snakes.
- The activity occurred in Zhushan township, Xuan'en county, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei province, China, on December 2, 2017.
Entities
Artists
- Tan Zunzhu
Locations
- Zhushan township
- Xuan'en county
- Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture
- Hubei province
- China