Tulou, the traditional fortified multifamily dwellings prevalent in southern Fujian, China, are the focus of this three-pronged biography of environments in the Hekeng River Valley. This book explores every aspect of the historical settlement environments surrounding a tulou, incorporating oral histories and interviews to create a complete picture of the cultural, architectural, agricultural, and economic influences that build up these lineage societies. Highlighted also are the tensions between political systems and families in keeping these heritage sites alive.