In Zhuyuan village, Huqiu town, Quanzhou city, the Zhu family's building stands out among the low-rise tiled roofs. The structure, built on a plot of land over 400 square meters, features 15 above-ground floors, each comprising two 200 square meter apartments, and two basement levels. Its facade is emblazoned with the inscription "Dai Kim Lau".

Inside, the building is equipped with a modern elevator system. The two basement levels serve as parking for automobiles and electric motorcycles. The ground floor, originally intended for a supermarket, is now utilized as a food storage area and a children's play space. From the 2nd to the 12th floor, there are 22 self-contained apartments. The balconies on each floor are wide enough to dry 20 blankets simultaneously.

Unlike urban apartment buildings, there is no management board or service fees. The building operates based on family traditions and the self-awareness of its members. All shared costs and elevator maintenance expenses are mutually agreed upon and shared by the families.

The apartment building of the Zhu family is the tallest in Zhuyuan village, Huqiu town, Quanzhou, Fujian province. Photo: 163

Mr. Zhu, in his seventies, who initiated the idea for the building, stated that construction began in 2016. "In the past, our old house was cramped; the grandchildren had to lie on the dining table to do homework. Relatives decided to pool money and apply for land to build 15 stories, definitively solving the housing problem", he recounted.

This building is home to a clan comprising four generations with over 100 members. Although most young people work far away, the building remains lively on weekdays with about 30 elderly people and children.

For Mr. Zhu, the building's greatest value lies not in its concrete and steel, but in the family bond it fosters. "Before, we were poor; now, living together, hearing the grandchildren call 'grandpa' every day is more joyful than living in a separate villa", he said. The elevator makes commuting convenient, though he sometimes waits up to 5 minutes as children playfully rush to the top floor to "gaze at the clouds".

During Tet, the elevator is packed with young people returning with suitcases, and the hallways are filled with the aroma of food. Standing on the 12th-floor rooftop, Mr. Zhu believes that when the children grow up, they will remember the building as a "castle" of their childhood.

A close-up view of the building, where four generations of the Zhu family live together. Photo: 163

The Huqiu town authorities confirmed that the building was constructed 10 years ago, when regulations still permitted multiple households to jointly use land to build high-rise homes.

However, this structure is currently a "limited edition". According to new regulations issued from 4/2023 by Anxi district, self-built rural homes cannot exceed three stories and a maximum height of 15,5 meters.

When images of the house circulated online, many debated whether this was an act of "showing off", but Mr. Zhu shook his head. His son once proposed converting the building into a homestay business, but he dismissed the idea. "This is the root of our family, not a tool for making money", he stated.

Bao Nhien (According to Jimu News, 163)