This is a Fujian, tulou or (Fujian, earthen buildings) unique to the Hakka in the mountainous areas in southeastern Fujian, China.
When I first saw a photograph of these housing settlements I was impressed and thought that China had managed to create a unique and comfortable solution to common housing. Unfortunately however after discovering more photos of these solutions and reading more about them, I learned that they are not a new type of accommodation and far from comfortable. Once again the original photograph didn’t tell the whole story.
Here are a few more photos I recently found.
The settlements were mostly built between the 12th and the 20th centuries. There is an interesting and long history attached to the Fujian Tulou, and I suggest that if you’re interested, you read Wikipedia’s page.
Updated January 2017
Tea Time At Andy Warhol’s House