2 Days Fujian Tulou In-depth Tour: Explore Nanjing Tulou, Yongding Tulou & Hakka Culture

This morning, head to Nanjing Hakka Tulou (南靖土楼) from Xiamen City (150km, 2.5 hours drive). You will enjoy a full-day guided tour with us to witness the amazing Fujian Tulou (world Heritage), the masterpiece of traditional Chinese residential buildings built by the Hakka people. You will have fun exploring the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, which was mistakenly identified as a “missile weapon base” by America. You can try to discover the hometown of Mulan (花木兰的家) as depicted in the Disney movie at the Hekeng Tulou Cluster. Have a bite of Hakka food and learn more about Hakka culture by visiting Yuchang Building and Taxia Village.

When arrive at Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster(田螺坑土楼群), you will fall in love with the 5 “unique and mythical mountain architectures” surrounded by rice terrace fields, tea bushes, and fruit trees like persimmon. There are over 15,000 Nanjing Tulou buildings, and the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is a must-visit with its 5 iconic Hakka Tulou buildings, locally referred to as the "Four Dishes and One Soup" (四菜一汤). It consists of one square Tulou (Buyun Building步云楼; the most common shape among Tulou), one oval Tulou (Wenchang Building文昌楼; the only oval-shaped Tulou in China), and three round Tulou buildings (Hechang Building和昌楼, Zhenchang Building振昌楼, and Ruiyun Building瑞云楼). The round Tulou and square Tulou also represent the Eastern philosophy of "Heaven is round, Earth is square" (天圆地方), the balance of Yin and Yang, as well as the complementary nature of movement and stillness, which depicts the ancient Chinese scientific cognition of the universe. From the upper observation deck (上观景台), you can overlook the Tulou cluster resembling blossoming plum flowers scattered in front of the rice terrace fields, symbolizing the auspicious meaning of "Five Blessings through Plum Blossom Opening" (梅开五福). According to Chinese Fengshui (风水), the arrangement of the five Tulou buildings follows the Five Elements (五行Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) layout. According to this layout, the four round Tulou buildings—Wenchang Building, Hechang Building, Zhenchang Building, and Ruiyun Building—correspond to the elements of Metal (金), Wood (木), Water (水), and Fire (火), respectively. The central square Tulou, the Buyun Building, corresponds to the Earth (土) element. According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the elements of Fire, Wood, Earth, Metal, and Water represent the blessings of Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness, and Wealth (福、禄、寿、喜、财), respectively. The five Tulou buildings mean the fulfillment of these five blessings (五福), representing the Hakka people’s wish for happiness and good fortune. From the lower observation deck (下观景台), you can admire the Tulou Cluster resembling a Fujian version of the "Potala Palace" that stands at the top of the rice terrace fields.

The Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, initially built in 1662, is now the settlement of around 700 members of the Huang family (Hakka people). All five Tulou buildings face northeast and are oriented southwest. You can explore the first Tulou built in Tianluokeng the "Buyun Building" (步云楼), symbolizing the hope that future generations will excel in education and succeed in their careers. Then visit the subsequent buildings including the "Hechang Building" (和昌楼) representing harmony and prosperity, the "Zhenchang Building" (振昌楼) representing progress and prosperity, the "Wenchang Building" (文昌楼) symbolizing cultural prosperity, and the "Ruiyun Building" (瑞云楼) with auspicious and wealthy connotations. When enter Tulou buildings, you will see each vertical household within the Tulou accommodates one family, with the ground floor serving as the kitchen, the second floor as a granary, and the third floor as bedrooms. There are also shared halls, wells, and courtyards in the central area. The windows on the third floor provide ventilation and natural light, but can also serve as shooting holes in emergencies. Tulou buildings originated during the Song and Yuan dynasties (over 1,700 years ago) and flourished during the late Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. The ancestors of the Hakka people came from the Central Plains (中原Henan province) and migrated south to escape wars. They settled in this rugged, wildlife-infested, and bandit-prone area, living in close-knit communities (Hakka Tulou) for self-preservation. Since they were guests from distant lands, they became known as "Hakka people" (客家人).

At lunchtime, you can have a Tulou Hakka family visit to enjoy delicious Hakka food and experience the local Hakka people's lifestyle. Don’t forget to try Hakka rice wine.

After lunch, head to Xiaban Village (下板村), a flat land carved out of the surrounding mountains, where the streams flow joyfully and tea gardens cascade in layers. Twelve Tulou buildings are scattered in an orderly manner on both sides of the streams. You will visit the most renowned Tulou here, the Yuchang Building (裕昌楼). Known as the "Father of Fujian Tulou" (福建土楼之父) and the oldest existing Tulou, the Yuchang Building is hailed as the Tulou version of "Leaning Tower of Pisa" (比萨斜塔), with a maximum tilt of 15°. Completed in 1308, the Yuchang Building was finished several decades earlier than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy (completed in 1372). From the outside, the Yuchang Building's exterior walls are weathered and mottled, resembling an elderly figure who has weathered storms. You will discover that the Tulou is enclosed by outer walls measuring 1-2 meters thick and load-bearing inner walls around 50 centimeters thick. Made primarily of raw earth, it is mixed with lime, fine sand, glutinous rice, brown sugar, bamboo chips, and wooden strips. Through repeated pounding and compacting, the Tulou is constructed, featuring characteristics such as communal living, theft prevention, earthquake resistance, animal deterrents, fire resistance, moisture resistance, ventilation, and natural lighting, ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Stepping into the Yuchang Building, you will be startled at why it is called the "East Leaning West Tilted Building" (东歪西斜楼). Although the pillars of the third and fourth-floor corridors lean clockwise, while the pillars of the fifth-floor corridor lean counterclockwise, giving it an appearance of being on the verge of collapse, it has endured countless storms over seven hundred years, as well as multiple earthquakes, and remains intact. According to legend, during the construction of the building, the artisans were angered by the lack of care given to them, so they intentionally constructed it this way.

The Yuchang Building (Zigzag Building) is a round Tulou which is not only a product of early joint-stock ownership but also a vivid demonstration of the special sentiment and application of Feng Shui (风水) and the number "five" in ancient Chinese architecture. Yuchang Building was jointly funded and constructed by five clans: Liu, Luo, Zhang, Tang, and Fan. The five clans divided the building into five sections based on their required rooms, with five sets of staircases and five observation decks on the outer walls. This design embodies the philosophical concept of the mutual generation of the five elements in Tulou architecture, promoting harmonious living, and also represents the aspiration for abundant harvests and good fortune. Perhaps because ancient Chinese people often used "five" for counting (with five fingers on each hand and foot) and considered it the largest and auspicious number. Yuchang Building has five floors: the first floor is the kitchen, the second floor is the granary, the third floor is for the elderly, the fourth floor is for the young, and the fifth floor is used for storing coffins. Interestingly, Yuchang Building has the most wells among Fujian Tulou buildings (22 wells). Each kitchen has its own well, allowing easy access to water by simply using a dipper. In the central courtyard of the building, there is a single-story circular ancestral hall, and in front of the hall, there is a Yin-Yang Bagua pattern paved with cobblestones, divided into five sections representing the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The building consists of a total of 269 rooms. At its peak, it housed over 40 households with more than 360 people. Currently, there are 24 households with the surname Liu, totaling 123 residents. You will be invited by the Hakka people to their rooms, have a look at their well, and have a drink of Oolong tea made by the locals while learning more stories and folk culture in Tulou from the owner of the Hakka Castle.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Hekeng Tulou Cluster (河坑土楼群) to find Mulan's hometown as depicted in the Disney movie. It follows the planning and layout concept of "Harmony between Heaven and Earth" and is concentrated within an area of less than 1 square kilometer. It consists of 14 large-scale Tulou buildings (13 of which are listed as World Heritage Sites), making it the most densely populated Tulou cluster in Fujian. From the earliest Chaoshui Building (朝水楼; built in 1549) to the latest Yongqing Building (永庆楼; built in 1972), the construction period spans a remarkable 423 years, reflecting the historical evolution of Tulou formation and development in different eras. The cluster comprises 7 square-shaped Tulou buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and 7 round-shaped Tulou buildings built in modern times, forming a spectacular celestial phenomenon resembling the "Big Dipper" (北斗七星) constellation on the ground. The harmonious coexistence of these two groups, the combination of square and round, Ying and Yang, creates a unique landscape that is unparalleled within the Tulou complexes. You can climb the observation deck on the southwest side of Shizi Mountain (Lion Hill) at the entrance of Hekeng Village to capture the panoramic view of the Hekeng Tulou Cluster, a representative museum of Fujian Tulou clusters and a masterpiece of traditional Chinese residential architecture.

Then, move to Taxia Village (塔下村), a Hakka village famous as Minnan Zhouzhuang Water Town in southern Fujian (闽南周庄). With its small bridge, flowing water, and peaceful houses, Tiaxia Village is a village with a history of over 400 years that resembles a secluded paradise. It is not only a renowned overseas Chinese village in Fujian Province but also a famous longevity village. A mountain stream, approximately 1 km long, meanders through the gorge. There are 11 stone arch bridges of various styles on the stream, and along the banks, there are 42 earthen buildings. If you climb to the observation deck on the small hilltop, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the "Taiji water village" (Water Town of Taichi). Due to the river forming an S shape, on both sides of the river, centered around two circular Tulou buildings—Yude Building and Shunchang Building—numerous Tulou and charming small brick houses are scattered, making the entire village resemble a Taiji diagram. You can visit the Yude Building by the stream. From the outside, it appears as a complete Tulou, but inside, only half of it is built. The front half-circle has one more floor than the back, resembling a kitchen apron, hence its nickname, "Apron Building" (围裙楼). This Tulou suffered a devastating fire, with evident bullet holes and burn marks on the broken walls. It was later restored by the overseas Chinese. Don't miss Deyuan Tang Hall (德远堂Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall张氏宗祠). According to records, in 1426, the Zhang ancestors settled here, forming a typical Hakka village. In front of the ancestral hall, there is a semicircular pond, and along the pond, 24 stone dragon flagpoles stand tall, reaching up to 10 meters. Only villagers who achieved great accomplishments or centenarians are qualified to have a dragon pillar erected, representing the pride of the clan. Overnight in Taxia Village.

Notes:
1. Visit Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, you can either hike or take a shuttle bus.
2. Hekeng Tulou Cluster, you will be dropped off at the entrance and will then need to walk for about 15 minutes to reach the main earthen buildings.
3. If you visit Taxia Village in autumn, you will see Hakka people drying persimmon outside Tulou, and the whole village smells sweet.
4. If you are interested in Oolong tea, you can contact us ahead of time for tea leave picking at a local tea plantation around Taxia Village.
5. Both Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster and Chuxi Tulou Cluster are good places to view rice terrace fields and take nice photos.
6. In the Autumn season, you can choose to catch the rare chance to pick up local fruits and even try primitive farm work.

This morning you will head to Yongding Hakka Tulou (永定土楼) from Nanjing Hakka Tulou which is about 10km with 20 minutes’ drive. There are over 23,000 Tulou buildings in Yongding. Yongding Tulou, with its long history, diverse architectural styles, and abundant varieties, surpasses Nanjing Tulou in terms of scale and quantity. You will have a full day to explore the must-visit attractions of Yongding Tulou such as Gaobei Tulou Cluster, Chengqi Building (King of Tulou), Chuxi Tulou Cluster, and Jiqing Building. Take your time to explore the filming location of "Big Fish & Begonia" and learn more folk culture of the local Hakka people.

In the morning, you will visit Gaobei Tulou Cluster (高北土楼群), a representative masterpiece of Yongding Tulou, which includes the Qiaofu Building (round Tulou), Chengqi Building (round Tulou), Shize Building (square Tulou) and Wuyun Building (square Tulou). The round or square shape of Tulou not only holds its physical functions but also symbolizes the spirit of solidarity, unity, and the holistic view of human beings and the world in Chinese philosophy. Tulou is the traditional communal building of the Hakka people. Each Hakka Tulou usually lived by people who shared the same family name, which meant that one Tulou was a community for people from the same family. Typically, a Tulou has only one main entrance. Once the door is closed, the Tulou becomes a fortified fortress that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. The roof of the entrance is equipped with a "water trough," connected to a water tank or bamboo pipes on the second floor, to resist enemy fire attacks. The granary on the second floor of the Tulou is filled with crops such as rice and dried sweet potatoes. They also store homemade pickles, jelly noodles, and firewood. In case of a siege, the residents can sustain themselves with a continuous supply of food and water for several months.

You won’t miss a visit to the Chengqi Building (承启楼), known as the "King of Tulou" (土楼王), which is the most popular and lively one because it is the largest round Tulou with a diameter of 73 meters. It has a history of over 600 years and was mainly built and inhabited by the Jiang clan (江氏). With 400 rooms, it is still home to residents today. At its peak, it housed 80 households with a total population of over 600 Hakka people, making it a vibrant place to experience the hustle and bustle of life. Chengqi Building stands four stories high and comprises four concentric circular structures. The outer ring serves as bedrooms, the third ring as kitchens, the second ring as a school, and the innermost ring as the ancestral hall. Its unique architectural design of concentric circles and nested rings represents the epitome of circular Tulou buildings with internal corridors. Chengqi Building gained fame not only for its appearance in the movie "Big Fish & Begonia" (Chun's home) but also for being featured on Chinese postage stamps.

Adjacent to the "King of Tulou" on the west side is the Qiaofu Building (侨福楼), which has a smaller scale with only one circle compared to the four circles of the Chengqi Building. "Qiao侨" refers to overseas Chinese, while "Fu福" means "auspicious." As the name suggests, it was built by a family with members who had studied abroad. Also known as the "Doctor's Building" (博士楼), this building is renowned for having ten doctors in the family, hence its fame. Notably, in front of the ancestral hall of the Qiaofu Building, you will find four Roman-style columns, showcasing the architectural fusion of Chinese and Western styles, a major highlight. Also, the pink wall of the Qiaofu Building is another highlight.

On the eastern side of the Chengqi Building is the Shize Building (世泽楼), a square-shaped Tulou constructed by the Jiang clan between 1796 and 1820. The Shize Building stands four stories high and has 38 rooms on each floor, totaling 152 rooms in the entire structure. It is truly remarkable that all the rooms are made of wood without using a single nail! The proximity of the Shize Building to the Chengqi Building creates a picturesque scene where the roofs form a "line of sky" (一线天), making it an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.

Wuyun Building (五云楼), located adjacent to Shize Building, is a square-shaped Tulou built between 1360 and 1424. It is the oldest Jiang clan Tulou in the area, with a history of over 600 years. You can witness the traces of time within its walls.

In the afternoon, drive to Chuxi Tulou Cluster (初溪土楼群), which is a commercially undeveloped, incredibly pristine, and naturally rustic Tulou building. Chuxi Tulou is renowned as the "most beautiful Tulou cluster in China". You can enjoy the blooming of rapeseed flowers in March and April and experience the autumn harvest in the rice fields in September and October. It takes its name from the river of the same name, and along the way, you can enjoy the enchanting scenery on both sides of the Chuxi River (初溪河). Built over several hundred years from the Ming Dynasty to the present, Chuxi Tulou served as the gathering place for the Xu clan (徐氏) and is the most primitive and culturally rich Hakka Tulou in Yongding District. As one of the least commercialized Tulou clusters with fewer tourists, Chuxi Tulou is the best place to appreciate these unique structures. Ascending the viewing platform, you can take in the magnificent sight of the entire Chuxi Tulou cluster, including 5 round Tulou buildings and 31 square Tulou buildings (square, rectangle, and hexagon ones). In the distance, terraced fields climb and extend into the mountains. Interestingly, all the Tulou buildings in Chuxi have the character "Qing庆" in their names, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. Afterward, you can venture into Chuxi Village (初溪)and seek out the oldest and youngest Tulou buildings among the World Heritage Sites: Jiqing Building (集庆楼), a 600-year-old circular Tulou with a diameter of 66 meters, and Shanqing Building (善庆楼), a 30-year-old Tulou with a diameter of 31 meters.

With a diameter of 66 meters, the Jiqing Building (集庆楼) is the largest Tulou in Chuxi. As the only Tulou that is unoccupied, you can freely explore this double-ring Tulou, with the inner ring being one story high and the outer ring four stories high, with the ancestral hall located in the middle of the inner ring. Built in 1419, it is the oldest existing round Tulou in Yongding, with the most unique structure and the most staircases. While most circular Tulou buildings have only four public staircases, the Jiqing Building features one staircase per household, with 72 staircases dividing the entire building into 72 independent units. It is said that during its peak, the building housed six to seven hundred residents. Due to its proximity to the river, the Jiqing Building does not have water wells but is equipped with nine lookout towers. Today, the Jiqing Building serves as a Hakka folk customs museum with the first floor providing insights into Tulou architecture and Hakka folk customs, the second floor exploring the origins of Hakka surnames, the third floor exhibiting calligraphy, painting, and photography related to Tulou, and the fourth floor showcases Yongding Hakka culture.

Shanqing Building (善庆楼) is located behind the Jiqing Building and stands out from other Tulou buildings with its white exterior walls painted with lime, creating a strong color contrast compared to the usual earthy tones of other Tulou buildings. Shanqing Building is the youngest Tulou in Chuxi Village and incorporates many modern elements in its design. The entrance hall, corridors, and courtyard are paved with square granite of the same specifications.

After the tour, it is time to escort you back to Xiamen (3 hours drive), head to your hotel or transfer you to the train station to bid you farewell.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China tour. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips to China/Asia.