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Nanjing Tulou Fujian - Maps, Tianloukeng Tulou Cluster & Getting there from Xiamen

Written by |Updated: 2024-04-26

Nanjing Tulou (南靖土楼), located in Nanjing County, Fujian Province, about 150 km away from Xiamen, is an extraordinary architectural phenomenon that should be on every traveler's wishlist. Venture into the world of over 15,000 Tulou buildings in Nanjing and you will discover a thriving sense of community spirit that has endured for centuries. Each Tulou accommodates several households harmoniously living under one roof, preserving traditional customs passed down through generations.

Featuring the iconic Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster seen in promotional photos, vibrant community life, and a picturesque rural environment, this destination is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers.

In this comprehensive Nanjing Tulou guide, we will explore the iconic buildings of Nanjing Tulou and provide recommendations for the best routes, optimal timing, and getting to Nanjing Tulou from Xiamen, ensuring an enhanced experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich Hakka Tulou culture and marvel at the timeless charm of these Tulou buildings.

Content Preview

  • triangleWhy Visit Nanjing Tulou Fujian (Facts and Maps)
  • triangleExplore Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Yuchang Building & Taxia Village (Most Recommended)
  • triangleDiscover Yunshuiyao Scenic Area (For Movie Enthusiasts and Leisure Seekers)
  • triangleExperience Hekeng Tulou Cluster (Avoid Crowd)
  • triangleNanjing Tulou Tickets & Price
  • triangleRecommended Nanjing Tulou Visiting Route
  • triangleHow to Get to Nanjing Tulou from Xiamen?
  • triangleBest Time to Visit Nanjing Tulou
  • triangleHow to Plan a Fujian Nanjing Tulou Tour
  • triangleExplore Fujian Tulou with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Why Visit Nanjing Tulou Fujian (Facts and Maps)

Nanjing Tulou Facts

Address: Nanjing Tulou, Nanjing County, Longyan City, Fujian Province, China.

Price: 40-90 RMB

Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days

Highlights: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Yunshuiyao Scenic Area, Hekeng Tulou Cluster

Nanjing Tulou is one of the most popular destinations among Fujian Tulou. With its iconic Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, ancient town, and secluded Hekeng Tulou Cluster, Nanjing Tulou caters to various preferences.

In addition to the awe-inspiring tulou architecture, Nanjing Tulou boasts breathtaking natural landscapes. The area is characterized by the harmonious blend of mountains and water, with terraced fields serving as a perfect backdrop for these unique buildings.

Nanjing Tulou also showcases the fascinating Hakka culture, allowing visitors to delve into the history and traditions of the region. Furthermore, Nanjing Tulou is relatively close to Xiamen, providing convenience for travelers starting their journey from there.

Nanjing Tulou
Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: Iconic Hakka Earthen Buildings in Fujian
Nanjing Tulou
Beautiful Nanjing Tulou in Nature

Explore Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Yuchang Building & Taxia Village (Most Recommended)

Recommended Visiting Time: half day

Price: 90 RMB

The iconic Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群), the leaning Yuchang Building, and the tranquil Taxia Village are the focal points of Nanjing Tulou sightseeing. Together, they form a harmonious entity that allows you to appreciate the magical architecture while experiencing the harmonious atmosphere created by the interaction between the buildings, nature, and people.

It's worth mentioning that they also adhere to this principle in terms of ticket pricing. Instead of selling separate tickets for each attraction, you can visit all three sites with a single ticket priced at 90 RMB. The distance between these attractions is approximately 3-7 kilometers, which can be covered in about a 15-minute car ride.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Tulou: Hengchang Building (和昌楼), Buyun Building (步云楼), Wenchang Building (文昌楼), Ruiyun Building (瑞云楼), Zhenchang Building (振昌楼)

Recommended Visiting Time: 3-5 hours

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster will be the most impressive attraction on your Fujian Tulou tour. Get ready to be captivated by the iconic image that has mesmerized travel enthusiasts worldwide: a square Tulou surrounded by four circular Tulou buildings.

To truly immerse yourself in this extraordinary architectural landscape, head to the upper viewing deck. From there, you can gaze down upon the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, a sight that sparks the imagination of countless visitors. The Central Intelligence Agency once mistakenly identified these Tulou buildings as nuclear bases, while Chinese tourists affectionately refer to them as the "Four Dishes and One Soup", resembling plates and soup bowls on a dining table. From the upper viewing deck, some pathways allow you to venture into the interiors of these Tulou buildings for a closer look. Among them, Zhenchang Building and Buyun Building are particularly worth visiting.

For an up-close encounter with these striking Tulou structures, make sure to visit the lower viewing deck.

As darkness falls, the Tulou structures come alive with the glow of lights, creating a captivating spectacle that will leave an indelible impression. Seize the opportunity as this might be the only place where you can enjoy the night view of the Fujian Tulou buildings!

Nanjing Tulou
Overlooking Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster from the Upper Viewing Deck
Nanjing Tulou
Enchanting Night View of Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Yuchang Building

Yuchang Building (裕昌楼) is a five-story rectangular Tulou, located just a 10-minute drive from the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster. At first glance, it may appear unremarkable from the outside, but it is a testament to the architectural genius of the Hakka people and undoubtedly a highlight of your Fujian Tulou journey.

As you step inside the Yuchang Building, its inclined pillars and seemingly unstable structure might give you pause. You may wonder if the third floor leaning to the right and the fourth floor leaning to the left will collapse at any moment. Rest assured, this "inclined structure" has stood strong for over 700 years, weathering storms and earthquakes. The result is a remarkably sturdy building!

Once you've settled into the tranquility of the inclined structure, take the opportunity to explore the vast maze of rooms, corridors, and staircases and learn about the way of life of the people who still reside here.

Nanjing Tulou
Yuchang Building: A historic treasure spanning over 700 years
Nanjing Tulou
Yuchang Building with an inclined interior

Taxia Village

Tianxia Village (塔下村) is renowned for its traditional Hakka village setting, making it an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore Hakka Tulou culture. Located just 7 kilometers away from the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, it servesas a perfect spot for a short rest for many tourists.

As you wander through the village, you'll come across various forms of Tulou buildings lining the riverbanks. However, the most famous structures in the village are not the Tulou buildings but rather the Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall and the Dragon Stone Flagpole.

Take a slow walk along the stream, immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle, and visit the ancestral hall to witness the traces of history. Alternatively, explore the Nanjing Firefly Dream Valley on a summer night, chasing the agile glow of fireflies in the darkness.

Nanjing Tulou
Taxia Village is a beautiful and pristine Hakka village
Nanjing Tulou
Zhang Family Ancestral Hall and Dragon Stone Flagpole

Discover Yunshuiyao Scenic Area (For Movie Enthusiasts and Leisure Seekers)

Recommended Visiting Time: half day

Price: 90 RMB

Yunshuiyao Scenic Area is another highlight of the Nanjing Tulou, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, film, and ancient town charm. It has become a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. The scenic area consists of Huaiyuan Building, Hegui Building, and the Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, providing a multi-faceted exploration of Hakka Tulou culture, architecture, and pastoral life.

Similarly, Yunshuiyao implements a combined ticket, where the 90 yuan ticket covers the admission fees for all three attractions.

Huaiyuan Building

What sets Huaiyuan Building (怀远楼) apart is its unique double-circle architectural design. Simply put, there is a smaller complete Tulou prototype at the center of the original Huaiyuan Building. Today, approximately 60 households still reside here, and climbing up to the fourth floor offers a splendid panoramic view. The central "small circular Tulou" is not a residence but a school where children used to study.

It is recommended to explore the Huaiyuan Building attentively, as every corner of this well-preserved structure unveils the history of the place. The exquisite craftsmanship and decorations can also inspire your aesthetic senses.

Hegui Building

Hegui Building (和贵楼) can be considered the most remarkable Tulou in Fujian. It boasts the tallest height among square-shaped Tulou buildings, yet it stands on marshy ground. Unbelievable!

Walking on the ground of the Hegui Building, you can still feel the softness beneath your feet. If you jump, the vibration of the earth will remind you of the extraordinary nature of this building, which has been used as a daily residence for over 200 years.

Nanjing Tulou
Huanyuan Building, Yunshuiyao Scenic Area
Nanjing Tulou
Five-story Square Building Constructed on a Marsh - Hegui Building

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town

Movie enthusiasts will find themselves following in the footsteps of the characters from "Yunshuiyao" (云水谣). The enchanting aesthetic of the town has been meticulously preserved, making it easy to understand why it was chosen as a filming location.

Like a local, take a stroll along the cobblestone paths, admire the neighboring waterwheel, gaze up at the centuries-old banyan trees, listen to the soothing sound of flowing water, and search for scattered Tulou buildings. Embrace the simplicity of a naturally leisurely life.

Nanjing Tulou
Iconic Symbols of Yunsongyao Ancient Town: Old Banyan Tree and Waterwheel
Nanjing Tulou
Picturesque Yunsongyao Ancient Town

Experience Hekeng Tulou Cluster (Avoid Crowd)

Recommended Visiting Time: half day

Price: 40 RMB

The Hekeng Tulou Cluster (河坑土楼群) is an ideal choice for those looking to avoid crowds and delve deeply into the world of Fujian Tulou. With only a few tourists, this cluster of 13 well-preserved tulou buildings, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the quaint village, is the highlight of Hekeng Tulou.

As you step into the ancient village of Qujiang, you can witness the most authentic lifestyle of tulou residents. Passing through rice fields and small paths, you will soon come across one tulou after another, with the star being the innermost Shenqing Building. The ancient tulou, with its three layers of stacked terraces, awaits your visit. You can climb to the higher floors of the tulou and imagine the bustling scenes of the past when dozens of households lived here together.

Not far from the village, there is an observation deck that provides an interesting perspective. Ascend the 300 steps, and before your eyes, the tulou buildings are arranged like the Big Dipper, creating a breathtaking and grand view.

Hekeng Tulou is ca. 21 km away from Tianluokeng and 14 km away from Yunshuiyao, which can be reached in about 20-40 minutes.

Nanjing Tulou
"Big Dipper" Earth Buildings in Hekeng Tulou Cluster
Nanjing Tulou
The incomparable beauty of Hekeng Tulou Cluster's Scenic Views

Nanjing Tulou Tickets & Price

There are three ticket options available for Nanjing Tulou, which include the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster Combo Ticket, Yunshuiyao Scenic Area Combo Ticket, and Hekeng Tulou Cluster Ticket. It's important to note that individual tickets for specific tulou buildings are not sold.

Combo Ticket Attractions Price
A Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Yuchang Building, Taxia Village) 90 RMB
B Yunshuiyao Scenic Area (Yunshuiyao Town, Hegui Building, Huaiyuan Building) 90 RMB
C Hekeng Tulou Cluster (Hekeng Tulou Cluster) 40 RMB

Recommended Nanjing Tulou Visiting Route

The recommended visiting routes also follow the rules of the combo tickets available for these scenic areas.

For visitors with limited time, it is recommended to plan 0.5-1 day to selectively visit one of the following attractions: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Yunshuiyao Scenic Area, or Hekeng Tulou Cluster. This way, you can get an impression of the tulou buildings.

Route A: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster - Yuchang Building - Taxia Villiage

Route B: Yunshuiyao Ancient Town - Huiyuan Building - Hegui Building

Route C: Hekeng Tulou Cluster

For visitors with 1-2 days available, a popular itinerary for exploring Nanjing Tulou is to visit both the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster and Yunshuiyao Scenic Area together. This route allows you to experience the highlights of both areas. Additionally, if you have an extra half day, you can include a visit to the Hekeng Tulou Cluster, which provides a comprehensive exploration of the entire Nanjing Tulou region.

Nanjing Tulou
"Exploring the Interior of a Tulou Community
Nanjing Tulou
Nightlife in Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

How to Get to Nanjing Tulou from Xiamen?

Xiamen is the most popular transit hub for visiting Nanjing Tulou, located ca. 150 km away. You can reach Nanjing Tulou from Xiamen by train, car, or long-distance bus.

Private car is the recommended mode of transportation from Xiamen to Nanjing Tulou. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the scenic area of Nanjing Tulou. You can utilize the travel services of Asia Odyssey Travel, where our local staff will arrange a comfortable and safe private car for you, providing high-quality services from A to Z. Travel with peace of mind by contacting us now!

Train + Bus: There are around 17 trains daily from Xiamen/Xiamen North to Nanjing Railway Station. From Nanjing Railway Station, you can take a dedicated bus line to reach Nanjing Tulou. The total transfer time is about 3 hours.

Bus: There are two direct buses from Xiamen to Nanjing Tulou every day. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Nanjing Bus Station and then transfer to a bus heading to the tulou area. The travel time is ca. 3.5 hours.

Learn more about getting to Nanjing Tulou from Xiamen >>

Best Time to Visit Nanjing Tulou

  Weather Forecast  

The best time to visit Nanjing Tulou is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is typically pleasant and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The average temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C. In spring, the surrounding countryside blooms with flowers, while in autumn, the foliage changes color, enhancing the beauty of the tulou buildings.

If you are interested in witnessing the fireflies in Taxia Village, the summer months of June, July, and August are the ideal time to visit for this specific attraction.

Nanjing Tulou
"Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster with a backdrop of lush green terraced fields in spring
Nanjing Tulou
The golden autumn hues of Hekeng Tulou Cluster

How to Plan a Fujian Nanjing Tulou Tour

For an ideal trip to Nanjing Tulou in Fujian, you should plan around 1-4 days. If you're focusing solely on the Nanjing Tulou area, allocate 1-2 days to explore the highlights, including the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Hekeng Tulou Cluster, and Yunshuiyao Scenic Area. If you have more time, you can connect Nanjing Tulou with Yongding Tulou for a deeper understanding of the classic destinations of Fujian Tulou, dedicating two days to delve into the world of Tulou. Alternatively, you can plan around 4 days, exploring the city highlights of Xiamen, such as Gulangyu Island and Zhongshan Road, before heading to Nanjing Tulou and Yongding Tulou.

1-Day Fujian Tulou Itinerary

Spend a day delving into the unique architecture of Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, where four round and one square Tulou buildings sit amid terraced landscapes. Experience the Hakka Tulou lifestyle by stepping inside these remarkable structures, including the leaning Yuchang Building. Wrap up the day with a relaxing walk through Taxia Village and a visit to the serene Hekeng Tulou Cluster, known as Mulan's Hometown.

2-Day Fujian Tulou Itinerary

Day 1: Begin your journey from Xiamen to the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster. Capture stunning images from the upper viewing platform, marvel at the interior of the leaning Yuchang Building, and visit Hekeng Tulou Cluster. Spend the night in Taxia Village to soak up the authentic local culture.

Day 2: Depart from Taxia Village to Yongding Tulou. Be awed by the size and grandeur of the Chengqi Building, known as the "King of Tulou," and explore the magnificent Chuxi Tulou Cluster set against a backdrop of natural beauty.

4-Day Fujian Tulou Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xiamen and spend the day exploring the city's attractions at your leisure.

Day 2: Travel from Xiamen to the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster in Nanjing. Discover the distinct shapes of the earthen buildings, step inside the tilted Yuchang Building, and visit Hekeng Tulou Cluster, resembling the Big Dipper constellation. Spend the night in Taxia Village, immersing yourself in the peaceful Hakka Tulou lifestyle.

Day 3: Venture from Nanjing to Yongding Tulou. Visit the monumental Chengqi Building and the picturesque Chuxi Tulou Cluster, experiencing the architectural splendor of individual Tulous and their cluster.

Day 4: Conclude your journey with a visit to the Nanshan Temple and the highlights of Xiamen tourism, including the charming Gulangyu Island.

Yongding Tulou
Yongding Tulou King - Chengqi Building
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island, Xiamen

Explore Fujian Tulou with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Asia Odyssey Travel, with its local office and a team of specialists based in Fujian, offers unrivaled knowledge about the region and its iconic Fujian Tulou. Our diverse array of tours includes classic Fujian Tulou tour, journeys through Nanjing and Yongding Tulou, immersive Xiamen Fujian Tulou tours, and extended Fujian Tulou trips to Wuyi Mountains and Xiapu Mudflats.

In addition, we curate seamless itineraries for long-haul vacationers starting from Fujian Tulou, linking you to other mesmerizing destinations across China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and even the majestic Tibetan Plateau. Experience the splendors of an extraordinary journey through China.

Regardless of your travel preferences, our expert travel consultants are committed to customizing your itinerary with the best local prices, ensuring personalized attention to every detail of your trip. Contact us now to set sail on your dream exploration!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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