Nanjing Tulou
Nanjing Tulou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Fujian Province, represents China’s most iconic Hakka earth building complex. Built between the 15th and 20th centuries by Han Chinese migrants, these fortified structures served as communal residences for clans, combining defense, living, and ancestral worship functions. Over 15,000 tulou exist across mountainous Fujian, with Nanjing County preserving 1,200+ examples. Characterized by thick rammed-earth walls (1-1.5m thick), circular/square layouts, and single entrance gates, they symbolize Hakka unity and adaptability. The site gained UNESCO status in 2008 for its "exceptional example of a building tradition and function."
Historical Overview
Construction began in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as Hakka clans migrated south to escape wars. The first tulou, Yu Chang Lou, was built in 1371. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), circular "king tulou" like Tianluokeng emerged, housing 300+ residents. The 1920s-1940s saw final expansions before modernization slowed construction. Post-2000, restoration efforts revived these "living museums," with some clans returning to maintain ancestral homes.
Architectural Layout
Tulou follow a concentric design with three layers:
- Outer Wall: 3-5 story rammed earth with watchtowers and firing slits.
- Middle Ring: Wooden galleries connecting family apartments (10-20 rooms per floor).
- Inner Core: Central ancestral hall, well, and communal kitchen.
Key structural features include cantilevered balconies, cross-shaped timber frames, and drainage systems. Circular tulou (e.g., Tianluokeng) symbolize unity, while square ones (e.g., Hehui Lou) reflect order.
Major Attractions
- Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: Five circular buildings (1960s) nicknamed "Four Dishes and a Soup" for their arrangement.
- Yu Chang Lou: The oldest "tilted tulou" (1371) with 5 floors and 270 rooms.
- He Gui Lou: A 19th-century square tulou with 144 windows and intricate brick carvings.
- Taiyang Tulou: Circular structure with a 12m-diameter inner courtyard.
- Ancestral Hall of Huiyuan Lou: Features 300-year-old wood carvings and clan genealogy records.
Recommended Itineraries
-
Classic Route (3 hours):
Tianluokeng Viewpoint → Yu Chang Lou → He Gui Lou → Ancestral Hall
Highlights: Iconic clusters and oldest surviving tulou. -
Cultural Deep Dive (5 hours):
Tianluokeng → Taiyang Lou → Huiyuan Lou → Local Hakka Tea House → Sunset at Xiangxi Village
Includes: Architectural details and Hakka tea culture. -
Photography Expedition (Full Day):
Early morning at Tianluokeng → Chuxi Tulou Cluster → Yunchong Lou → Evening drone photography (with permit)
Best for: Capturing misty mountain landscapes and tulou symmetry.
Ticket Information
- Nanjing Tulou Scenic Area Pass: ¥90 (peak)/¥60 (off-peak), includes major clusters.
- Free Entry: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
- Online Booking: Available via "Fujian Tulou Official Platform" WeChat/Alipay.
Transportation
- High-Speed Rail: Xiamen/Zhangzhou → Nanjing Station (1.5hr), then taxi (40min).
- Bus: Xiamen Hubin Bus Station → Nanjing County (2.5hr).
- Self-Drive: G76 Xiamen-Chengdu Expressway → Nanjing Exit → County Roads.
Optimal Visiting Tips
- Best Seasons: March-May (azalea blooms) & October-November (rice terraces).
- Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 9 AM; weekends draw 50% more visitors.
- Essentials:
- Wide-angle lens (for interior shots).
- Light jacket (mountain temperatures drop 10°C at night).
- Cash for rural tea stalls.
- Prohibitions: No climbing exterior walls; drones require advance permits.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
