What is Fujian Tulou? Why is it recognized by UNESCO? What is unique about this architecture? Discover the mysterious beauty of Tulou in the following article with The ULTIMATE guide to Fujian Tulou China: How to get there, Top things to do, Tips & MORE!
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Fujian Tulou is a massive, solid structure built of rammed earth – demonstrating the pinnacle of ancient Chinese construction and craftsmanship. This UNESCO-recognized world heritage site not only makes visitors admire its unique beauty but also its close-knit community lifestyle.
In the middle of the peaceful countryside, each golden earthen wall blends with the green of the fields to create a rustic yet attractive picture. Exploring Fujian Tulou is a journey to find traditional cultural values and feel the sophisticated creativity of the ancients.
General Introduction to Fujian Tulou
Located in the southeastern mountain range of Fujian Province, China, Fujian Tulou is one of the unique architectural heritages, attracting millions of tourists every year. This tulou complex covers an area of 152.65 hectares, mainly concentrated in the Yongding and Nanjing areas. When coming here, visitors will be impressed by the large, round or square rammed earth houses, which can accommodate up to hundreds of people, forming a unique community amidst the wild nature.
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Since 2008, 46 tulou in Fujian have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, with preservation and development into famous tourist destinations. Some notable tulou are Soxi Tulou, Tianluoqing, and Heqing. This is a must-see destination for visitors who want to learn about the culture and history of the Hakka people, as well as keep memorable images of the unique architecture amidst the beautiful nature.
History and Unique Architecture of Fujian Tulou
Fujian Tulou is a living testament to the creativity and strength of the Hakka community. The village was built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) when the Hakka people migrated from Northern China to the mountains of Southeast Asia. Each tulou is large, usually between 2,000m² and 3,000m², with a typical round or square design, ranging from 3 to 5 stories high. It is not only a house but also a strong fortress, helping to protect the community from invasions from neighboring tribes.
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The three-meter thick wall, built with clay and sand, is an important factor that makes the tulou a solid citadel. Each tulou has a closed design, with a single main gate, clearly showing the community and protection. Today, the tulou is still home to many families, most of whom work in tourism. This project also attracts millions of tourists every year, coming to explore the uniqueness in architecture and life of the Hakka people.
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A special feature of Fujian Tulou architecture is the harmony between living space and nature. The image of a traditional earthen house located in the middle of the lush green landscape of Fujian mountains and forests, where the well in the yard not only provides water but is also a gathering place for the community. Tulou is considered a symbol reflecting the great adaptability of the Hakka people through each roof, each solid wall and the bustle of tourists exploring this long-standing cultural beauty.
When to Visit Fujian Tulou?
When planning to explore Fujian Tulou, the ideal time is from September to November, when the climate is cool, with little rain and extremely pleasant for an outdoor excursion. In autumn, the sky is clear, the temperature is stable from 17°C to 21°C, creating ideal conditions for you to explore the ancient earthen houses, with the rustic and simple beauty of each village.
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If you love the beauty of nature, spring from March to May is also a great time to visit. Peach and plum blossoms bloom, covering the space in pink and white, highlighting the antiquity of the earthen houses, giving you many beautiful photos and colorful cultural experiences. The weather at this time is cool and pleasant, combined with fresh scenery, will make your trip even more wonderful.
However, you should avoid the summer from June to August because at this time Fujian often has heavy rain, along with hot and humid temperatures, which can disrupt your sightseeing plans.
How to Get to Fujian Tulou – China
To get to Fujian Tulou from Vietnam, visitors can choose a flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Xiamen Airport, which is an ideal destination to start their journey of discovery. Flight time is from 2 to 7 hours depending on the route and transit. Airfare from Hanoi is only about 3,200,000 VND, and from Ho Chi Minh City the price starts from 3,600,000 VND, you can easily find tickets at good prices through online applications.
After landing in Xiamen, the next journey is to move to Fujian Tulou, 98km from the city center. Bus or taxi will take you straight to Tulou in about an hour. In addition, if you want to be more flexible in moving, renting a self-driving car is also an interesting choice for you to freely explore this land.
From major cities in Fujian such as Fuzhou or Xiamen, buses are a popular means of transport to help you access the Tulou areas. In addition, a long train ride will also give you an unforgettable experience when passing through the typical rural landscape of China.
Famous Check-In Spots in Fujian Tulou
King Tulou (Chengqilou)
Chengqi Tulou, honored as “King Tulou”, is an architectural wonder in Fujian province, China, standing out for its scale and uniqueness. Built in the 17th century, this structure has a diameter of up to 73 meters and includes 400 rooms arranged in three concentric circles around a central courtyard. This is not only a place for the Hakka community to live but also a testament to the profound cultural value of solidarity and harmonious coexistence of the people here.
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Each room in this building contains the story of many generations, from daily life to traditional rituals preserved over many years. The tight system of rooms and special design allows the family living here to bond together, despite the difficulties and challenges of time. Visiting Chengqi Tulou is not only an opportunity for you to admire a great architectural work but also an opportunity to learn about the human values hidden in it.
Chuxi Tulou Cluster
Chuxi Tulou Cluster is hidden in the heart of the mountains and forests of Fujian, creating a wild and beautiful natural picture. The tulou structures here are not only impressive because of their giant honeycomb shape but also because of the way they blend in with the surrounding landscape. The tulou buildings in Chuxi have a simple yet impressive beauty, symbolizing the intelligence and ingenuity in the construction of the Hakka people.
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Visiting Chuxi, you will admire the majestic construction, and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the countryside here. Surrounded by mountains and vast rice fields, Chuxi is an interesting destination for tourists who love history and culture, to find peace and tranquility.
Yuchang Tulou (Yuchanglou)
Yuchang Building, also known as “The Leaning Tower of Fujian”, is the most worth-seeing tulou in the Fujian tulou complex. Built in 1308, Yuchanglou stands out with its tilted design to one side, which adds to the mystery and appeal of this construction. Despite its somewhat tilted appearance, this construction has stood firm over the centuries, demonstrating the ingenuity in the construction art of the Hakka people.
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This building has 270 rooms and was once home to many families. The room system is cleverly designed, with comfortable living space for generations of residents, helping them to bond and maintain traditional cultural values. Yuchanglou is not only a place of residence but also a rich historical relic with many interesting stories about the development of the Hakka community.
Huaiyuan Tower (Huaiyuan Tulou)
Huaiyuan Tower, built in 1909, is a famous and historically valuable tulou in Fujian. With a sturdy four-story structure, Huaiyuan Tower demonstrates the solidity in design of the Hakka people, and is also a symbol of family and community unity. Built with the purpose of maintaining and protecting traditional cultural values, this structure has stood the test of time and has become an attractive destination for tourists.
A highlight of the tower is the upper floor, from where you can see the surrounding panorama, immerse yourself in the vast space and feel the wonderful combination of architecture and nature. The row of ancient coconut trees along the river near the tower is also a highlight that creates a picturesque beauty.
Yunshuiyao Ancient Town
Hidden on an ancient street, Yunshuiyao Ancient Town makes you feel like you are lost in a world of the past with red-tiled houses, old stone roads and an ancient bridge over a clear stream. In particular, this place is a harmonious combination of traditional Hakka architecture and beautiful natural scenery. Each turrets are interspersed with peaceful countryside space, creating a vivid and romantic picture.
Fujian Tulou, Yunshuiyao Scenic Area & Gaobei Tulou Cluster Day Tour
When visiting Yunshuiyao, visit the small tea shops along the road and enjoy a cup of delicious tea, or explore traditional handicraft shops. In particular, if you love cinema, this town is also known as the setting of the famous movie “Yunshuiyao”, bringing a mysterious and romantic space. Why not join a full-day tour to visit Yun Shuiyao Ancient Town!
Must-Try Specialties When Visiting Fujian
Fujian is also a culinary paradise with countless unique dishes that you must try when coming here.
- Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: A famous premium dish with rare ingredients such as abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and herbs, stewed for many hours to create a rich, nutritious flavor. The name of this dish means that even Buddhas cannot resist the delicious food.
- Hokkien Fried Noodles: With chewy noodles, rich sauce and a variety of toppings, this noodle dish is an ideal choice for a flavorful snack, reflecting the richness of Hokkien cuisine.
- Fishball Soup: This soup is made with fresh fish and traditional spices, bringing a refreshing, sweet taste, ideal to enjoy when the weather is cold.
- Hokkien Braised Duck: The duck meat is tender and delicious, stewed with typical spices to create a rich, easy-to-eat dish. This is a rustic dish that you can easily find at any restaurant in the city.
- Hokkien Spring Rolls: With a crispy crust and a full filling, this spring roll is the perfect choice for diners who love the combination of savory flavor and crunchiness of the dish.
Where to Stay Near Fujian Tulou
Xiamen and Fuzhou are two convenient stops for easy and convenient access to the Tulou areas and enjoy the variety of accommodation options. Here are some hotels near this area for your reference:
- Holiday Inn Express Xiamen Lushan (klook, agoda)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Xiamen – Wuyuan Bay (klook, agoda)
- InterContinental Fuzhou, an IHG Hotel (klook, agoda)
- Crowne Plaza Fuzhou Riverside, an IHG Hotel (klook, agoda)
- Shangri-La Fuzhou (klook, agoda)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fujian Tulou – China
How many buildings are there in Fujian Tulou?
Fujian Tulou includes hundreds of traditional buildings, featuring large and small groups of tulou, diverse in shape and size, mainly distributed in areas such as Nanjing and Yongding.
Which is the largest tulou in Fujian?
The largest tulou is “Chengqi Tulou”, which has a large area and a capacity of up to 800 people, and is the most representative tulou in Fujian.
What traditional festivals are there in Fujian Tulou?
The prominent festivals in Fujian Tulou include the Lunar New Year Festival, the Autumn Festival and other folk festivals, where visitors can explore the unique culture of the Hakka community.
Are there Tulou in other places besides Fujian?
In addition to Fujian, tulou also appear in some other regions such as Guangdong and Jiangxi, but Fujian is still the place with the most tulou areas.
Are there any tips for taking beautiful photos in Fujian Tulou?
To take beautiful photos, you should go to the tulou in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, creating a series of vivid photos with the scenery and architecture typical of the tulou.
Fujian Tulou is an indispensable part of Chinese history and culture. These tulou have become a symbol of the Hakka community with their special design, imbued with traditional culture. Recognized by UNESCO, Fujian Tulou is the ideal destination for tourists who love the combination of history, culture and architecture.
Will you be exploring Fujian Tulou?
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