Departing from Xiamen | Fujian Nanjing Tulou Day Tour (Hakka Culture + Hakka Cuisine)

This morning, you will depart from Xiamen and drive about 150 kilometers (about 2.5 hours) to visit Nanjing Tulou. There are more than 15,000 existing tulou in Nanjing County. They are a typical representative of Fujian Hakka tulou and a treasure of Chinese residential architecture, known as "the world's unique mountain village dwellings." Among them, the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Hekeng Tulou Cluster, Huaiyuan Lou, and Hegui Lou were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008. Upon arrival, first visit the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster. First built in 1662, it is the settlement of the Huang clan of the Hakka people. It is famous for its unique layout resembling "four dishes and one soup" and is the most recognizable landscape of Fujian tulou. It consists of 1 square building (Buyun Lou), 3 circular buildings (Hechang Lou, Zhenchang Lou, Ruiyun Lou), and 1 oval building (Wenchang Lou). These five tulou follow the layout of mutual generation among the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth), and are known as a "world architectural marvel" and an "outstanding representative of Chinese feng shui architecture." Recommended visiting route: Upper Viewing Platform (overlook the full "four dishes and one soup" panorama, like "plum blossoms blooming" or "a flying saucer landing") → Buyun Lou (meaning "rising in the world," where you can overlook Hakka family life scenes) → Hechang Lou/Zhenchang Lou/Ruiyun Lou (you can photograph the same courtyard view as in the movie "Big Fish & Begonia") → Wenchang Lou (the only oval tulou in Nanjing County, meaning "flourishing literary fortune," where you can photograph the beautiful blend of tulou and terraced fields) → Lower Viewing Platform (look up at the tulou cluster and terraced fields, resembling the Potala Palace) Lunch will feature delicious Hakka cuisine, experiencing the local Hakka lifestyle. If interested, you can also taste mellow Hakka rice wine. After lunch, head to Xiaban Village, where streams flow through and terraced fields surround it. Twelve ancient tulou are scattered along both banks of the stream. Among them, Yuchang Lou is the key tulou we will visit. Built in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties (about 1308-1368), Yuchang Lou is one of China's oldest existing circular tulou and is honored as the "Father of Fujian Tulou." It is also known for the wonder of "leaning east and west," because the pillars on the 3rd and 4th floors tilt 15° clockwise, while those on the 5th floor tilt counterclockwise. After more than 700 years of wind and rain, it remains stable and is called "China's No. 1 Marvelous Building." You can stroll and observe the architectural wonder of "leaning east and west," closely observe the daily life scenes of Hakka tulou residents, or chat with local Hakka people to learn more wonderful tulou stories and unique folk culture. In addition, remember to taste a cup of oolong tea brewed by locals, which is very sweet and delicious. Afterward, head to the ancient Hakka village - Taxia Village. Taxia Village is distributed in an "S" shape along the stream, with two circular tulou (Yude Lou and Shunchang Lou) on either side of the stream, resembling a taiji pattern, hence the name "Taiji Water Village." In addition, its beautiful mountains and waters, high-quality air and spring water, and the healthy lifestyle of the villagers have earned it the reputation of "Longevity Village." Moreover, 11 concrete bridges and some tulou in the village were funded and built by overseas Chinese, giving it strong overseas Chinese hometown characteristics. You can stroll and enjoy the picturesque ancient village scenery and tulou buildings of various shapes. Among them, Yude Lou (Apron Building) and Deyuan Hall Zhang Clan Ancestral Temple (China's most complete group of 24 stone dragon flagpoles) are worth careful appreciation. If there is still time, you can also visit the Hekeng Tulou Cluster. The Hekeng Tulou Cluster is one of the most concentrated World Cultural Heritage sites among Fujian tulou and is famous for its unique "Big Dipper" layout and the architectural wonder of interlaced square and circular tulou. Among them, Chaoshui Lou (built during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, the oldest square tulou) and Yuxing Lou (a modern circular tulou) are highly representative and very worth seeing. In addition, you can climb to the Shizishan Viewing Platform to overlook the full "Big Dipper" panorama and take the most outstanding travel photos. Notably, the Hekeng Tulou Cluster is also the inspiration and prototype filming location for Mulan's hometown in Disney's live-action movie "Mulan." If interested, you can check in at the same scenes from the movie. Notes 1. To visit the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, you can choose to hike or take the sightseeing bus. 2. Hekeng Tulou Cluster: After getting off at the entrance, you need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the main tulou buildings. After the tour, this wonderful and unforgettable 1-day Fujian Tulou trip will come to an end. Our driver will take you to the airport/railway station for your next destination.