The Yongding Tulou Cluster in Fujian Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique Hakka earthen buildings, known as tulou. These massive, fortified structures, built by the Hakka people between the 11th and 20th centuries, combine architectural ingenuity, cultural significance, and stunning rural scenery. Scattered across the mountainous Yongding District of Longyan City, the tulou are a testament to communal living and defensive design, offering visitors a glimpse into a living piece of Chinese history. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this architectural marvel.
A Travel Guide to Yongding Tulou Cluster
Why Visit Yongding Tulou Cluster?
Yongding’s tulou are iconic for their circular or square designs, thick rammed-earth walls, and ability to house entire clans—some up to 800 people. Recognized by UNESCO in 2008 for their “exceptional examples of a building tradition,” these structures blend functionality with beauty, set against a backdrop of lush rice fields and tea plantations. The clusters—Hongkeng, Chuxi, Gaobei, and Nanxi—each offer distinct architectural styles and cultural experiences, making Yongding a must-visit for those interested in history, architecture, and authentic Hakka culture.
How to Get There
Yongding Tulou is located in Yongding District, Longyan City, approximately 115 km southwest of Xiamen, the most convenient gateway. Here are the main transportation options:
From Xiamen: By Private Car: The easiest and fastest option, taking about 2.5 hours from Xiamen to Yongding. Private tours with companies like China Discovery or Asia Odyssey Travel cost ¥500–1,000 for a day trip, including a guide and driver. By Bus: Direct coaches depart from Xiamen’s Hubin Nan Bus Station or Fanghu Bus Station to Yongding, taking 3–3.5 hours (¥50–80). Buses arrive at Yongding Bus Station, where you can transfer to local taxis or vans to the tulou clusters. By Train + Bus/Taxi: Take a high-speed train from Xiamen to Longyan Railway Station (1.5–2 hours, ¥50–100), then a bus or taxi to Yongding (1–1.5 hours, ¥20–50).
From Other Cities: Fly to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or international destinations (e.g., Tokyo, Singapore). From Xiamen, follow the above options. Bullet trains connect Fuzhou (4–5 hours) or Quanzhou (3 hours) to Longyan, followed by a local transfer.
Tip: Public transportation between tulou clusters is limited, so hiring a private car or joining a guided tour is recommended for convenience and to maximize your time.
Best Time to Visit
Spring ( Facetime (March–May): Mild temperatures (10–25°C) and blooming landscapes make this ideal for exploring the rural scenery. Fewer crowds and vibrant greenery enhance the experience. Autumn (September–November): Comfortable weather (10–25°C) with golden rice fields and colorful foliage, perfect for photography.
Summer (June–August): Hot (up to 35°C) and humid, but lush and less crowded. Early mornings are best. Winter (December–February): Cooler (5–15°C) and quieter, but less vibrant scenery.
Tip: Avoid Chinese holidays like National Day (early October) to escape crowds. Check the weather, as heavy rain can affect mountain roads.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Most tulou clusters are open from 8:00 AM–5:30 PM (May–October) or 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (November–April). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Ticket Prices: Vary by cluster: Hongkeng Tulou Cluster: ¥90 (includes Zhencheng, Kuiju, Rusheng, and Fuyu Buildings); Gaobei Tulou Cluster: ¥50 (includes Chengqi, Shize, and Wuyun Buildings); Chuxi Tulou Cluster: ¥50 (includes Jiqing and Shanqing Buildings); Nanxi Tulou Cluster: ¥50 (includes Zhenfu, Yanxiang, and Huanji Buildings); Combo Tickets: Some operators offer multi-cluster passes for savings (¥150–200). Book online via Ctrip or WeChat for convenience during peak seasons.
What to See and Do
Yongding’s four main tulou clusters each have unique highlights:
Hongkeng Tulou Cluster: Zhencheng Building (“Prince of Tulou”): Built in 1912, this circular tulou blends Chinese and Western styles, with a Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout and ornate interiors. Kuiju Building: A square tulou resembling the Potala Palace, known for its intricate carvings and paintings. Rusheng Building: The smallest UNESCO-listed tulou, a compact 23-meter-diameter structure. Fuyu Building: A Western-style tulou with rich decorations, opposite Rusheng. Activities: Explore Hakka family life, sample local tea, or join cultural activities like making glutinous rice cakes.
Gaobei Tulou Cluster: Chengqi Building (“King of Tulou”): The largest tulou, with four concentric rings and 400 rooms, built over 50 years by the Jiang family. Shize and Wuyun Buildings: Showcase diverse architectural styles, housing up to 400 people each. Experience: Visit communal kitchens and wells, reflecting the tulou’s self-sufficient design.
Chuxi Tulou Cluster: Jiqing Building: The oldest tulou (600+ years), built during the Ming Dynasty, with wooden interiors. Shanqing Building: Offers panoramic views of the cluster’s five round and 25 square tulou on a hillside. Highlight: Less commercialized, offering an authentic Hakka village atmosphere. Stay overnight in a tulou homestay for ¥100–300/night.
Nanxi Tulou Cluster: Zhenfu, Yanxiang, and Huanji Buildings: Scenic tulou along the Nanxi River, ideal for photography with minimal crowds. Sightseeing Platforms: Offer stunning views of over 100 tulou reflected in the river.
Additional Activities: Hakka Culture: Learn about Hakka cuisine (e.g., stuffed tofu) and traditions through homestay meals or village tours. Photography: The tulou’s rustic charm and surrounding rice fields are perfect for capturing iconic shots, especially at sunrise. Hiking: Explore trails around Chuxi or Nanxi for breathtaking countryside views.
Where to Eat
On-Site: Many tulou clusters have small restaurants or homestays offering Hakka dishes like braised pork, stuffed glutinous dumplings, and local tea (¥20–50/meal). Hongkeng and Gaobei have more options.
Nearby: In Hukeng Town or Yongding County, find restaurants serving regional specialties (¥30–80/meal). For variety, dine in Xiamen before or after your trip.
Tip: Bring snacks and water, as dining options are limited in remote clusters like Chuxi.
Where to Stay
Inside Tulou: Changdi Inn (Hongkeng): A 130-year-old tulou homestay in Fuyu Building, offering basic rooms and authentic meals (¥100–200/night). Yuqing Inn (Chuxi): Simple tulou lodging with Hakka hospitality (¥80–150/night).
Yongding County: Longpo Bay Hotel: A 5-star hotel with hot springs, 1 hour from Hongkeng (¥400–800/night). Hakka Earth Building Prince Hotel: A 4-star option near Hongkeng with modern amenities (¥200–400/night).
Xiamen: For day trips, stay in Xiamen at hotels like Shangri-La Xiamen (¥600–1,000/night) or budget hostels (¥50–150/night).
Tip: Book tulou homestays via Ctrip or contact hosts directly (often via WeChat). Expect basic facilities in rural areas.
Tips for a Great Visit
Hire a Guide: A local guide (¥200–400/day) enhances understanding of tulou history and Hakka culture, especially since English signage is limited. Dress Comfortably: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven village paths and bring layers for cool mornings or evenings.
Respect Locals: Many tulou are still inhabited. Ask permission before photographing residents or private areas. Combine Your Trip: Pair Yongding with Nanjing Tulou (25 km away, 20-minute drive) or Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island for a 3–5-day Fujian itinerary.
Cash and Connectivity: Bring cash (yuan), as card payments and ATMs are scarce. Wi-Fi is limited; consider a local SIM card for navigation. Visa-Free Entry: As of December 2024, travelers from 54 countries can stay visa-free for up to 10 days; some nationalities (e.g., France, Germany) get 30 days through 2025. US, UK, and Canadian visitors have 6-day visa-free access.
Final Thoughts
The Yongding Tulou Cluster is a journey into the heart of Hakka culture, where ancient architecture meets serene countryside. From the grandeur of Chengqi Building to the rustic charm of Chuxi, each cluster tells a story of resilience and community. Plan for 1–2 days to explore the main sites, or extend to 3–4 days for a deeper dive into Fujian’s cultural and natural wonders. With careful planning and an open mind, your visit to this UNESCO gem will be a highlight of any China adventure.
Happy travels!
