Depart from Xiamen by private car to Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, enjoying southern Fujian's rural scenery along the way. Upon arrival, wander the time-polished cobblestone ancient road. Beside the road, thousand-year-old banyan trees thrive and streams gurgle—once the filming location of “Yunshuiyao”, full of poetry and tranquility.
Visit Hegui Building, Nanjing's tallest tulou built on a swamp with over 200 pine pile foundations, stable for centuries. Don't miss the amazing “Yin-Yang Wells” (one clear, one turbid) inside.
Next, head to Huaiyuan Building, an exquisitely crafted double-ring circular tulou. Its inner courtyard core is the “Sishi Room” ancestral hall with delicate wood carvings, showing Hakka family motto culture. The itinerary includes a complimentary visit to Zhongxing Tulou Museum; climb for free to observe the internal structure, experience Hakka daily life, and take creative photos from a broad perspective.
After exploring Yunshuiyao, head to your chosen Tulou Cluster (Tianluokeng or Yongding) for in-depth exploration of Hakka tulou architectural miracles.
If choosing Tianluokeng, first reach the viewing platform to admire the classic “four dishes and one soup” layout—a square Buyun Building in the centre surrounded by four circular tulous, a striking scenic wonder in green mountains and clear waters. Then visit Yuchang Building, the 600-year-old “Crooked Building” with tilted wooden pillars above the 3rd floor but still standing firm through earthquakes.
If choosing Yongding, focus on Zhencheng Building (“Prince of Tulou”) and Chengqi Building (“King of Tulou”). Zhencheng integrates Chinese-Western styles with exquisite carvings and a sophisticated Bagua layout. Chengqi is grand, 73 metres in diameter with 4 rings of houses accommodating over 1,000 people, fully showing Hakka clan living culture.
After appreciating tulou charm and Yunshuiyao's pastoral scenery, opt for optional intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tulou handcraft experiences to immerse in Hakka ancestors' construction wisdom.
Three choices:
Rammed Earth Brick-laying: Under ICH inheritors' guidance, use traditional tools to fill mixed soil into moulds and tamp firmly, replicating core tulou construction.
ICH Rubbing: Select patterns like “Five Fortunes” (inspired by Tianluokeng), cover stele templates with rice paper, and make archaic rubbings to preserve tulou culture and good luck meanings.
Hand-kneaded Tulou Model: Use delicate clay to outline contours and carve doors/windows based on classic tulou shapes, creating your own portable mini model.
Note: Intangible cultural heritage tulou handcraft workshop fee is not included in the tour price. Guests can choose to join this activitiy for an extra fee, or enjoy a walk and explore the scenery without additional costs.
