Chuxi Tulou
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Chuxi Tulou Cluster

4.4
·78 reviews·Long Yan Shi, China

Explore ancient Hakka communal earth dwellings, marvel at unique architecture, and experience living history in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
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Chuxi Tulou

Chuxi Tulou Cluster

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient Hakka communal earth dwellings, marvel at unique architecture, and experience living history in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

4.4
(78 reviews)

"An amazing experience living in a tulou like a local, totally worth the longer trip for the authentic experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Stay Overnight! 🏡

Immerse yourself in Hakka culture by staying in a tulou homestay. Heater and hot water are usually available!

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring within the ancient structures.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jiqing Lou

Jiqing Lou

Chuxi Tulou Cluster

The largest and oldest tulou, built in 1419. Explore its two concentric rings and imagine life within its walls.

Communal Courtyards

Communal Courtyards

Various Tulou

Experience the heart of tulou life in these open central spaces, where community gatherings and daily activities once thrived.

Hakka Homestay

Hakka Homestay

Within the Tulou

Spend a night in a traditional tulou homestay for an authentic cultural immersion and a unique travel story.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Journey

Getting to Chuxi Tulou Cluster involves a scenic, albeit sometimes lengthy, journey. Plan for travel time from major cities like Xiamen or Fuzhou, as public transport can be infrequent. Consider booking accommodation within a tulou for an immersive experience.

Respectful Exploration

Many tulou are still inhabited by locals. Be mindful of their privacy, avoid entering private rooms without permission, and appreciate the living history. Some tulou are museums, offering a glimpse into the past.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ᴍ ᴇ ᴏ ᴡ 🐈 ᴅ ɪ ᴛ ᴀ ᴛ ɪ ᴏ ɴ #tulou #visitxiamen #instasgsunday2025space
khooyh
362 likes • 0 views

Stay Overnight! 🏡

Immerse yourself in Hakka culture by staying in a tulou homestay. Heater and hot water are usually available! Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring within the ancient structures. Instagram

The rain that day was light but steady. I was intending to photograph a temple in the forested hillside, just visible out the tulou gate, when this family appeared in front of me while my mum and I waited for the rest of our group to finish drinking tea. 🌧️ #35mm
ninamingya
181 likes • 0 views
The largest and also the oldest tulou in Chuxi cluster is Jiqing Lou, built in 1419. It consists of two concentric rings, the outer ring building is four stories tall, with 53 rooms on each level. The second ring is a one-story building. Nobody lives in this tulou anymore and it functions as a museum. You can wander on the upper floors to see what used to be the living quarters. While I am usuall...
verolebel
66 likes • 0 views

Bring Coffee/Tea ☕

If you're a coffee lover, pack your own instant coffee for your homestay stay. Reddit

Respectful Photography :camera:

Be mindful of residents when taking photos, especially in inhabited tulou. Instagram

#chuxi #tulou #yongding #fujian #china #chinaadventures #hiking #hikingadventures
juliesiden
53 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Stay Overnight! 🏡

Immerse yourself in Hakka culture by staying in a tulou homestay. Heater and hot water are usually available! Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring within the ancient structures. Instagram

Bring Coffee/Tea ☕

If you're a coffee lover, pack your own instant coffee for your homestay stay. Reddit

Respectful Photography :camera:

Be mindful of residents when taking photos, especially in inhabited tulou. Instagram

Hakka Cuisine :dumpling:

Savor delicious homemade Hakka food at the homestay restaurants. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(78 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Chuxi Tulou Cluster for its unique and ancient Hakka architecture, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Many highlight the value of staying overnight in a tulou homestay for an authentic cultural immersion. While some find the structures a bit dilapidated, the overall experience is considered worthwhile and memorable.

"Very special ancient building although it's dilapidated and left few old folks living there."

Ai Fu CHIN

"Very beautiful tulou cluster, i wish i could spend more time here to explore around. Worth the visit"

Tit Fei Lim (Fay)

"An interesting cluster of Hakka traditional round houses. It is funny that the USA thought these were nuclear missiles war head when they first spotted them from the spy plane high in the sky."

Julian Wong

What People Like

Unique Hakka architecture
Authentic homestay experience
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Dilapidated structures
Long travel time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The journey from Xiamen to Chuxi Tulou Cluster typically involves a combination of train and bus, or a direct bus. It can take around 3-4 hours. Some travelers opt for private car hire for convenience. Instagram

Access by public transport can be a bit challenging and may involve transfers. Buses are available from nearby cities like Longyan or Zhangzhou, but schedules can be infrequent. Reddit

While Chuxi is a cluster itself, if you plan to visit other tulou areas like Yongding, consider hiring a car or joining a local tour for easier transit between sites. Instagram

Taxis might be available, but ride-sharing services like Didi may be limited or non-existent within the immediate cluster. It's advisable to arrange transport in advance if possible. Reddit

Traveling from Fuzhou to Chuxi Tulou Cluster usually takes around 4-5 hours by car or a combination of train and bus, making it a longer day trip or an overnight stay. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees can vary, but expect to pay around 120 yuan for adults. Discounts may be available for seniors or children. It's best to confirm current pricing upon arrival. Reddit

Typically, there's a general admission ticket that grants access to the main tulou cluster. Some tulou might have separate small fees if they are functioning as museums. Instagram

The cluster is generally open throughout the day, allowing visitors to explore. However, specific tulou museums might have their own operating hours, usually from morning to late afternoon. Instagram

Online ticket purchasing options might be limited for Chuxi Tulou Cluster. It's often more convenient to purchase tickets directly at the entrance upon your arrival. Reddit

Local guides are often available for hire at the entrance, offering insights into the history and architecture of the tulou. This can enhance your understanding of the Hakka culture. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the unique Hakka roundhouses, learn about their history and architecture, stay overnight in a tulou homestay, and enjoy the surrounding rural scenery. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can explore the communal areas and outer structures of most tulou. Some may have restricted access to private living quarters or specific museum exhibits. Instagram

Many tulou have multiple stories, and you can often climb to the upper levels for different perspectives. Some offer panoramic views of the cluster and surrounding hills. Reddit

You'll find basic facilities like restrooms and some small shops selling local crafts. Homestays offer more amenities like restaurants and comfortable lodging. Reddit

Absolutely! The unique architecture and village life make it a photographer's paradise. Capture the circular structures, courtyards, and daily routines. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The area is known for its Hakka cuisine, which features hearty and flavorful dishes. Look for local specialties like stir-fried pork, Hakka stuffed tofu, and preserved vegetable dishes. Reddit

Yes, several tulou, especially those offering homestay accommodations, have restaurants serving authentic Hakka meals. Reddit

Even if you're visiting for the day, you can usually find small eateries or restaurants within the cluster that offer Hakka dishes. Reddit

A homemade dinner for three people might cost around 280 yuan, while a simple breakfast could be about 15 yuan per person. Prices can vary. Reddit

While Hakka cuisine is meat-centric, you can often find vegetable dishes. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs when ordering. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic circular and square tulou from the outside, explore the central courtyards, and look for interesting details on the upper floors. The surrounding hills also offer great vantage points. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer, more dramatic lighting. Golden hour can create beautiful silhouettes and highlight the textures of the earth buildings. Instagram

Be respectful of residents' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography, especially inside private living spaces. Some museum areas might have specific photography rules. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the tulou. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions, especially in the evenings. Instagram

You can photograph the communal courtyards and staircases. Access to private rooms is generally not permitted unless you are a guest in a homestay. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chuxi Tulou Cluster offers a unique educational experience for families. The sheer scale and design of the tulou can spark children's imaginations, making them feel like they're exploring ancient fortresses. Staying overnight in a tulou homestay can be an adventure in itself, providing a memorable experience beyond typical hotels. Reddit

Encourage kids to explore the communal courtyards and imagine life centuries ago. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the open spaces within the tulou offer room to move. Be mindful of safety on the stairs and upper levels. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities can be limited, and consider the travel time to reach the cluster.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find Chuxi Tulou Cluster a fascinating and relatively safe destination. The opportunity to stay in a tulou homestay offers a chance to connect with hosts and potentially other travelers, mitigating any feelings of isolation. Reddit

Embrace the opportunity to wander freely, photograph the unique architecture, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The slower pace of life in the cluster can be very rewarding for solo exploration. Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the history and significance of the tulou.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Chuxi Tulou Cluster is a treasure trove of unique architectural and cultural subjects. The distinctive round and square earth buildings offer endless compositional possibilities. Focus on capturing the scale, the textures of the rammed earth, and the intricate details of the interiors. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for dramatic shots. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the communal courtyards and the surrounding rural scenery. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the structures and a telephoto lens for details. Respectful photography is key, especially when residents are present. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hakka Tulou: Architectural Marvels

The Chuxi Tulou Cluster is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique Hakka tulou architecture. These massive, communal earthen buildings, dating back to the 15th century, were built by the Hakka people for defense and communal living. They are typically circular or square, with thick, load-bearing walls made of rammed earth, stone, wood, and other local materials. The design prioritized security, with only one main entrance and windows on the upper floors. Instagram+1

Each tulou could house hundreds of people, often an entire clan, fostering a strong sense of community. The central courtyard served as the heart of the village, accommodating various functions from dining to ceremonies. Exploring the multi-story interiors reveals a fascinating layout of living quarters, storage rooms, and communal spaces, offering a glimpse into a unique way of life. Instagram+1

While many tulou are now museums or have been modernized, some still house residents, offering a living connection to this ancient tradition. The Jiqing Lou, built in 1419, stands as a testament to their longevity and historical significance, showcasing the intricate construction and enduring spirit of the Hakka people. Instagram

An Immersive Homestay Experience

For a truly unforgettable visit, consider staying overnight in a tulou homestay. This allows you to experience life within these historic structures firsthand, far beyond a day trip. Travelers rave about the authentic atmosphere, even with the 10°C night temperatures, thanks to heaters and hot water. Reddit

The homestay experience often includes delicious homemade Hakka dinners and simple breakfasts, providing a taste of local cuisine. While rooms might be basic, they are generally comfortable, with essential amenities like heaters and air conditioning. Be prepared to carry your luggage up to the upper floors, as elevators are not common. Reddit

This immersive approach offers a deeper connection to the culture and a unique travel story. It's a chance to interact with locals and understand the enduring legacy of the tulou beyond just sightseeing. Remember to pack essentials like instant coffee if you're a regular drinker, as it might not always be readily available. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Chuxi Tulou Cluster is a dream destination for photographers, offering a wealth of unique architectural and cultural subjects. The iconic circular and square tulou structures, with their imposing earthen walls, create striking visual compositions. Capturing the scale of these communal homes from various angles is a must. Instagram

Beyond the exteriors, the central courtyards provide opportunities to photograph daily life, architectural details, and the interplay of light and shadow. The upper floors offer vantage points for panoramic shots of the cluster and the surrounding rural landscape. Look for candid moments of local life, adding a human element to your images. Instagram+1

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) is particularly magical for photography, casting a warm glow on the earthen walls and creating dramatic silhouettes. Be mindful of residents and their privacy, especially when photographing interiors or people. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the grandeur of the tulou. Instagram

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