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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Chuxi Tulou Cluster
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Hakka communal earth dwellings, marvel at unique architecture, and experience living history in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
"An amazing experience living in a tulou like a local, totally worth the longer trip for the authentic experience."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Hakka Homestay
Within the Tulou
Spend a night in a traditional tulou homestay for an authentic cultural immersion and a unique travel story.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Bring Coffee/Tea ☕
If you're a coffee lover, pack your own instant coffee for your homestay stay.
Respectful Photography :camera:
Be mindful of residents when taking photos, especially in inhabited tulou.
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!
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring within the ancient structures.
Bring Coffee/Tea ☕
If you're a coffee lover, pack your own instant coffee for your homestay stay.
Respectful Photography :camera:
Be mindful of residents when taking photos, especially in inhabited tulou.
Hakka Cuisine :dumpling:
Savor delicious homemade Hakka food at the homestay restaurants.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
You'll find basic facilities like restrooms and some small shops selling local crafts. Homestays offer more amenities like restaurants and comfortable lodging.
Absolutely! The unique architecture and village life make it a photographer's paradise. Capture the circular structures, courtyards, and daily routines.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, several tulou, especially those offering homestay accommodations, have restaurants serving authentic Hakka meals.
Even if you're visiting for the day, you can usually find small eateries or restaurants within the cluster that offer Hakka dishes.
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.
While Hakka cuisine is meat-centric, you can often find vegetable dishes. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs when ordering.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Be respectful of residents' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography, especially inside private living spaces. Some museum areas might have specific photography rules.
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.
You can photograph the communal courtyards and staircases. Access to private rooms is generally not permitted unless you are a guest in a homestay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hakka Tulou: Architectural Marvels
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.
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.
An Immersive Homestay Experience
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.
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.
Photography Opportunities
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.
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit