Yongding Tulou – Outstanding Work in the World Architectural History

— Hongkeng Tulou Complex (Fujian Tulou Hakka Cultural Village)

Highlights: circular Tulou, square Tulou, Wufeng Tulou

Major Tulou: Zhengchenglou, Kuiju Lou, Fuyulou

Hongkeng Tulou Complex with the largest scale and the most advantaged development should be the first option without a doubt if you want to explore Tulou buildings in one-stop. Walking forward for 1km from the entrance gate, you will get to the core of Hongkeng Tulou: Zhenchenglou which is famed as “Tulou Prince” due to the combined features of Western and Chinese architectural cultures. The mini circular Tulou, Rushenglou by the stream, with a diameter of only 17.4m, contrasts sharply with the gigantic Zhengchenglou. The Family Temple of Lin and Tianhou Palace standing at the left and right of Zhenchenglou are also worthy of a leisure visit. Please never miss the Fuyulou at the other side of the stream is a typical Wufeng Tulou which has unturned eaves like a flying phoenix and contains the “five elements” in its construction design. The title of “Potala Palace” of Kuijulou might be exaggerated, but the palatial structures with layer upon layer of eaves indeed make Kuijulou against the hills grander and more splendid.

— Gaobei Tulou Complex

Highlights: King of Tulou

Major Tulou: Chengqilou, Qiaofulou, Shunyuanlou

Gaobei Tulou Complex is perfect for a Tulou day tour from Xiamen owing to the smaller scale, the concentrated locations of Tulous as well as the famous “King of Tulou”. Usually, 1-2 hours is enough to catch a glimpse of the Gaobei Tulou Complex.

Chengqilou has been entitled “King of Tulou”. There is no exaggeration to say it as long as you have visited this Tulou by yourself. With an external diameter of 62.6 meters, Chengqilou has 4 floors in circularity and 400 rooms set on piles with 4 huge circular floors, surviving the vicissitudes for 300 years to protect the ancestral hall in the middle. The architectural beauty mixed with the fascination of antiques makes Chengqilou a paradise for photography lovers. Whether you are good at it, do not forget to find a nice angle to click your camera. Going forward, you will come to Qiaofulou and Shunyuanlou for further exploration and get inspired by the cultures of overseas Chinese when talking with their hosts.

— Nanxi Tulou Valley Scenic Area

Highlights: Tulou Great Wall

Major Tulou: Zhenfulou, Yanxianglou, Huanjilou

There are 200+ Tulou buildings in different shapes standing closely or loosely in Nanxi, extending about 10 km to form a Tulou Valley, hence the name “Tulou Great Wall”. The three Tulou especially worthy of visiting them is Zhenfulou, Yanxianglou, and Huanjilou.

Zhenchenglou is famed as the “Tulou Princess” corresponding to the “Tulou Price” Zhengfulou. Except for the shared features of the combination of Chinese and Western architectural culture, Zhenchenglou is more elegant compared with the grand Zhengfulou. As the whole family of the host is living overseas, you will not be bothered by commercial activities.

At Yanxianglou, you will learn more details about the amazing Tulou building such as its water-proof functions. Huanjilou provides powerful proof of the advantages of the Tulou building because the break created by the M7 earthquake in 1918 had been amazingly closed gradually with the centripetal force of the circular Tulou and the drag force from those bridges in Tulou.

— Chuxi Tulou Complex

Highlights: 72 Stairs of Jiqinglou, Hakka Folk Museum

Major Tulou: Jiqinglou, Shanqinglou

Chuxi Tulou is wild with its remoter location compared with other Tulou complexes. All the Tulou buildings here are named “Qing” and the 600-year-old Jiqinglou is the representative. Distinct from the public shared stairs of the other Tulou, Jiqinglou has individual stairs from the first floor to the fourth floor for each family but meanwhile, these are connected with each other in the internal building. Such an exceptional architectural miracle of 72-Stairs in Jiqinglou has been the only existing copy in all of Fujian Tulou. Besides, Jiqinglou is famed as the “Hakka Folk Museum” as you can see the different exhibitions (mainly photos) in each room to tell you the hidden stories of their hosts.

Built in 1979, Shanqinglou is a young Tulou receiving much more modern influence as you can see the air-conditioners on the external walls and the gallery on the first floor paved with beautiful granites.