2024 Nanjing Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Fujian Tulou, with its unique round and square structures, has always been on my must-visit list. I've always wanted to witness these special buildings. When traveling in Southern Fujian, you can start from Quanzhou or Xiamen, with just over two hours of travel by car. There are many convenient one-day tours available 👍 Stepping into the Tulou for the first time, I felt an ancient, dusty atmosphere. Aside from the small shops selling souvenirs and drinks, not many people live there anymore. The culture of the Tulou, originally built for communal living and protection, no longer exists as it once did, but one can still imagine the grandeur of hundreds or even thousands of people living together. Those with a keen eye might have noticed the Wind Lion Gods, Thousand-Mile Eyes, and Following-Wind Ears in the courtyard. Does it feel familiar? That's right, it's unmistakably Fujian ❤️

Nanjing Tulou, especially Yunshuiyao, is quite famous, and there are many tourists who come from all over to visit~~ Quaint villages, bridges over flowing water, homes amidst the scenery, and sipping tea under the big banyan tree, it's truly pleasant! 🛤️ Travel: If you're from a nearby city, it's recommended to drive 🚗 there. Compared to the previous mountain roads with eighteen bends, the traffic is now much more convenient, with highways leading all the way there smoothly. If you're arriving by high-speed train 🚅, there are also quite a few direct buses available now~~ 🥙 Eat: There are now quite a few local farmhouse restaurants inside and outside the scenic area. We randomly chose a restaurant called Abao near a big rock, which seemed overall better. The dining experience was good, with fresh ingredients and tasty food, and the prices were reasonable for the scenic area, making it quite a good value~~ 💁🏻‍♀️Tips: 1. Tickets can be purchased directly at the tourist service center or on various platforms. Yunshuiyao and 'Four Dishes and One Soup' are priced at 90r each and are separate. Personally, I think Yunshuiyao is more worth it, with mountains, water, and Tulou to experience the harmony between humans and nature, and it's great for taking photos~~ 2. Mosquito repellent is a must! Especially in this weather! However, if you're a tourist from out of town and need accommodation, the scenic area is now quite mature, and you can buy everything you need there...

5A South Jing Tu Lou Scenic Area is a very historical scenic area, where you can fully understand the culture and life of the Hakka people. They unite to resist foreign enemies, they are hardworking and enduring, and they have built their own magical round houses and live here. The four round houses surrounding a square house are called 'four dishes and one soup' by people.

#freehotelstay There are many preserved ancient towns in China (guzhen) which have become very touristy. At first glance, Yunshuiyao appears to be one of them, with loads of tourists and tour guides clambering about for photos. However, if you veer off the main area for a little wander, it's still possible to catch quiet glimpses of this charming water town by the world-renowned circular tulous. A bit of background on Yunshuiyao: 🌳 The town is defined by the many ancient banyan trees growing by the river- there are 9 of them which are thousands of years old! See if you can spot the couple banyan tree by the main entrance to the village! 🎭 The town has been renamed after a famous Chinese movie that was filmed here over 15 years ago starring Vivian Hsu 🎥 While most of the houses by the river have been converted into gift shops and cafes, there are still residents living in the village, and you can see them carrying on with their day to day life, be it sunning chillies or tending to their gardens. Allow yourself to slow down and stroll, and just soak up the atmosphere, like the dog in the last picture 😉 #china #culturalheritage #schoolholidays #fujian

The prototype of the place where Chun lives in the film 'Big Fish & Begonia' comes from the Fujian Tulou - Chengqi Lou, the king of buildings. Many people who come to Tulou for the first time will hesitate whether to go to Nanjing Tulou or Yongding Tulou. Considering the convenience of transportation and the diversity of Tulou types, it is recommended to choose Nanjing Tulou, because you can go to Yunshuiyao for a leisurely walk, see the Big Fish & Begonia version of Tulou, and see the 'Four Dishes and One Soup' often seen in Tulou promotional films. Fujian Tulou is mostly built by Hakka people, so it is also called Hakka Tulou. Because most of the Hakka people migrated from the Central Plains, they were deeply influenced by the culture of the Central Plains. During the migration process, in order to survive, they had to face various life hardships, so they built houses according to the Bagua. A Tulou is the center of a family's cohesion. The special nature of Hakka Tulou's collective living reflects the strong family ethics of the Hakka people. Route: Xiamen-Yunshuiyao Ancient Town-Taxia Village (accommodation)-Yuchang Lou-Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster-Zhangzhou or Xiamen Transportation: Prefer self-driving, public transportation is not very convenient Precautions: If you want to go upstairs, you need to pay the local villagers 5-20 yuan, depending on the off-peak season and the number of people you travel with, after all, it is indeed their current accommodation. First stop: Yunshuiyao was built in the Yuan Dynasty, with a 10-kilometer-long ancient road paved with cobblestones. Many TV shows and movies have been filmed here. Walking around Yunshuiyao, you can see many different types of Tulou clusters, including Hegui Lou, Huaiyuan Lou and other Tulous. Hegui Lou is the tallest square building among all Fujian Tulous (many are round). But what is truly amazing is that the entire building is actually built on a 3000 square meter swamp, with only more than 200 pine piles and pads underneath, and Hegui Lou has stood on this huge floating bed for more than 200 years, amazing! Accommodation: There are many homestays in Taxia Village, you can choose at will, the village is very comfortable, there are many places to eat, you can eat Zhangzhou specialty dishes at will. It's just that sometimes when there are too many cars, the road is narrow and it's not easy to drive. Second stop: Yuchang Lou, Nanjing Yuchang Lou is a very old and largest round Tulou, built in 1368, at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. I posted a video before, it's very spectacular. The pillars are leaning east and west, with a maximum inclination of 15 degrees, it looks shaky, but it has stood up after countless earthquakes! Third stop: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Tianluokeng is an excellent place to appreciate the local natural environment. Because its appearance is four round buildings surrounding a square building, it is also jokingly called 'Four Dishes and One Soup' by people. The five Tulous are said to represent gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. You can enjoy the view from the viewing platform, or you can go down the mountain from the viewing platform to the inside of the Tulou one by one

Tulou Fujian. Exceptional traditional building and a very special type of communal living. People living their harmonious relationship with their environment and relatives. Built in 18th century and designed with an inward-looking, circular or square floor design. They were built for defense purposes around a central open courtyard with only one entrance and windows to the outside only above the first floor. Amazing history indeed. Deep within the enchanting landscapes of Fujian, China, lies a hidden gem that beckons the intrepid traveler to embark on an extraordinary expedition. Prepare to be transported to a world where time stands still, where ancient traditions intertwine with breathtaking architecture, and where adventure awaits at every turn. Welcome to the Tulou, a place that defies all expectations and promises a voyage of a lifetime. As you venture into the heart of Fujian, the anticipation builds, fueling your spirit of adventure. The Tulou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cluster of earthen buildings that have stood for centuries, each one a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Hakka people who call this place home. #trip #China #chinatravel #chinalife #tulou #adventure #beautiful #adventuretrip

Fujian tulou are traditional circular communal dwellings in China's Fujian province. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the Hakka people. Primarily built between the 15th and 20th centuries, tulou served as fortified homes, providing safety and fostering community bonds. They often house multiple families and include features like a central courtyard, living quarters, and storage areas. While tourism has increased, some tulou continue to be inhabited, blending tradition with modern influences. #timetotravel #China #fujian #asia

It's easy to overdose on Tulou scenic spots, especially if you spend a couple of days touring the various scenic areas. The Tianluokeng scenic area offers stunning landscapes and more authentic experience of Tulou life compared to some of the other 'themed' Tulou attractions. Two days sightseeing is sufficient to get a real taste and feel for Tulou culture, especially after youve visited 2 to 3 different clusters. There are some lovely guest houses. We stayed at the Nanjing Tulou Culture 1949 resort. Aside from the family friendly rooms and Instagramable decor, the honestly cuisine is incredible. Travelling as a family of 6 with 3 young children, a private hire car was a must and makes visiting Tulou attractions both convenient and allows you to go at your own pace. Our driver was local to the area so was able to take us to some less busy sights and give interesting insights. the Tianluokeng Cluster is a beautiful place and once you navigate past the usual street vendors and eateries, you can absorb daily life in and around the cluster. the high viewing platform is a must for the classic cluster photo of '4 dishes and 1 soup'. #tripblazers #awesomepic #bucketlist #instagramworthydestinations we we #awesomepic#china#nationalpark

I spent an afternoon at Yunshuiyao scene area looking at the tulous. They were all very large and impressive! The path goes along the water and was nice on a sunny day. I also got to see a little puppet show happening. I stored my suitcase at the entrance of the area and then was free to explore for the afternoon. After I was done I got my bags and took the number 6 bus down to Nanjing to get the bus to Xiamen. It’s definitely possible to see the tulous on your own without a tour guide!#tulou

The Tsingpu Nanjing Tulou Retreat in Fujian province is a remarkable destination for anyone looking to experience the unique culture and history of the Hakka people. The hotel is located in the heart of the Yongding Tulou Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the most impressive Hakka roundhouses in China. The hotel itself is beautifully designed, with traditional Hakka architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with all the modern amenities and comforts one could wish for. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, offering insights into the local history and culture. One of the highlights of our stay was exploring the nearby Hakka roundhouses, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Hakka people. We also enjoyed learning about the history of the region, which has been shaped by the migration and settlement of the Hakka people over the centuries. Overall, we highly recommend the Tsingpu Nanjing Tulou Retreat to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable cultural experience in China. The hotel's exceptional ambiance and facilities, combined with its unique location and history, make it the perfect choice for travelers seeking a truly immersive experience. Address: Yongding Tulou Scenic Area, Nanjing County, Fujian Province Ambiance/Facilities: Traditional Hakka architecture, spacious and comfortable rooms, friendly staff Highlights: Proximity to Hakka roundhouses, insights into local history and culture Avg. Price per Person: Approximately 1000 RMB per night Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

After visiting the stunning yet crowded Tianluokeng tulou cluster in Nanjing county, I decided to visit a more quiet, less touristy one. To do so, I headed to Hekeng cluster, which is located few kilometers from Tianluokeng (approximately 30 minutes drive, if no traffic jam... and yes, the road around Tianluokeng can get extremely jammed...) In Hekeng you can admire the quiet, local lifestyle, far from the tourists. The tulou here are smaller and not commercial, perfect to admire the real tulou life. Climb up to the view point to enjoy a panoramic sight of the village! Entrance ticket is 40rmb @architectureontheroad #tulou #tianluokeng #fujian

•Xiamen - Day 3 ~ These giant shaped houses are spectacular relics of traditional rural Chinese architecture🎎 Starting from 15th century Hakka people still live there😳 ~ 💸 - 198 yuan (NY season) with agency 🚌- one way 2,5 hours with a comfortable bus ‼️‼️‼️ I went with a Chinese agency and I was told there will be good lunch + bottled water + fruits + 5/6 hours spend in the village… BUT… • Lunch was awful (so take snacks and sandwiches with you) • Water take with you as well • In fact, 2 hours in the village! ~ 🤌🏼 in the village I tried passion fruit drink 5 yuan, delicious! ~ ❗️In this Tulou you won’t find the sightseeing platform❗️ ~ 不要看人，有一个办法😏飞飞无人机 #xiamen #xiamentravel #mytripvlog #newyearadventure #fujian #tulou #fujiantulou

2-3 hours drive out of Xiamen, these Hakka people wonders are a must see when you are in Fujian province. There are many sets/clusters of tulou, we visited Tianloukeng, Xiaban, Taxia, Hekeng and stayed in one in Hongkeng village!! What an amazing experience. You can catch buses or train from Xiamen out towards the tulou but then you need a car to get around them - our inn host arranged a car and driver for us for the entire trip out of Xiamen which was stress free and perfect. Your should definitely spend a night up there as well and try the local cuisine.

#fallingforfall Pictures speak louder than words ✌️ How to get there:we came by car from Xiamen, about 3h drive What’s to see: earth buildings, culture, nice autumn getaway Costs: 150 each Time needed: full weekend to stroll around Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸 IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld

Getting There - rental car from Xiamen, 3-4h Attractions - earth buildings and old traditional communities. Good for a long weekend :) Hotels - plenty of local options Food & Restaurants - local, local only

Getting There - Train to Xiamen Railway station or Xiamen North Railway Station and car from there to Tulou Complex. I personally recommend to hire a guide as they know better what to show you and where to go (but about it a bit later ☺️) Attractions - It’s a beautiful authentic village where you can see how people were living long time ago keeping their traditions and enjoying life without technology. All round buildings have little souvenir shops with traditional food, tea and art. Hotels - I recommend to stay one day in Xiamen as it’s green and peaceful city. we stayed in Palm Beach hotel which is closer to Xiamen Railway station, has clean rooms and friendly service. Later in Tulou find a Flower Hotel, they have five rooms in authentic round building and you’ll have a chance to experience it from inside! Food & Restaurants - must try is a local wine 🍷 they made from different berry and it’s just delicious! all the food places we have visited was shown us by a guide je new thé places where it will be local and delicious 🤤 Shopping - Souvenirs and picture spots are everywhere around you! #awesomepic#familytravel#tulou#mulan

Getting There - We flew to Xiamen and then got a train to Nanjing railway station (not nanjing station) and then a taxi driver picked us up there and took us to the hotel. The taxi was 200RMB. Attractions - Tianluokeng Tulou cluster. One day is enough to enjoy the attraction, but its magical! The Fujian tulou (earth buildings) are Chinese rural dwellings unique to the Hakka in the mountainous areas in southeastern Fujian, China. They were mostly built between the 12th and the 20th centuries. Hotels - We stayed at Wind Bridge Hotel. Its located near a river in a small village. You can take a car to the attraction site. The hotel is nice, minimalist, built with stones but very comfortable. They provide meals but we suggest bringing snacks. Food & Restaurants - Its a short trip, but we really enjoyed a popular restaurant near the river on the way to the attraction. All locals know about it you can just ask! Shopping - You can buy some tea and local food produced in the region inside the Tulou houses directly from the locals. Some souvenir shops also available around the attractions. Duration: As the area is a bit remote you will need: One full day to arrive. One day to explore. One day leaving the region. Perfect for a weekend trip; Friday to Sunday. #china #weekendretrip #tolou #naturalwonders #unescoworldheritage

Tulou or "earthen building" is Hakka people village from 13th/14th century. It's located in Fujian province, around 2 hours drive from Xiamen. UNESCO put it under World Heritage at 2008. There are so many tulous around Fujian but we choose this one which is best for pictures and have amazing view. With tea terraces around place look like from some story. Tulou houses have few floors, circular or square shape and it was planned to be home for more then 600 people. They are constructed with raw earth, mixed with bamboo, stones and wood. It was amazing experience, I was feeling some special vibe walking around, so I definitely recommend everyone to visit it. #tulou #fujian #china #historicallandmarks #explore

The Fujian tulou (also known as earthen building) are rural dwellings in the mountainous areas in China. They were constructed between the 12th and the 20th centuries, and unique to the Hakka. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fujian Province is in southeast China, north of Guangdong Province. The Hakka only built tulou in Fujian. A tulou is a large building, constructed with load-bearing rammed earth walls. It is used as a residence by a group of families. Tulous have three or four floors: the first floor for kitchens and dining rooms; the second floor for grain stores; and the third and fourth floors for bedrooms. In the past, tulous played a significant role in protecting the Hakka from attacks. Residents could easily mount an all-round defense, and the vulnerable entrances were strongly reinforced.

Taxia Village it is a small village with a stream flowing in the center of the village. If you visit Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster you might as well explore around until you reach Taxia village. You can see the river while you are driving it is just along the road it's like a narrow road. It is indeed a narrow one so better be more careful. You can see hills and small bridges in this village. It is a beautiful village I suppose. The villagers seem living this place so peacefully and calmly. We just seized that moment and enjoyed the time of being surrounded with nature and being in a quiet place. It was a great experience. #tripinspired #tripmoments #chinatravel #chinabeauty #chinavillage #explorechina #tripcom

My boyfriend and I rented a car for 2 days to look around Zhangzhou. We went to Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster which is one of Fujian's landmarks. We paid 180rmb for 2. Getting there was quite exciting at the same time a bit risky because of the road?! When we got there and saw the buildings, I think they are cob buildings shaped like beautiful plum blossoms. Some locals are selling some stuffs. You can see some shops and restaurants. We even decided to have our dinner there since trip coming back would take as long. Big servings of food we couldn't finish it. As you move down the mountain path, the changing viewing angle seems to make the buildings interesting. They look great especially when the weather is fine. It's a great place to take pictures or shall we say Instagrammable views around. Here are some photos I took. #tripinspired #explorechina #tripmoments #historicallandmark #fujian #chinatravel #scenicspotguide

Getting There - super easy. super fast. 45 min train ide from Xiamen. Attractions - out of this world. spend the whole day in between nature, history, movie backdrops and tasty local food. don’t forget the tea. it’s just a small step from the bissle of down town - any down town cause trains are wicked fast here - and having Mulan wet my appetite - I walk ancient forests, and visited bamboo fields. had local grapefruit - go have a look, I have no idea how they harvest them from these steep slopes - and tea. and sea food. and River Fish. and Snacks. all in all a day we’ll spend getting to know history. #nationalpark#naturalwonders#summervacation#urbanexplorer

The Fujian Tulou  is a Unesco World Heritage site. A Tulou is a type of dwelling built  in the mountains of southern Fujian. A Tulou is a large round, enclosed structure that is usually circular or rectangular in shape and is used to house multiple families. They are usually between 2 to 5 storeys high and the largest Tulou can hold up to a hundred families. Every family in the Tulou community enjoys perfect equality because every room in a Tulou is the same size and has exactly the same design. You can get to Fujian Tulou by car, train or bus. We hired a driver for the day so it was very convenient to travel between the different Tulous. This is a very unique experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone. #summervacation

Getting There - We hired a private driver that picked us up at our hotel. The driver took us to various view points and Tuluo’s. It was a great site to visit. The Tuluo’s offer a different insight into the culture groups here in China. Walking inside the Tuluo’s one can observe how the locals enjoy their lives. One can purchase tickets at the ticket hall and just take the day as it comes. On busy days be prepared for waiting as the roads are small and traffic can be slow. Definitely worth the visit.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, which consists of four rotundas and a square tulou in the center, is an arrangement of location that represents the recycling derivation of the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth) in ancient Chinese philosophy. This distinctive composition of architectural structures and shapes, receiving a commendation as "a unique, legendary rural construction model in the world" from the UNESCO, has been a symbol of Fujian Tulous and become one of the Scenic Villages of China and Villages of Chinese History and Culture as well. #urbanexplorer

When the trailer of the big fish sea otter ~ movie was just broadcast, we were attracted by the earth building with red lanterns! This time, I finally had the privilege of coming to this fantastic ancient town Yunshuiyu scenic spot. It is a very long history. Huaiyuanlou and Heguilou are the most representative buildings in the Nanjing Tulou. History, Huaiyuan Building is the most complete double-circle round earth building, and the building is the representative of the inner corridor-style square building. It embodies the wisdom of the Chinese nation. They are especially quiet and calm in this ancient town, and because the big fish sea otter looks even more Mysterious, fascinating...

Appreciating another culture is what this class trip is all about. The students see amazing Hakka Homes, a World Heritage Site, and get the opportunity to learn more about Chinese Culture and history. The air is so clean and the sky so blue. #givethanks #historicallandmarks #givethanks

Come to Yunshui, feel its peace and quiet, you seem to float in the fairyland of smoke and fog. A long ancient road, a hundred years old, a bamboo, water, and dreams, everything seems to be detached. Walking through the clouds, you can feel a hidden temperament. The people here still maintain a very natural and primitive state of life. Women in twos and threes will wash their clothes by the water and gossip. The waterwheel keeps turning around day and night, just like in the movie "Clouds". In the distance, the green mountains are like mountains and the water is like a mirror. The sky, the clouds and the old houses are projected into it. It is really a "cloud water".

In the hustle and bustle of the city for a long time, everyone will yearn for an idyllic poetic life, and Yunshuiyu, hidden in Nanjing, Fujian, is such a desirable one. Yunshui, the first time I heard this poetic name reminds me of the PC game "Xuanyuanjian-Cloud and Mountain" that I once played. Formerly known as Changjiao, Nanjing Yunshuiyu is located in Nanjing County of Cangzhou City and belongs to a scenic spot of the world cultural heritage Fujian Tulou!