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Visit the Yuchang Building to explore its architectural beauty and historical significance. Take in the views from the top floor for a panoramic view of Zhangzhou, walk through the ancient wooden structure, and learn about its cultural role in the region's history.
Yuchang Tower, located in Shangjieshe, Lao Village, Xiaban Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, was built in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty (circa 1368) and is the oldest and largest known circular building. Standing 18.2 meters tall, it has five floors, 54 rooms per floor, for a total of 270 rooms. It occupies a land area of 2,289 square meters and a total floor area of 6,358.2 square meters. It is a round, corridor-style building constructed of earth and wood. The walls of the first floor are 1.8 meters thick, decreasing by 10 centimeters each floor. The interior walls are constructed entirely of fir wood. Facing west and east, it is the acupuncture point for Guanyin sitting in the lotus position.
Yuchang Tower was built in 1308. Soon after the completion of this earth building, the wooden pillars of the corridor inside the building began to tilt from left to right, with a maximum tilt of 15 degrees, making it look shaky. However, after hundreds of years of wind and rain erosion and countless earthquakes, it remains the same to this day without any danger, so it is called "the leaning tower".
Yuchang Building, a product of the early joint-stock system, was jointly built by members of the Liu, Luo, Zhang, Tang, and Fan clans. It boasts five stories, 18.2 meters high, and 270 rooms. The building features five staircases divided into five hexagrams. The kitchen on the ground floor houses 22 wells, making it the most well-filled tulou in Fujian. A single-story circular ancestral hall stands in the center of the courtyard. In front of the hall, a yin-yang Bagua pattern paved with pebbles is formed, divided into five sections, representing "gold," "wood," "water," "fire," and "earth."
Built in 1368, Yuchang Building is a Fujian Tulou. It is the oldest existing Tulou and is suitable for visiting in all seasons.
The first thing to see in Yuchang Building is that some of the pillars are tilted left and right. After being exposed to wind, frost, rain and snow, the pillars of the corridors on the third and fourth floors tilt in one direction (clockwise), while the pillars of the corridor on the fifth floor tilt in the other direction (counterclockwise). The maximum tilt angle reaches 15 degrees.
The second highlight of Yuchang Building is its Five Elements pattern. Built for shared living, the building is designed to resemble five hexagrams of varying lengths: the larger hexagram has 13 bays, the smaller hexagram has nine. Each hexagram features a staircase, and five lookout towers are located on the exterior walls. The five-story structure, with five units arranged in the Five Elements pattern, represents the aspirations for a bountiful harvest and the arrival of five blessings.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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The Yuchang Building, built in the Ming Dynasty, is a classical example of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. It is famous for its impressive construction techniques and historical importance in Zhangzhou, serving as a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.
The Yuchang Building is located in the city of Zhangzhou, Fujian province. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transport options are also available, but taxis are the most convenient option.
The Yuchang Building is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours.
The entrance fee for the Yuchang Building is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance.
Advance booking is not required for individual visitors. However, it's recommended to book in advance for group visits or during peak travel seasons.
It typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the Yuchang Building, including taking in the architecture and the surrounding area.
The main highlight is the Yuchang Building itself, especially the upper floors with their intricate wooden structure. The surrounding gardens and the view from the top also provide excellent photo opportunities.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically offered, but local guides can provide detailed information about the history and architecture of the building.
The best viewpoint is from the top floor of the building, where you can see the entire city and surrounding landscape. The entrance area and garden also offer good photo opportunities.
Start by entering the main gate and explore the ground floor before ascending to the upper levels. Take your time to appreciate the architectural details and stop by the viewpoints for photos along the way.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Yuchang Building. The best experience is during daylight hours when you can fully appreciate the architecture and surrounding views.
The Yuchang Building can be quite crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays, preferably in the early morning.
There are toilets available on the premises. There are no large restaurants or shops inside, but small stalls sell refreshments and souvenirs near the entrance.
The Yuchang Building is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though the upper floors require climbing stairs, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility. There are no special accommodations for disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted for tickets and purchases at the Yuchang Building.
Vegetarian food options are available in some local restaurants. Vegan and halal food may be harder to find but are available in certain areas of Zhangzhou.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance to the Yuchang Building offering local handicrafts, postcards, and traditional Fujianese items like tea and pottery.
