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Huaiyuan Tower is a traditional Chinese residential building. Located east of Kanxia Village, Meilin Town, Nanjing County, Fujian Province, 54 kilometers from Nanjing County, Huaiyuan Tower was built between 1905 and 1909. It is a double-ring circular earthen building of exquisite craftsmanship and best preserved, a masterpiece of traditional residential architecture. It was designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in May 2006.
The application of Huaiyuan Tower in Fujian for World Heritage status has been officially accepted by the United Nations. However, the "century-old mystery" of the origin of earth buildings is still controversial. Most people believe that "people from the Central Plains migrated south to avoid war and built earth buildings to live together in clans" and "earth buildings are the crystallization of Hakka culture."
Mr. Zeng Wuyue, a 73-year-old expert on Zhangzhou tulou, believes that Fujian's round tulou originated in the middle and lower reaches of the Jiulong River and the surrounding areas, and are a product of Zhangzhou's ancestors' resistance against Japanese pirates. The tulou were created by Zhangzhou residents in the lower reaches of the Jiulong River and the surrounding areas during the bloody battle against Japanese pirates during the Ming Dynasty. Their earliest appearance is believed to date back to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. This is confirmed by numerous historical sources.
The climate is subtropical and humid, with an average annual temperature of 21°C. The highest daily temperature was 36.3°C in 1985, and the lowest was 1.6°C. The frost-free period lasts for over 330 days, with 2,000-2,300 hours of sunshine per year and an annual accumulated temperature of 7,701.5°C, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Huaiyuan Tower, a delicate and elegant "four-frame, three-room" building with upper and lower halls, covers an area of 190 square meters. The interior, with its carved beams and painted rafters, exudes a rustic, natural feel, and boasts a scholarly atmosphere adorned with couplets and horizontal plaques. A horizontal plaque hanging above the hall bears the vigorous and powerful cursive script of "This is the Room." Couplets adorn the pillars on either side. The first line reads, "This room is not for sightseeing, but for cultivating knowledge and broadening the eyes and ears." The second line reads, "This room is not narrow, but for cultivating virtue and educating children and grandchildren."
In the upper hall, there are couplets: "Books are the courage of heroes, kindness is the root of wealth and honor in the world", "The good things in the world are loyalty and filial piety, the good strategies in the world are reading and farming". In the outer gatehouse, there is also a couplet: "Reading teaches children to have far-reaching plans, courtesy and humility pass on the family to prosper and prosper", with the horizontal scroll reading "Hall of Poetry and Etiquette".
10 yuan/person
Open all day
Huaiyuan Tower is a significant historical landmark in Zhangzhou, built during the Ming Dynasty. It is known for its ancient architecture and cultural importance, offering a glimpse into the region's history and heritage.
Huaiyuan Tower is located in the city of Zhangzhou, Fujian province. You can get there by taxi, bus, or a short walk from nearby public transport stations.
The tower is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenic views.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through online platforms in advance.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons. You can book tickets a few days in advance online.
It takes about 1-2 hours to explore Huaiyuan Tower fully, including time to climb to the top and enjoy the surroundings.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available at the site. Audio guides may also be provided in Chinese.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the tower, where you can capture breathtaking views of Zhangzhou city and the nearby mountains.
Start by exploring the base of the tower and its surroundings, then climb to the top for panoramic views. Afterward, visit the nearby historical sites and gardens.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Huaiyuan Tower. However, you can visit the tower at night to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere outside.
The tower can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially in the off-peak seasons.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and water stations are available. Small shops offering snacks and souvenirs are located near the entrance.
The tower has some accessibility challenges due to its height, but the surrounding park area is wheelchair accessible. Elderly and children may find the climb to the top difficult.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Cash is still an option, but digital payments are more convenient.
Vegetarian options are available at local eateries. Vegan and halal food may be harder to find but can be requested at some restaurants.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance selling local handicrafts, tea, and postcards. Typical souvenirs include traditional Fujian tea sets and artwork.
The best options for continuing your trip are by taxi or local buses. Zhangzhou Railway Station and Zhangzhou city center are easily accessible from the tower.
