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Daimei Village, located in the lower reaches of the Jiulong River's Nanxi River in Dongyuan Town, Longhai City, Fujian Province, is surrounded by water and is known as an "ancient village on the water." The village boasts clusters of historic houses and is a prominent example of Fujian's red brick architectural culture. It has been designated a Fujian Province and a National Historic and Cultural Village. Entering Daimei Village, one is struck by the classic Southern Fujian architectural style of red brick tiles, off-white walls, and swan-tail façades.
This small village, with just over 200 households and a population of over 900, boasts a truly remarkable collection of ancient houses, remarkably well-preserved despite over 560 years of weathering and erosion. Uniform in size and style, these Ming and Qing dynasty houses each feature a curved, gabled roof, red tiled roofs, and stone walls. Adhering to ancestral precepts prohibiting alteration of architectural layouts, the village's entire structure, size, orientation, height, and building materials are uniformly planned and designed by the clan. The old and new houses are clearly distinguished and arranged in perfect order, with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines aligned. The remaining well-preserved buildings are the 36 old houses, built in four rows and three columns, all facing south. Newer buildings from the 1960s and 1970s all face north.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for half a day and enjoy the farmhouse here.
free
All day
Daimei Village is a historical settlement known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural heritage. The village showcases the farming traditions and local customs of the Fujian region, and it remains a quiet haven amidst rural landscapes.
Daimei Village is located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. It is best reached by taxi or private vehicle from Zhangzhou city center, which is around 40 minutes away by car. Public transportation options are limited due to its rural setting.
Daimei Village is open year-round. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant. It is also quieter during weekdays, especially in the morning, which is ideal for exploration without large crowds.
There is no entrance fee for Daimei Village. However, if you wish to participate in guided tours or special activities, a fee may apply. Tickets for tours can be purchased either at the entrance or online in advance for group bookings.
Booking in advance is not necessary for general visits. However, if you want to join a guided tour or visit during peak seasons, it is advisable to book 1-2 days in advance.
You will need about 1-2 hours to explore Daimei Village thoroughly. If you want to engage with locals or participate in cultural activities, it could take longer.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but guides provide insightful information about the village's history and culture.
Start by walking through the village square to admire the traditional houses. Explore the narrow lanes and interact with the local residents to learn about their culture. If you have time, visit a nearby craft workshop. Conclude your visit by walking through the surrounding countryside for some fresh air and scenic views.
There are no night visits or light shows available in Daimei Village. The best time to experience the village is during daylight hours.
Daimei Village is typically quiet during weekdays, especially in the morning. It can be more crowded on weekends or during national holidays, so visiting on a weekday is ideal if you prefer a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets and small rest areas. There are a few local eateries where you can enjoy Fujianese cuisine. For snacks and beverages, there are small shops in and around the village.
Daimei Village has some uneven pathways and narrow streets, which may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. It is recommended to visit with caution if you have specific accessibility needs.
While cash is widely accepted, mobile payments through WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. It is advisable to carry cash as some small shops might not accept card payments.
There are a few local eateries within the village serving traditional Fujianese dishes, such as rice porridge and dumplings. For more variety, Zhangzhou city is a short drive away and has several restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available in the local eateries, including vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes. Vegan and halal options may be limited, but some restaurants in Zhangzhou city offer vegetarian and halal-friendly meals.
While there are no hotels directly in Daimei Village, nearby Zhangzhou offers a range of accommodations from budget to mid-range hotels. You can find hotels and guesthouses that are easily accessible by car or taxi.
There are a few small souvenir shops in Daimei Village selling handmade crafts such as pottery, traditional textiles, and local tea. Zhangzhou city also has larger souvenir markets.
After visiting Daimei Village, taxis or private vehicles are the best transportation options to continue your journey. Zhangzhou city offers public transport options for further exploration of the area.
