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Built in 1831, Cuimei Building consists of four floors, with 34 rooms on each floor. While not particularly large for a typical tulou, it has several unique features: First, the pillars on the third and fourth floors are crooked. The pillars on the bottom two floors are straight, but on the third and fourth floors, they suddenly become tilted, and not in a single direction: the third floor leans to the left, and the fourth floor leans to the right. Second, there is a kind of beauty in its imperfection. Less than half of the rooms in the building are intact; the rest are merely frames. But this is the magic of tulou: even if one part is broken, the rest remains habitable.
But this is the magic of tulou: even if one part is dilapidated, the rest can still be lived in. The pillars on the first two floors of Cuimei Tower are straight, but on the third and fourth floors, they suddenly become tilted, leaning to the left on the third floor and to the right on the fourth. This is why Cuimei Tower is also known as the "little crooked building."
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
It has four floors, with 34 rooms on each floor. It's not a large building for a typical tulou. Once inside, you'll discover its peculiarity: less than half of the rooms are intact, with the rest consisting of mere frames.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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8:30-17:30
Cuimei Building is a historic architectural landmark in Zhangzhou, built during the Ming Dynasty. The building is known for its traditional design and cultural importance in the region, reflecting the local heritage and craftsmanship of the time.
Cuimei Building is located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. It can be easily accessed by taxi or local buses from the city center. Walking is also a great option if you are staying nearby, as the area around the building is pedestrian-friendly.
The building is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists.
There is no formal entrance fee to visit Cuimei Building. However, donations are encouraged. Tickets are not required, and the visit is generally free. Donations can be made at the site.
No advance booking is needed for Cuimei Building, as it is open to the public for free. Simply arrive during opening hours and enjoy the site.
You will need about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore Cuimei Building and its surroundings, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture and taking photos.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in other languages are generally not available, but local guides can provide detailed information about the history of the building.
Start by entering through the main gate and exploring the ground level before making your way to the upper floors for panoramic views. Don’t forget to stroll around the courtyard to admire the building’s surroundings.
Night visits and special light shows are not available at Cuimei Building. However, the building is well-lit at night, providing a beautiful atmosphere for evening photography.
Cuimei Building tends to be less crowded during weekdays and in the morning hours. Weekends and public holidays see more visitors, so it's best to visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
The building does not have large commercial facilities, but there are rest areas in the surrounding area. Toilets are available nearby, but food and water may need to be brought in, or purchased from nearby vendors.
Cuimei Building is accessible to elderly visitors and children, though some areas may have narrow staircases. The building’s main areas are relatively easy to navigate, but some disabled visitors may find the stairs challenging.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in the area. Credit cards may not be commonly accepted in small shops or local eateries.
There are several small local restaurants and cafes nearby, offering traditional Fujian dishes such as seafood and noodle soups.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some local restaurants. Halal food may also be found in specific eateries catering to Muslim visitors.
There are various hotels and guesthouses near Cuimei Building, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations.
There are small shops near the building selling traditional handicrafts, local snacks, and souvenirs like keychains and postcards.
Taxi and local buses are readily available to continue your journey. For those wishing to explore more of Zhangzhou, walking around the old town is a great option.
