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Explore the Hakka tulou (earthen buildings), visit local Hakka villages, and learn about the unique architecture and culture of the Hakka people. You can also enjoy traditional Hakka food, attend cultural performances, and take scenic walks around the landscape.
The Hakka ancestral homeland is located in Shibi Village, Shibi Town, Ninghua County, Sanming City, Fujian Province. The people of Shibi were originally Han Chinese from the Central Plains. Starting in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, war, famine, and military disasters, as well as government incentives and economic infiltration from outside the region, drove large numbers of Han Chinese from the Central Plains to migrate south. During the Tang and Song dynasties, this migration of Han Chinese flocked to Shibi, creating a spectacular spectacle. Over time, Shibi Village, located in Shibi Town, 17 kilometers west of Ninghua County, Fujian, at the border of Fujian and Jiangxi, on the eastern slopes of Mount Wuyi, became the ancestral homeland of the Hakka people. It's considered the cradle of the Hakka people, earning them the nickname "Big Sophora Tree in the north and Shibi Village in the south."
The Hakka ancestral homeland of Shibi in Ninghua Mountain lies at the eastern foot of the Wuyi Mountains, on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi. Located in Shili Village, Shibi Town, 22 kilometers west of Ninghua County, Fujian (about ten kilometers west of Xinlu), Shibi is known as the cradle of the Hakka people and their ancestral home. With a saying that goes, "There's a big locust tree in the north and Shili Village in the south," Shibi is known as the Hakka people's cradle and ancestral homeland.
The Shibi Hakka Ancestral Hall in Ninghua is the ancestral temple of the Hakka people worldwide. Since its completion in 1995, the Shibi Hakka Ancestral Land Scenic Area has hosted an annual ancestral worship ceremony for the Hakka people worldwide. October of each year has been designated "Ancestor Worship Month," and the ceremony has been successfully held for 11 years. Over the past 11 years, the Shibi Hakka Ancestral Land Scenic Area has welcomed 370,000 visitors from 19 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China, as well as 30 countries and regions overseas. Among them are 180 overseas groups seeking ancestral roots and 33,864 visitors representing over 80 Hakka groups. The "Hakka Ancestral Land" brand is gaining increasing recognition among Hakkas overseas, and the number of people returning to Shibi to trace their roots and pay homage to their ancestors continues to grow year by year. The Shibi Hakka Ancestral Land in Ninghua is recognized by Hakkas both domestically and internationally as their "Mecca" and "pilgrimage center." Precisely because of its special place in Hakka history, Shibi is highly valued and admired by Hakkas and historians, even being considered a "holy place" and a "totem." Hakka people, scholars and journalists from home and abroad have come here to trace their roots, pay homage to their ancestors and conduct research.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Merit Stele, Yuping Hall, Wenbo Pavilion, etc.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
30 yuan/person
08:30-16:30
The Hakka ancestral land in Sanming is renowned for its unique Hakka culture and architecture. The Hakka people are famous for their earthen houses, known as tulou, which were designed for defense and communal living. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its historical significance.
The Hakka ancestral land is located in Sanming, Fujian. It can be accessed by bus or taxi from Sanming city center. The area is not easily accessible by metro, so traveling by bus or private car is recommended.
The Hakka ancestral land is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn, as the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded compared to the peak summer months.
The entrance fee varies depending on the specific tulou or village you wish to visit, but it is generally around 50-100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of each tulou or online through local tourism platforms.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (Spring Festival, National Holidays). Booking 1-2 days in advance should suffice, but it’s always safer to check the availability online.
You will need approximately 3-4 hours to fully explore the Hakka ancestral land, including visits to tulou, cultural sites, and local villages. If you wish to explore in greater detail, it may take the whole day.
The key highlights include the iconic tulou, such as the Chengqilou and the Zhenchenglou, which are great examples of Hakka architecture. Also, visiting the local Hakka villages gives you a glimpse into traditional life and customs.
Guided tours are available, and they are typically in Mandarin. Some tour guides may offer services in English. Audio guides are also available in various languages, including English.
The best photography spots are from the top of the tulou structures, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The tulou themselves are also stunning architectural subjects, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is softer.
Start by visiting the largest and most famous tulou (such as Chengqilou), then explore the surrounding smaller tulou. Afterward, walk through the Hakka villages to experience local culture and traditions. Don’t forget to stop for traditional Hakka meals along the way.
Night visits are generally not available, but some tulou may host special cultural performances or events during certain times of the year. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the history and architecture.
The Hakka ancestral land can be crowded during public holidays and weekends. To avoid large crowds, visit during weekdays or in the off-season (spring and autumn), particularly in the early morning hours.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at most tulou sites. You can also find small shops selling local handicrafts and snacks. Some areas may have food stalls or local restaurants offering traditional Hakka dishes.
The Hakka ancestral land may not be fully accessible to people with limited mobility due to uneven terrain and stairs in some tulou. However, children and elderly visitors can generally navigate the area with some assistance.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at most locations. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it's advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are several small restaurants serving traditional Hakka cuisine near the tulou sites. Local dishes include Hakka-style preserved pork, rice, and pickled vegetables. You can also find cafes offering tea and snacks in nearby villages.
Vegetarian options are available in the area, though the food is mostly meat-based, particularly pork. Vegan and halal options are more limited, but some restaurants may offer vegetarian-friendly dishes upon request.
There are a few guesthouses and boutique hotels near the Hakka tulou. For more options, consider staying in Sanming city and taking a day trip to the ancestral land. Accommodations range from basic guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
Other nearby attractions include the Tulous of Yongding, which are part of the same Hakka cultural heritage, and the picturesque Wuyi Mountain, known for its scenic beauty and tea culture. Both can be visited in a day trip from the Hakka ancestral land.
You can find local souvenir shops selling Hakka handicrafts, such as embroidery, tea sets, and wooden carvings. Traditional Hakka foods like pickles and preserved meats are also popular souvenirs.
From the Hakka ancestral land, you can take a taxi or bus back to Sanming city. If you're continuing your journey to nearby attractions like Wuyi Mountain, buses or trains from Sanming are available.
