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Explore the beautiful Yongding Earth Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Longyan Museum for an understanding of the region's history. Trek through the Wuyi Mountains, a scenic area with rich biodiversity. Experience the local tea culture, especially Longyan’s famous Oolong tea.
Longyan, the inland coastal city closest to Xiamen, boasts not only stunning natural scenery but also the mysterious Hakka Tulou (earth buildings) and the glorious revolutionary culture of the Gutian Conference. The "Hakka Tour," featuring the Yongding Hakka Tulou; the "Green Tour," exemplified by Guanzhi Mountain, Longgu Cave, Jiupeng Creek, and Meihua Mountain; and the "Red Tour," exemplified by the Gutian Conference site, have made Longyan world-renowned. Chigo Shenzhou Amusement Park, Fujian Province's largest fifth-generation theme park, also adds a touch of joy to Longyan.
Subtropical maritime monsoon climate;
Spring and summer are suitable for visiting;
Recommended number of days: 3 days
Fujian Tulou Yongding Scenic Area
A National 5A-level scenic spot and a World Cultural Heritage site, it's also nicknamed "a rare gem of ancient Chinese architecture." The scenic area primarily comprises the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, Gaobei Tulou Cluster, Chuxi Tulou Cluster, Nanxi Tulou Cluster, and Zhongchuan Ancient Village. The area boasts a variety of styles, including round, square, pentagonal, and octagonal tulou. With 360 extant round tulou and over 4,000 square tulou, it's been dubbed "a Chinese Hakka Tulou Museum without gates."
Zhencheng Building
Many of the Hakka tulou in Yongding are designed according to the Bagua diagram, deeply imprinted with the imprint of traditional Chinese culture. The Zhencheng Building is a prime example. Its front door is the "Xun" trigram, while the back door is the "Qian" trigram. The outer building has four floors, each with 48 rooms, six rooms per trigram. Each trigram has a staircase, forming a unit. Archways connect the trigrams. If a thief breaks into the house, the trigram doors can be locked, catching them alive.
Liancheng Guanzhi Mountain
Guanzhi Mountain is a national key scenic spot located 1.5 kilometers east of Liancheng County. It is a steep mountain rising from the plain, and its peak resembles a giant crown, hence the name "Guanzhi".
Guanzhi Mountain is known for its steep peaks and strange rocks, which look like a lotus about to bloom from a distance. Together with Wuyi Mountain, it is known as "the two wonders of Danxia, the North Yi and the South Zhi".
Longyan is historically significant for its rich cultural heritage and the unique Fujian Earth Buildings (Tulou). It played an important role in the ancient trade routes and is known for its tea cultivation, especially Oolong tea.
Longyan is located in southwestern Fujian province. It can be reached by train or bus from Xiamen or Fuzhou. Taxis and local buses can take you around the city and to major attractions like the Earth Buildings.
Most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Ticket prices for the Earth Buildings range from ¥30 to ¥80, depending on the site. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some sites may offer online booking, especially during peak seasons.
Booking in advance is recommended during busy tourist seasons like national holidays. Booking a few days ahead is usually enough.
One day is enough to explore the main attractions, such as the Earth Buildings and the Wuyi Mountains. If you want to explore in more detail, consider staying for two days.
The Yongding Earth Buildings are the main attraction. Be sure to visit the Fujian Tulou and the Wuyi Mountain scenic area for hiking and natural beauty.
Guided tours are available at the Earth Buildings and Wuyi Mountain. Most guides speak Mandarin, though some may offer English-speaking services upon request.
The Earth Buildings themselves are unique structures for photography. Wuyi Mountain also offers fantastic viewpoints, with scenic vistas over lush green hills and tea plantations.
Start with the Yongding Earth Buildings in the morning. Afterward, visit the Longyan Museum. Spend the afternoon hiking or exploring the Wuyi Mountains.
Night visits are generally not available for the Earth Buildings, but some attractions may offer special tours during the peak season or festivals.
Longyan is generally less crowded than major tourist cities in China. The least crowded times are weekdays outside of public holidays, especially in spring or autumn.
Basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and food stalls are available at most major attractions, including the Earth Buildings and Wuyi Mountain. Larger sites may have restaurants and souvenir shops.
While the Earth Buildings are mostly accessible, some areas may have uneven ground or stairs. The Wuyi Mountains offer some challenging hikes but also have easier routes suitable for families and elderly visitors.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted in Longyan. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or in more remote areas.
Longyan has a variety of local restaurants serving Fujian cuisine, such as stir-fried rice noodles and Oolong tea-based dishes. There are also small cafes and tea houses in the city center and near major attractions.
Yes, there are vegetarian and halal food options available, especially in areas with a significant Muslim population.
Longyan offers a range of accommodations, including budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Some options are located near major attractions like the Earth Buildings or the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Wuyi Mountain National Park and the historic city of Xiamen, which can be easily visited as part of a day trip.
Souvenir shops in Longyan sell local tea, Oolong tea-related products, traditional handicrafts, and cultural items like bamboo crafts and calligraphy materials.
You can travel by train or bus to nearby cities such as Xiamen or Fuzhou. Renting a car is also an option for exploring the region further.
