Introducing Tianluokeng Tulou
The Tianluokeng Tulou complex is located in Tianluokeng Village, Shangban Village, Shuyang County, western Nanjing County, Fujian Province. It is the home of the Huang clan. Nestled on the slopes of Huqiu Mountain at an altitude of 787.8 meters, 60 kilometers from Nanjing County, the complex comprises the square Buyun Tower, the circular Zhenchang Tower, Ruiyun Tower, Hechang Tower, and the oval Wenchang Tower, all of which are well-preserved.
Tianluokeng is surrounded by mountains on the east, west and north, and a large area of terraced fields on the south. The five earth buildings are built according to the construction method of the five-room Mingtang in "Kaogong Ji". Its orientation is "East Jia and Yi wood, West Gengshen metal, South Bing and Ding fire, North Ren and Gui water", that is, "metal, wood, water, fire and earth". A square earth building of earth is in the middle, and four circular buildings surround it above, below, left and right, which are jokingly called "four dishes and one soup".
The Tianluokeng Tulou cluster is the most distinctive example of Nanjing's Tulou. UNESCO consultant Stevens Andrews called it "a unique, mythical mountain architectural model in the world." Professor Lu Bingjie of Shanghai Tongji University, after completing the "Atlas of Field Surveys of Yuanzhai, Nanjing, Fujian," remarked, "If you haven't seen the Tianluokeng Tulou cluster, you haven't truly seen Tulou." Tulou are like an endlessly readable book, not only a unique gem in Chinese architectural history but also a reflection of the traditional culture of the Hakka people, who have lived together in clans for generations.
Four round buildings surround a square one, resembling a plum blossom in full bloom, a breathtaking spectacle of beauty and brilliance, or a majestic quintet symphony, resonating passionately amidst the verdant mountains and picturesque waters. From the road at the bottom of the slope, looking upward, the Tianluokeng Tulou complex appears like the Potala Palace, towering majestically, solemn and awe-inspiring, its splendor shimmering in the sunlight.
Climate and best time to travel
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Tickets
90 yuan/person
Attraction opening hours
8:00-21:00
Most Popular FAQs for Tianluokeng Tulou
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Tianluokeng Tulou is a famous Hakka residential complex located in Nanjing County, Fujian Province. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it consists of five tulou buildings—four round and one square—forming a layout known as “Four Dishes and a Soup.” These earthen structures were built for communal living and defense, symbolizing the Hakka people's unity and resilience. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fujian Tulou.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province.
- From Xiamen: take a bus or train to Nanjing County, then hire a taxi or local minivan to Tianluokeng Tulou (about 2.5–3 hours).
- From Nanjing Tulou Visitor Center: shuttle buses and tourist vans run regularly to the site.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
- Best time to visit: March to November when the weather is pleasant and rice terraces are green and lush.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Entrance fee: around RMB 100 (includes access to Tianluokeng cluster and nearby attractions like Yuchang Building and Taxia Village).
- Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate or via local travel agencies and online travel platforms such as Ctrip.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is not mandatory for regular visits, but it is recommended during public holidays or festival seasons to avoid crowds and secure transportation.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
Approximately 2–3 hours are enough to explore the tulou cluster, nearby village, and viewpoint. A half-day trip is ideal if including nearby attractions.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Heavenly Snail Pit Tulou Cluster (main viewing area).
- Yuchang Building, one of the oldest tulous nearby.
- Taxia Village for its riverside tulous and scenic beauty.
- Viewing platform for the famous aerial perspective.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Local guided tours are available in Chinese and occasionally in English. Audio guides may be offered at the visitor center or through mobile apps.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- The main observation deck above Tianluokeng Tulou provides the best panoramic view of the “Four Dishes and a Soup.”
- Hill paths around the village offer alternative angles for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start from the viewing platform for a panoramic view.
- Descend to the tulou cluster and explore the circular and square buildings.
- Walk through the Hakka village lanes to interact with locals.
- Visit nearby Yuchang Building and Taxia Village to complete the tour.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are generally not available as the site closes in the evening. However, some homestays in the village offer night stays to experience tulou life after dark.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Most crowded during weekends and Chinese holidays (especially Golden Week).
- Least crowded on weekday mornings and during the off-season (December to February).
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Toilets near the entrance and viewing area.
- Small local restaurants, tea houses, and souvenir shops within the village.
- Rest areas and benches near main viewpoints.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Moderately accessible. Paths are uneven and hilly, which may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small shops or rural stalls that may not support digital payments.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local Hakka restaurants inside the village offering home-style meals.
- Small tea houses near the tulou for snacks and drinks.
- Nearby towns have more dining options for visitors.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian options are available upon request, mainly consisting of tofu, vegetables, and rice dishes. Halal options are limited.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Tulou Fuyulou Changdi Inn – inside a tulou building for authentic experience.
- Tulou Yunshang Guesthouse – modern comforts with traditional style.
- Nanjing Tulou Resort – convenient for visitors planning multi-site tours.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Taxia Village – a picturesque Hakka village nearby.
- Yuchang Building – famous leaning tulou built in the Yuan Dynasty.
- Hekeng Tulou Cluster – another scenic group of earthen buildings.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Handmade crafts, Hakka snacks, tulou-themed keychains, and teas.
- Local specialties like dried bamboo shoots and handmade cloth products.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Return bus or private car to Nanjing County or Xiamen.
- Continue to other Fujian Tulou clusters (e.g., Yongding or Chuxi) for a full Hakka cultural experience.
