Discover the Hakka "UFO Dropped from the Sky"

Yongding Tulou is a World Cultural Heritage site and the filming location of the movie "Big Fish & Begonia." The unique Hakka culture and architectural style are definitely worth a visit. This concise guide will help you quickly understand how to explore.

🏮 Complete Guide to Yongding Tulou

🚗 Transportation Guide

· High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train from Xiamen North or Shenzhen North to Longyan Station (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to the Tulou shuttle bus to Hongkeng Village.
· Self-driving route: Depart from Xiamen, take the Nanjing exit and enter Provincial Road S203 directly (about 2.5 hours). The mountainous area has many curves, so drive carefully.

🗺 Must-visit Tulou Clusters

Tulou Cluster Name | Core Highlights | Suggested Visit Duration
Hongkeng Tulou Cluster | Zhencheng Lou ("Tulou Prince," a blend of Chinese and Western styles), Kuiju Lou (palace-style structure), Fuyu Lou (representative of the Five Phoenix Lou) | About 2 hours
Gaobei Tulou Cluster | Chengqi Lou ("Tulou King," grand scale), Shize Lou (great for "circle-square" composition photography) | About 1.5 hours
Chuxi Tulou Cluster | Jiqing Lou (oldest, most stairs), Shengqing Lou, overall more original and natural | About 1.5 hours

🗓 Classic Itinerary Plans

One-day Highlights Tour:
Visit Hongkeng Tulou Cluster in the morning, including Zhencheng Lou and Kuiju Lou. In the afternoon, head to Gaobei Tulou Cluster, focusing on the "Tulou King" Chengqi Lou.

Two-day In-depth Tour:
· Day 1: Morning visit to Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, enjoy Hakka cuisine at noon, then go to Gaobei Tulou Cluster in the afternoon, and stay overnight at a Tulou guesthouse to experience the night view.
· Day 2: Explore the more original Chuxi Tulou Cluster, and in the afternoon consider visiting the Yunshuiyao Ancient Town in Nanjing on the way.

📸 Photography Tips

· Zhencheng Lou: Shoot from the high ground opposite the main gate to capture the classic scene of lanterns and circular rings.
· Chengqi Lou: Photograph from the second floor of Shize Lou to create a unique "circle-square CP" composition.
· Chuxi Viewing Platform: Around 7 a.m. is the perfect time to capture morning mist, terraced fields, and Tulou in one frame.

🍜 Food Recommendations

· Taro Bun: Soft and glutinous outer skin with savory filling, a Hakka specialty snack.
· Salt Wine Chicken: Tender chicken with a unique rice wine aroma, warming both heart and stomach.
· Stuffed Tofu: Chewy outside and tender inside, perfectly blending bean and meat flavors, very appetizing.

💡 Practical Tips

1. Tickets: It is recommended to book tickets one day in advance through official or authorized online travel platforms, sometimes with small discounts.
2. Climbing Tulou: Some Tulou allow climbing for visits, which may charge a small fee (about 10 yuan); please confirm in advance.
3. Dress: Be sure to wear comfortable sports shoes as there is a lot of walking.
4. Respect: Residents still live inside the Tulou; please keep quiet during visits and do not enter private areas without permission.

We hope this guide helps you better plan your trip to Yongding Tulou. Wishing you an unforgettable journey in this "Eastern Ancient Castle"!