The highs and Tulou's of Tianluokeng
by RobinMowat
Apr 26, 2023
Deep in Fujian's mountains, we discovered a real-life "magical castle"🏰! The Fujian Tulou are not just spectacular ancient architectural complexes but also vibrant living scenes filled with local charm. Follow this guide to unlock a unique Tulou journey~
**Must-Visit Tulou Clusters**
🔹 **Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster**: Don’t just snap photos of the "Four Dishes and One Soup"! Stroll along the stone-paved paths between the Tulou, where you might meet grannies carrying bamboo baskets👵🏻 or even step into a local’s home for a bowl of warm ground tea. At sunset, the entire Tulou glows orange—head to the viewing platform for stunning silhouette shots!
🔹 **Yunshuiyao Ancient Town**: Romance straight out of a movie! Ancient banyan trees with aerial roots, cobblestone paths beside babbling streams🌳. Sit by the creek at a cozy shop, savor freshly made taro cakes while listening to the water—pure bliss~ At night, the town sparkles with fairy lights, like stepping into a fairy tale!
🔹 **Hekeng Tulou Cluster**: A hidden gem! So few tourists you might have the whole place to yourself📸! From the viewing platform, 14 Tulou scatter across the green hills like chess pieces. Psst... the sunset here is even more serene and gentle than Tianluokeng’s~
**Super Fun Tulou Experiences**
✅ **Night Tour**: After dark, red lanterns adorn the Tulou walls🏮. Follow a guide to hear spooky legends—thrilling and addictive!
✅ **Hands-On Crafting**: Learn to make miniature rammed-earth wall models with masters at Yuchanglou, taking home a piece of ancient wisdom as a souvenir~
✅ **Rice Field Cycling**: Rent a bike🚲 and weave through golden rice fields near the Tulou, with the wind carrying the scent of harvest—perfect for photos!
**Foodie Must-Tries**
✔️ **Tulou Salt-Baked Chicken**: Freshly prepared, tender, and juicy—even the bones are flavorful!
✔️ **Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots**: Mountain-fresh bamboo shoots slow-cooked with pork until melt-in-your-mouth tender—I could devour three bowls of rice with this!
✔️ **Hakka Rice Wine**: Sweet, lightly fermented, and served chilled—perfectly refreshing~
**Pro Tips**
❶ Wear light-colored clothes for better photos, and bring comfy shoes—the stone paths can be tough on feet.
❷ Visit Tianluokeng before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid crowds.
❸ Some Tulou offer homestays, but for comfort, opt for boutique inns near Yunshuiyao.
Turns out, the real "Shangri-La" isn’t just a myth🌿! Come to Fujian Tulou, touch a thousand years of history, and soak in the healing power of slow living. Ready to set off?
Post by Pluie?toiles456 | Jun 10, 2025

















