[2025 Nanjing Attraction] Travel Guide for Tulou Complex at Hekeng Village (Updated Mar)

After visiting the stunning yet crowded Tianluokeng tulou cluster in Nanjing county, I decided to visit a more quiet, less touristy one. To do so, I headed to Hekeng cluster, which is located few kilometers from Tianluokeng (approximately 30 minutes drive, if no traffic jam... and yes, the road around Tianluokeng can get extremely jammed...) In Hekeng you can admire the quiet, local lifestyle, far from the tourists. The tulou here are smaller and not commercial, perfect to admire the real tulou life. Climb up to the view point to enjoy a panoramic sight of the village! Entrance ticket is 40rmb @architectureontheroad #tulou #tianluokeng #fujian

#fallingforfall Pictures speak louder than words ✌️ How to get there:we came by car from Xiamen, about 3h drive What’s to see: earth buildings, culture, nice autumn getaway Costs: 150 each Time needed: full weekend to stroll around Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸 IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld

Getting There - Train to Xiamen Railway station or Xiamen North Railway Station and car from there to Tulou Complex. I personally recommend to hire a guide as they know better what to show you and where to go (but about it a bit later ☺️) Attractions - It’s a beautiful authentic village where you can see how people were living long time ago keeping their traditions and enjoying life without technology. All round buildings have little souvenir shops with traditional food, tea and art. Hotels - I recommend to stay one day in Xiamen as it’s green and peaceful city. we stayed in Palm Beach hotel which is closer to Xiamen Railway station, has clean rooms and friendly service. Later in Tulou find a Flower Hotel, they have five rooms in authentic round building and you’ll have a chance to experience it from inside! Food & Restaurants - must try is a local wine 🍷 they made from different berry and it’s just delicious! all the food places we have visited was shown us by a guide je new thé places where it will be local and delicious 🤤 Shopping - Souvenirs and picture spots are everywhere around you! #awesomepic#familytravel#tulou#mulan

Getting There - We flew to Xiamen and then got a train to Nanjing railway station (not nanjing station) and then a taxi driver picked us up there and took us to the hotel. The taxi was 200RMB. Attractions - Tianluokeng Tulou cluster. One day is enough to enjoy the attraction, but its magical! The Fujian tulou (earth buildings) are Chinese rural dwellings unique to the Hakka in the mountainous areas in southeastern Fujian, China. They were mostly built between the 12th and the 20th centuries. Hotels - We stayed at Wind Bridge Hotel. Its located near a river in a small village. You can take a car to the attraction site. The hotel is nice, minimalist, built with stones but very comfortable. They provide meals but we suggest bringing snacks. Food & Restaurants - Its a short trip, but we really enjoyed a popular restaurant near the river on the way to the attraction. All locals know about it you can just ask! Shopping - You can buy some tea and local food produced in the region inside the Tulou houses directly from the locals. Some souvenir shops also available around the attractions. Duration: As the area is a bit remote you will need: One full day to arrive. One day to explore. One day leaving the region. Perfect for a weekend trip; Friday to Sunday. #china #weekendretrip #tolou #naturalwonders #unescoworldheritage

Getting There - super easy. super fast. 45 min train ide from Xiamen. Attractions - out of this world. spend the whole day in between nature, history, movie backdrops and tasty local food. don’t forget the tea. it’s just a small step from the bissle of down town - any down town cause trains are wicked fast here - and having Mulan wet my appetite - I walk ancient forests, and visited bamboo fields. had local grapefruit - go have a look, I have no idea how they harvest them from these steep slopes - and tea. and sea food. and River Fish. and Snacks. all in all a day we’ll spend getting to know history. #nationalpark#naturalwonders#summervacation#urbanexplorer

The earth building has seen more, and it feels almost the same. It is nothing more than a tour group that enters and exits, an endless commercial booth, and most of the earth buildings that are tourist attractions have been commercialized. If you happen to pass through Hekeng Village in Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, you will find that the earth buildings here are not the same. Hengkeng Village is 58 kilometers away from Nanjing County. Visitors coming to Nanjing to see the earth building generally choose Yunshuiyu or Tianluokeng, two famous scenic spots. Whether it is popularity or convenient transportation, Hekeng Tulou Group Can not match the above two scenic spots. Because of this, this group of earth buildings was preserved intact and quietly hidden in the mountains. There is a small hill a few hundred meters away from Hekeng Village, which is less than 100 meters high. The observation deck on the mountain overlooks the entire Tulou group. The Hekeng Tulou Group contains more than a dozen earth buildings. The earliest earth building here is called Chaoshui Building. It was built in 1549. It is a group of earth buildings in the Ming Dynasty. Entering Hekeng Village, there is no tourist bus. There are not many cars in the village. Chickens and ducks walk around and are not afraid of tourists. Entered a large-scale earth building called Yuchang Building. There is only one door in and out of the whole earth building. The earth building is huge. This earth building has three floors. From the clothes drying in the second and third floors, there are still many people living. In the middle of the earth building is a flat square, which is a public activity area for the residents of the earth building.

Hundreds of years ago, the ancestors of Hekeng built seven square earth buildings in this valley. As the people proliferated, the descendants gradually inserted seven circular earth buildings in the gaps of the square buildings. Overlooking the river pit, 7 square buildings and 7 round buildings, respectively, became two Big Dipper. Represents Tulou: Yuchang Building, Shengqing Building, Nanyan Building Hangkeng Tulou Group Tour : Stop at the observation deck of the village entrance and spend 10 minutes on the observation deck overlooking Big Dipper. Then walk down the mountain to the river pit, walk along the field, admire the peculiarity of the square building, and the rich living atmosphere of this earth building that has not been developed by the shackles. If you cant see the building, its the deepest part of the valley. Building: Shengqing Building, this is the oldest earth building here. The typical Hakka Bao Bao Lou architectural form, the atrium of the atrium, the moss is faint, nominating , it has many imaginations and yearnings. There is also the South Smoke House, the only five-corner building in all earth buildings. The advantages of Hekeng Tulou Line : The original ecological village is still full of life. Tickets : 50 yuan / person (said to eat inside can be free of tickets) recommended tour time : 1.5-2 hours into the river pit, it is the season of transplanting, / Hh / green spring seedlings like a carpet covered with the interval of the house rain after the clean air, sweeping a thousand miles of tired holding the child's hand, step by step toward the spring here Yu Chang Lou, a group of star children in "Daddy Goes 3".

🌈Highlights: Shiqiao Ancient Village, nestled in the tranquil landscape of Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, offers a serene and rustic escape. With no entrance fee, you can step into this timeless wonderland. 63 unique tulou (earthen buildings) are scattered throughout the village, including the Shunyu Lou, a Guinness World Record holder boasting 369 rooms—the world's largest single-ring corridor-style round tulou. Wandering through this village feels like stepping back in time, immersing yourself in its simplicity and original charm. 🚗Getting There: • By car: • From Nanjing County: A short 50 km drive, approximately 50 mins. • From Zhangzhou City: Approximately 80–90 km, about 1 hr 20 mins. • From Xiamen City: Approximately 150 km, about a 2 hr drive. • Parking: Free parking lots are available at the village entrance and within the village. 🚩Visiting Tips: No queues are expected. Shiqiao Ancient Village, with its off-the-beaten-path charm, rarely gets crowded, even during holidays. Visitors can freely explore and enjoy the tranquility. 👍️Why Visit: Shiqiao Ancient Village not only preserves traditional architecture but also blends natural beauty with cultural history. Far from the urban hustle, it's an ideal place to find inner peace and experience a simpler life. The grandeur of Shunyu Lou, the stylish design of Nanyuan Inn, and the surrounding attractions make every visit memorable. 📅Suggested Itinerary: • Morning: Upon arrival, visit Shunyu Lou to learn about its history and architectural features. Then, stroll through the village, exploring other tulou and soaking in the rustic atmosphere. • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Hekeng Tulou Cluster (3 km, 5 mins by car) to admire more tulou wonders. Afterward, drive to Meilin Ancient Town (6 km, 10 mins by car) for a taste of ancient town charm. If time permits, continue to Taxia Scenic Area (8 km, 15 mins by car) to experience the perfect fusion of natural beauty and cultural landscapes. • Evening: Return to Shiqiao Ancient Village, savor home-style dishes at local restaurants, and enjoy the peaceful night. 🍜Food Guide: Shiqiao Ancient Village has several small restaurants offering authentic home-style cuisine. Try local specialties like Tulou Chicken and Bamboo Rice for a taste of Minnan flavors. You might also find small shops selling local products like tea and preserved fruits, perfect as souvenirs. 🏨Accommodation: Nanyuan Inn, one of the few accommodation options in the village, boasts a stylish design, perfect for both stays and photos. For more choices, consider booking hotels in nearby Nanjing County or Zhangzhou City. However, to fully experience the tranquility and rustic charm of Shiqiao Ancient Village, staying overnight in the village is recommended. 💗Other Tips: • What to wear: Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking are recommended. • Photography: Shunyu Lou, the tulou clusters, and other scenic spots are a photographer's paradise. Bring your camera or phone to capture beautiful moments. Pay attention to lighting and composition for artistic photos. • Respect local customs: Please respect local customs and religious beliefs and avoid disturbing the villagers' daily lives. • Eco-friendly travel: Maintain environmental hygiene, do not litter, and help preserve this beautiful place.

📍Address: Hekeng Group, Qujiang Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province 🕙Opening hours: 8:00–18:00 ⏳Duration: 3–4 hours 🎫Ticket information: CNY 40/person 🏨Hotel environment: Tsingpu Tulou Retreat (Nanjing Tulou) I highly recommend the cultural experience activities at Tsingpu Tulou Retreat. There are different activities every day, such as handicrafts or tulou tours. We visited the Hekeng Tulou Cluster with a guide arranged by the retreat. The guide was very detailed, and she even sang us a local Hakka song, which was very beautiful. ❤Recommended reason: Compared with the King of Tulou, Prince of Tulou, or Yunshuiyao Scenic Area, the Hekeng Tulou Cluster is a very low-key attraction among the tulou attractions in Fujian. Many tourists don't come here on purpose. Because of this, Hekeng Tulou is almost free of commercialization and crowds. The tulou of different ages are scattered like stars at the foot of Shizishan Mountain, peaceful and tranquil. 🌟Highlights: The Hekeng Tulou Cluster was built over a period of more than 400 years, from the earliest Chaoshui Building (1549–1553) to the latest Yongqing Building (1967–1972). The seven square tulou built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the seven round tulou built in modern times form two groups of "Big Dipper" formations, complementing each other and forming a perfect combination of square and round. It is known as the "fairy mountain pavilion." 👍Most recommended: The village is not big. You can drive into the scenic area and then walk around. From the Shizishan Mountain Viewing Platform at the entrance of the village, you can overlook the "Big Dipper." It is said that since the Hekeng Tulou Cluster was built, except for normal maintenance, the wall structure and interior and exterior spaces of the tulou have remained unchanged. Most of the young and middle-aged people in the village work outside, leaving only the elderly and children behind. Occasionally, when they meet "intruders" like us, they don't refuse our request to go upstairs and have a look. 📅2024.01.15 📷Sony a7r2 + Tamron 28-200

For this photo, I trekked through 4️⃣ groups of earthen buildings||Speaking of Fujian, everyone should be familiar with the earthen buildings. The earthen buildings are not only a secluded paradise hidden in the mountains but also represent the wisdom of ancient people. 1️⃣ Tianluokeng earthen building cluster: (Four dishes and one soup) Standing on the viewing platform to take photos of the lit-up earthen buildings creates a full atmosphere. If you're lucky, you might encounter a foggy day, which gives the earthen buildings shrouded in mist an even more mysterious feel. 2️⃣ Hekeng earthen building cluster: Compared to the other earthen building clusters, this one is relatively quiet. There are very few tourists during the off-season, making it suitable for a peaceful and slow experience. 3️⃣ Yunshuiyao earthen building cluster: This is the place with the most tourists and relatively the most beautiful scenery. If you want to take good photos, it's best to arrive in the morning. 4️⃣ Shiqiao Village earthen building cluster: There are also fewer tourists here. With small bridges and flowing water, it's more pristine and undeveloped, and no entrance fee is required. Aerial photography is very beautiful here. 🚘Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. Public transportation: From Nanjing High-speed Railway Station, take the 6️⃣ bus on the right-hand side to Yunyao. If you're going to Tianluokeng, get off at the tourist center station and take a scenic shuttle bus. It's hard to hail a taxi within the scenic area. For the return trip, I took a shuttle bus from Tianluokeng, which is specially for villagers, to the tourist center, and then took the 6️⃣ bus to Nanjing Railway Station. (For your reference only) Fujian·China

Wow😆, Zhangzhou is a super awesome👍 tourist destination! It is located on the southeast coast of Fujian👏, a beautiful and vibrant place🤩. 🎈The general itinerary is as follows: First, arrive at Yunshuiyao Ancient Town😃, to feel its simple charm; then go to Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster🤩, to appreciate the unique architectural style👏; next is Taxia Village🌸, to enjoy the fresh pastoral scenery🌾; then to Hekeng Tulou Cluster🎯, to experience the historical sediment📕; followed by Huaiyuan Building🏯, to feel the rich cultural connotations🥰; then to Hegui Building😜, to experience the warm atmosphere🤓; next is Yuchang Building🎁, to admire its wonderful structure😍; and finally to the Volcano Island🌋, to enjoy the spectacular seaside scenery🐾. 🎯These eight attractions each have their own characteristics: 🏯Yunshuiyao Ancient Town: Antique buildings🏠, like a paradise🤩. 🏘Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: The unique 'Four Dishes and One Soup' shape👍, is amazing😲. 🌃Taxia Village: The mountains are clear and the water is beautiful🌲, as if you are in a painting🎨. 🏚Hekeng Tulou Cluster: Well-preserved Tulou cluster🤓, witnessing the vicissitudes of history📜. ⛩Huaiyuan Building: Exquisite architectural style😍, containing profound cultural heritage🥰. 🌸Hegui Building: The concept of harmony🤗, conveying warmth and harmony🤝. 🏠Yuchang Building: Leaning to the side but extremely sturdy😜, it is astonishing🤯. 🌋Volcano Island: Spectacular volcanic landforms🌋, charming beach scenery🐾. 🎫It is worth mentioning that😃, Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is free of charge😆! 🤗Personal travel experience tips: Remember to wear comfortable shoes👟, as there are many places to stroll🚶♀️. Sun protection is essential🌞, bring sunscreen, hats, etc.👒. Try the local cuisine🥢, it will bring you unexpected surprises😍! 🚌Transportation strategy: Rent a car for a self-driving tour🚗, explore the surrounding beauty at will🤩. Public transportation is also very convenient🚌, economical and convenient👏. 😋Strongly recommended local food streets: 🍡Ancient City Food Street: A dazzling array of snacks😜, making you linger🤤. 🍤Seafood Food Street: Fresh seafood🦀, enjoy the gifts of the sea😍. 🍜Specialty Food Street: A variety of special dishes🥘, satisfying your taste buds👄. 🍧Dessert Food Street: Sweet and delicious desserts🍨, adding a touch of sweetness to your trip🤩. 🌈Zhangzhou, this charming city🏙, has too much beauty waiting for you to discover🎁. Beautiful scenery🌅, unique culture📚, delicious food🥘, everything is fascinating😍. Come on🎉, you will definitely fall in love with this place🥰!

Nestled among the lofty mountains, Taxia Village boasts a unique cluster of earthen buildings, grand in scale and intricate in structure. Each tulou is a witness to time, bearing the hard work, intelligence, and profound cultural heritage of the Hakka people. Wandering through the cobblestone alleys feels like traveling back to bygone years, with every brick and tile exuding a simple and ancient charm. 🍀 Must-visit attractions: 1. Zhang Family Ancestral Temple: Visit this centuries-old ancestral hall to delve deep into Hakka culture and family heritage. 2. Tulou Tour: Don't miss the iconic earthen buildings like 'Deyuan Hall' and 'Shunyu Building', and experience the unique charm of this World Cultural Heritage site. 3. Riverside Trail: Stroll along the winding streams, enjoy the pastoral scenery, and embrace the tranquility and harmony of nature. 🍀 Detailed address: Taxia Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province 🍀 Transportation tips: Departing from Zhangzhou city center, you can choose to drive or take a long-distance bus to Nanjing County, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Shuyang Town, and finally take a local minibus or taxi directly to Taxia Village. 🍀 Food recommendations: Taxia Village's cuisine features authentic Hakka dishes, such as the distinctive clay pot chicken, stuffed tofu, and braised pork with preserved mustard greens, which are all unforgettable. Additionally, the local bamboo shoots and handmade glutinous rice cakes and rice wine are also worth a try. 🍀 Nearby attractions recommendations: 1. Yunshuiyao Ancient Town: Not far from Taxia Village, the ancient banyan tree cluster, cobblestone paths, and spectacular tulou cluster create a picturesque pastoral scene. 2. Hekeng Tulou Cluster: Listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, it is another excellent place to explore the culture of earthen buildings.

Fujian's Hakka Tulou ('Earth Buildings' 土楼 Tǔlóu /too-loh/) are unique, usually round, fort-like buildings, built with a mixture of clay and sandy soil. These rare buildings were designed by the circumspect Hakka minority as large fortresses and apartment buildings in one, and were inscribed by UNESCO as a cluster of World Cultural Heritage Sites in 2008. In the first trailer for Disney's lively action film Mulan (release date: March 27, 2020), Mulan's home is a Fujian tulou. Because of their large, round shapes in clusters, tulou satellite images produced great speculation during the Cold War. They were even believed by Western countries to be China's nuclear missile silos! m