Stayed at a Tulou hotel in Yongding, felt like time traveling.
🏯 Who would understand! The moment I checked into a century-old Tulou, I truly felt like I had traveled through time.
Honestly, before going to Yongding, I had little concept of Tulou—aren't they just round houses? But when I actually stood inside one, I was completely amazed—this is not just a house, it’s an architectural miracle!
Visiting Yongding in July is just perfect: not too crowded, decent weather, and the Tulous are especially cool inside, like natural air-conditioned rooms. This article shares how I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Yongding Tulou and how to truly experience their charm.
· --
🗺️ My 3-day 2-night in-depth itinerary (relaxed and unhurried version)
Day 1: First encounter with Tulou · Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (the most classic)
Morning: Arrival + Check-in
About 1.5 hours from Longyan, head straight to Hongkeng Village and drop off your luggage. I strongly recommend staying inside a Tulou; it’s a completely different feeling than a hotel. The Tulou at night and early morning are the most atmospheric.
Afternoon: Hongkeng Tulou Folk Culture Village
This is Yongding’s most classic Tulou cluster and the most developed. First-timers must visit.
· Zhencheng Lou: The "Prince of Tulous," a must-see! The design blends Chinese and Western styles exquisitely, with a Bagua (eight-trigram) layout. The carvings and paintings inside are especially delicate. Be sure to go upstairs to see the breathtaking concentric circle structure from above.
· Fuyu Lou: A representative of the Wufeng Lou style, different from round Tulous, it’s square and palace-like, very grand.
· Kuiju Lou: A palace-style Tulou built against the mountain, very imposing.
· Rusheng Lou: The smallest Tulou, super cute, like a little mushroom.
💡 Tips: The Tulous in Hongkeng are quite concentrated; a slow walk takes about 3-4 hours. I recommend hiring a guide; otherwise, you’ll just see the sights. Listening to the history and structure of the Tulous makes it much more interesting.
Evening: Tulou Night View
When it gets dark, the Tulous light up beautifully. At night, the tour groups leave, making it very quiet. Sitting in the courtyard, feeling the breeze and listening to the elders chat inside the Tulou is a wonderful experience.
· --
Day 2: Tulou King + Hidden Gems (the most stunning)
Morning: Gaobei Tulou Cluster — Tulou King Chengqi Lou
This is a must-visit! The "Tulou King" name is well deserved.
· Chengqi Lou: It’s huge! "Four stories high, four rings, four hundred rooms up and down." Seeing it in person is truly shocking. Looking down from the fourth floor, the concentric rings look like a maze. People still live inside, giving it a lively atmosphere.
· Shize Lou: A square Tulou next to Chengqi Lou, great for taking photos of the "square and round sky line," very interesting.
· Wuyun Lou: A Ming Dynasty Tulou, the oldest one, a bit worn but full of history.
💡 Tips: You can go upstairs in Chengqi Lou—definitely do it! The view from above is completely different; not going up is like missing out.
Afternoon: Chuxi Tulou Cluster — Pristine Hidden Spot
Highly recommended! Very few people, very original.
· There are five round Tulous and dozens of square ones scattered among the terraced fields, very beautiful.
· Jiqing Lou: One of the oldest round Tulous, with 72 stairs, very fascinating.
· Don’t miss the viewing platform! Overlooking the entire Tulou cluster surrounded by terraced fields, truly spectacular.
· Almost no commercialization here; it’s pure Tulou life.
When I visited, I was the only tourist in the whole area. That quietness was amazing, allowing a deep feel of the Tulou atmosphere.
· --
Day 3: Nanxi Tulou + Deep Experience (the most leisurely)
Morning: Nanxi Tulou Cluster — The Tulou Great Wall
Nanxi’s Tulous are built along a stream, stretching for several kilometers, called the "Tulou Great Wall."
· Zhenfu Lou: A particularly exquisite Tulou, known as the "Tulou Princess," with a beautiful environment right next to a small stream.
· Yanxiang Lou: A scholarly Tulou, home to many scholars, full of cultural atmosphere.
· Huanji Lou: A Tulou with earthquake-resistant features, very impressive—it survived major earthquakes.
Walking slowly along the stream, viewing each Tulou one by one is very pleasant. Plus, there are few people, so you can take photos however you like.
Afternoon: Hakka Cultural Experience
Just seeing the Tulous isn’t enough; you must experience Hakka culture.
· Learn to make Hakka snacks with local grandmas, very fun.
· Listen to Hakka people tell their migration stories, which deepens your understanding of the Tulous.
· See traditional Hakka crafts like bamboo weaving and tea making.
· --
💡 The right way to enjoy Tulou
1. Don’t just look at the exterior: You must go inside and preferably go upstairs. The feeling inside is completely different from outside.
2. Chat with locals: Many original residents still live in the Tulous. Talking with them reveals many interesting stories.
3. Stay in a Tulou: Strongly recommend spending a night inside. The Tulou at night and early morning are the most beautiful, and you get to experience real Tulou life.
4. Don’t rush: Tulous aren’t just check-in spots; take your time to appreciate them. If you’re in a hurry, it’s better not to go.
5. Hire a guide: For first-timers, a guide is essential. Otherwise, you’ll just see a bunch of houses without understanding their mysteries.
---
📸 Photo spots to share
1. Chengqi Lou 4th floor: Shoot the concentric circles from above, breathtaking (a must!)
2. Chuxi viewing platform: Overlook the entire Tulou cluster and terraced fields, stunning panoramic view.
3. Between Shize Lou and Chengqi Lou: Take the "square and round sky line" photo, very interesting.
4. Inside Zhencheng Lou: Capture the Bagua layout and exquisite carvings.
5. Nanxi Tulou Cluster: Shoot along the stream with Tulous, water, and greenery, very fresh.
6. Tulou night view: When lanterns light up, the atmosphere is magical.
---
⚠️ Notes
1. Sun protection: July is still hot with strong sun, so be sure to protect yourself.
2. Mosquito repellent: There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, especially at night, so bring repellent.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot, and some paths are rough, so sports shoes are best.
4. Respect local customs: People still live in the Tulous, so don’t enter homes casually. Ask before taking photos.
5. Environmental protection: Don’t litter; protect these century-old buildings.
Yongding Tulou is truly a special place. It’s not a trendy tourist spot but a place rich in history, culture, and life. Standing inside a Tulou, looking up at the round sky, you’ll marvel—how did people hundreds of years ago build such amazing structures?
If you love places with history and cultural atmosphere, Yongding Tulou is a must-visit. July is a great time to come—few people, peaceful, and you’ll definitely be amazed!
---
Accommodation
🏨 Du Lv Yongding Tulou · Shengheng Lou World Heritage Homestay
A high-end trendy homestay converted from a century-old Tulou, experience Hakka life inside a World Heritage building, duplex loft design, perfect for photos.
🏨 DrawYe Homestay
A wild luxury homestay composed of two villas, with a 7-story sky viewing tower and a 3-story fairy tale courtyard, excellent environment, full vacation vibe.
🏨 Yongding Fuchuan Yijia Homestay
Hidden in the Fuchuan Village Tulou cluster, renovated from Shuiyuan Lou, featuring open-air hot springs and planting/harvesting activities, very authentic experience.
🏨 Huazhu · Bushe Shanyin · Family Vacation · Natural Scenic Homestay (Longyan Yongding Tulou Branch)
A mountain-view homestay near Hongkeng Village, with Tulou and mountain views right outside the window, quiet environment, complete family facilities, the top choice for vacation and relaxation.