The morning sun cast a golden glow over Xiamen’s coastline as we piled into our rented van, the kids buzzing with excitement. Our destination? The mystical Fujian Tulou, those ancient earthen buildings nestled in the lush mountains of Fujian province. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tulou are more than just architectural marvels; they are living monuments to Hakka culture, history, and community spirit. For families based in or visiting Xiamen, a day trip to these incredible structures is not just feasible—it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Traveling with children requires a delicate balance of education, engagement, and, let’s be honest, ample snack breaks. The Tulou deliver on all fronts. The sheer scale of these circular or rectangular buildings—some over 600 years old—will captivate even the most tablet-obsessed teen. They are often called “earth castles,” and for good reason. Walking into one feels like stepping into a fortress, a world unto itself. For kids, it’s like something out of a fantasy movie, sparking their imagination about how people lived, worked, and played within these walls for centuries.
The journey is a key part of the experience. We opted for a private driver for our family of four, which offered flexibility and comfort. The drive from Xiamen to the most popular cluster, the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster in Yongding, takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. The highway winds through increasingly dramatic scenery—rolling hills giving way to misty, tea-terraced mountains. It’s a perfect time for a family nap or to play some car games.
For the more adventurous family, public buses are available from Xiamen’s key bus stations, but with young children, the convenience of a private car is worth the extra cost. You can also join organized tours, but a private trip allows you to set your own pace, crucial when toddler meltdowns threaten.
Arriving at the Hongkeng Cultural Village feels like entering another era. The first glimpse of the magnificent Zhencheng Lou, with its distinctive circular outer ring and inner hall, is breathtaking. This is where the learning—disguised as fun—begins.
We started at Zhencheng Lou, known as the “prince of Tulou.” Its architecture is a beautiful blend of Chinese and Western styles, a testament to the influence of overseas Hakka communities. The kids were fascinated by the symmetry and the fact that over 50 families still live inside. They ran along the wooden corridors, peeking into open doorways where residents went about their daily lives—an old woman weaving, the smell of tea brewing, the sound of chatter echoing off the ancient walls.
Next was Chengqi Lou, the “king of Tulou.” Its immense size—four concentric rings—is awe-inspiring. We climbed to the higher floors for a classic photo op, looking down into the central courtyard. It’s a powerful visual that helps everyone understand the communal lifestyle. The ground floor is lined with small shops where local residents sell tea, handicrafts, and snacks. This became an instant highlight for our children.
No visit to Fujian is complete without tea, and the Tulou region is famous for its Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) oolong tea. Nearly every household will invite you in for a tasting. We accepted an invitation from a friendly shop owner inside Fuyu Lou, a rectangular tulou. Sitting on small stools, we were guided through the ceremony of brewing and appreciating tea. The kids were given sweet plum treats to go with their (lightly poured) tea. It was a moment of genuine cultural exchange—relaxed, educational, and delicious. We, of course, left with several bags of tea, a perfect souvenir.
Let’s be real: history can sometimes lose its luster for younger minds. The genius of the Tulou is that the experience is so tactile and interactive.
Many of the ticket offices offer a “passport” for kids to collect stamps at each major tulou. This simple activity turned our visit into a thrilling treasure hunt. Our children raced from building to building, proudly presenting their book to be stamped. The small shops also offer unique, affordable souvenirs like miniature wooden tulou models, hand-painted fans, and local candies. It kept them motivated and engaged throughout the day.
Our driver, who doubled as an informal guide, shared stories that brought the walls to life. He told us about how the tulou were designed to be defensive fortresses, with thick walls, only one entrance, and a complex internal water system. He spoke of how the circular shape represented unity and equality among families. The kids were particularly captivated by the tale of the tulou that withstood cannon fire and earthquakes. It was better than any history lesson.
We recommend an early start. Leave Xiamen by 7:30 AM to arrive at the tulou by 10:30, avoiding the largest crowds. The sites are open year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for walking. Summer can be hot and humid, so pack hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Don’t worry about going hungry. Within the Hongkeng village, there are several simple, clean restaurants serving authentic Hakka cuisine. We had a fantastic lunch at a family-run place, trying local specialties like braised pork with preserved vegetables (Meicai Kourou), tofu stuffed with meat, and stir-fried wild mountain greens. The flavors are hearty and generally kid-friendly. For picky eaters, bananas and packaged snacks are readily available from vendors.
Restroom facilities are available at the main entrances and are generally acceptable, though it’s wise to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
A day bag for a tulou trip should include: * Water bottles for everyone. * Snacks (granola bars, fruit, crackers). * Rain jackets or umbrellas (the weather in the mountains can change quickly). * Comfortable walking shoes (there will be a lot of stepping over stone pathways). * Small bills (RMB) for buying snacks, drinks, and small souvenirs from local vendors. * A sense of curiosity and wonder.
The drive back to Xiamen was quiet, the kids exhausted but happy, clutching their miniature tulou models. As the city lights came into view, we reflected on the day. We hadn’t just seen a tourist attraction; we had walked through a living home, shared tea with its residents, and touched history. We had given our children a tangible connection to a culture and a people whose values of community and resilience are more relevant than ever. The Fujian Tulou are not just a day trip from Xiamen; they are a journey into the heart of what makes travel with family so rewarding.
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Author: Xiamen Travel
Link: https://xiamentravel.github.io/travel-blog/xiamen-to-fujian-tulou-a-familyfriendly-day-trip-2594.htm
Source: Xiamen Travel
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