Xiamen: UNESCO Hakka Tulou & Emigrant Heritage Tour

Blackout Dates: Chinese New Year (Lunar Jan 1–7); May Day (May 1–5); National Day (Oct 1–7). Start your day with a journey from Xiamen to the Nanjing Tulou area. Depart at 9:00 AM by car, with an approximate 2-hour drive. Along the way, your guide will provide an in-depth introduction to the Hakka people’s migration history, their unique cultural heritage, and the development of Hakka culture in Nanjing alongside Minnan (southern Fujian) traditions. This offers a rich historical and cultural context for your visit. Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster Explore the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Tianluokeng, which features four circular tulous and one square tulou arranged on the hillside. Surrounded by terraced fields and lush mountains, the cluster resembles a natural pastoral painting. The tulous reflect the Hakka principles of “family cohabitation and defense.” They provide insight into Hakka architectural ingenuity and communal living. Yuchang Lou Visit Yuchang Lou, a tulou with over 700 years of history. Its pillars lean slightly from the second floor upwards, yet they have remained stable through multiple earthquakes. The ground floor kitchen contains 22 wells—the highest number in any Fujian tulou—ensuring convenient access to water. This remarkable structure demonstrates the unique combination of Hakka architectural wisdom and family organization. Tazhia Village Wander through Tazhia Village, where an S-shaped stream flows through the settlement and houses are arranged in a Tai Chi pattern, giving the village its nickname, “Tai Chi Water Village.” The village has a strong overseas connection, with residents living in 25 countries and regions worldwide. Overseas relatives have contributed to building schools and restoring ancestral halls, preserving a unique “emigrant heritage.” Visitors can explore the village’s ancestral halls and learn about Hakka clan culture and the spirit of the overseas community. This offers a level of cultural depth rarely found in other Tulou tours. At around 4:00 PM, depart for Xiamen, with a return journey of approximately 2–2.5 hours, concluding a rich and culturally immersive day.