5 Days Xiamen & Tulou Adventure with Luxury Tulou Retreat

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Xiamen

   Welcome to Xiamen! Your guide and driver will greet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel in Xiamen. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city.

   It is recommended that you stroll along Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street to discover various shops and taste local delicacies (optional).

   Accommodation: in Xiamen

2. Day 2: Xiamen Highlight Tour
   Explore the Wonderful Nature and Culture of Xiamen

   After breakfast, start your Xiamen city tour from Huandao Road. You will have a scenic drive along the road, with stunning views of the sea, beaches, islands, and gardens. Or choose to ride a bike along this route for a more immersive experience (optional).

   Then move to Nanputuo Temple, a historic Buddhist temple founded in the Tang Dynasty. Enjoy the magnificent architecture, including The Shakya ManiHall, Wanfo Pagoda and Sutra Depository. Explore Buddhist artifacts and statues such as Shakyamuni Buddha and Manjushri. And stroll among the ancient trees to immerse in the serene atmosphere.

   

   After lunch, take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO-listed site with many historical buildings and natural landscapes. Here visit Sunlight Rock, the highest point of the island. Climb the hill for a panoramic view of Gulangyu Island with the boundless blue sea and waves lapping against the reef.

   Then explore Shuzhuang Garden, the only private garden in the world that contains mountains, sea and lake. Stand on the Renqiu Pavilion and get a great view of the whole Shuzhuang Garden. Or wander along the Forty-Fourth Bridge to observe the sparkling lake and cheerful fish. There is also a Piano Museum with a collection of more than 100 famous antique pianos from all over the world, you can learn about the history and culture of pianos.

   After visiting, you will take the ferry and return to Xiamen for the night.

   Accommodation: in Xiamen

   

3. Day 3: Xiamen to Nanjing Tulou Tour
   Stunned by the Great Hakka Architectural Wonders

   In the morning, travel to Nanjing County to witness the fascinating Tulou structures. The first site is Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, one of the most famous Tulou clusters in Fujian. The cluster consists of a square earth building at the center of a quincunx, surrounded by four round earth buildings. Explore these wonderful buildings to wonder at the wisdom of the Hakka people.

   Then head to the Yuchang Building, the oldest and tallest Tulou in the area. The interior of this building is unique with crooked pillars from the second floor up. Besides, don’t miss to explore an ancestral hall built in the center of the large courtyard.

   

   Finally explore Taxia Village, an old Hakka village nestled along a flowing stream. Wander along the stone-paved paths and immerse in the tranquil nature while admiring the well-preserved Tulou of different shapes and sizes.

   In the evening, enjoy a Hakka cultural experience at a local boutique hotel. Taste the local cuisine, immerse in the folk songs, and experience a traditional tea ceremony.

   Accommodation: in Nanjing Tulou

   

4. Day 4: Nanjing Tulou Exploration Tour
   Admire the Distinctive Tulou Buildings and Learn about the Hakka Culture

   After breakfast, continue your Nanjing Tulou discovery tour. Your guide and driver will take you to the Hegui Building, the largest round Tulou in the area. Its building is a rare rectangular structure with a strong foundation made of a large amount of pine wood. Wander among the buildings and experience the spirit of “harmonious coexistence” in traditional Chinese culture.

   Next to the Hegui Building is the Huaiyuan Building, a square Tulou that has a double-ring structure and a spacious courtyard. The design of the building is very neat, and the interior columns are exquisitely carved, which is a perfect combination of Minnan style and Confucian culture.

   

   Later visit the Hekeng Tulou Cluster, located in a remote valley and consists of 27 Tulou of different shapes and sizes. You will admire the diversity and harmony of the Hakka architecture and the natural environment.

   In the evening, return to your hotel to have a rest.

   Accommodation: in Nanjing Tulou

5. Day 5: Nanjing Tulou to Yongding Tulou Tour, Xiamen Departure
   Discover the Ancient Tulou Culture and Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery

   Today, drive to Yongding County, another place that is famous for its Tulou. Visit the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, which is the most concentrated and diverse Tulou cluster in the area.

   Here, witness the Zhencheng Building, a round Tulou that combines the Chinese and Western architectural styles. Also, enjoy the natural beauty while admiring the magnificent architecture. Then see the Kuiju Building, a square Tulou that has a unique octagonal inner ring. From a high point, the building is integrated with the ridge behind it, like a tiger descending a mountain. And go to the Fuyu Building, a rectangular Tulou that has a large ancestral hall and a stage. This Tulou covers an area of more than 7,000 square meters with magnificent architecture. Take a stroll and experience the traditional Hakka culture.

   

   The last Tulou attraction is the Chuxi Tulou Cluster, which is the most original and the most colorful Tulou of Hakka culture in Yongding. It is located on a hillside and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Visit Jiqing Building, the oldest of the Hakka Tulou buildings, Gengqing Building, with a well-preserved wooden structure inside, and the Shengqing Building, a square earth building in a well-arranged pattern.

   Your 5-day Xiamen and Tulou tour is over here. After lunch, you will drive back to Xiamen and catch your flight or train to the next destination.

   Accommodation: N/A