Fujian Tulou (Nanjing) Scenic Area

Fujian Tulou (Nanjing) Scenic Area

Nanjing Tulou refers to the earthen buildings scattered across the mountainous regions of counties such as Nanjing, Hua'an, Pinghe, Zhao'an, Yunxiao, and Zhangpu in Zhangzhou City. Renowned for their long history, large quantity, grand scale, peculiar shapes, and unique styles, they are hailed as "mythical mountain architecture." The Nanjing Tulou are mainly built from raw earth, compacted and rammed through repeated processes. Typically three to five stories high, the first floor is used for kitchens, the second for storage, and the third and above for living quarters, capable of housing 200 to 700 people. They feature characteristics such as clan-based communal living, theft prevention, earthquake resistance, beast deterrence, fireproofing, moisture resistance, ventilation, lighting, and being warm in winter and cool in summer.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is located in Tianluokeng Natural Village, Shangban Village, Shuyang Town, in the western part of Nanjing County, Fujian Province, and is a settlement of the Huang family. Nestled on the mountainside of Hushan Mountain at an altitude of 787.8 meters, it is 60 kilometers away from Nanjing County and is inhabited exclusively by members of the Huang clan.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is among the fifth batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites, one of the first batch of Famous Historical and Cultural Villages in China, and one of the first group of China’s Landscape Villages. It consists of one square tulou, three circular tulous, and one oval tulou. The square Buyun Lou (Step Cloud Building) sits in the center, surrounded by the other four, arranged along the mountain terrain.

Hekeng Tulou Cluster is located in Hekeng Village, Shuyang Town, 58 kilometers from Nanjing County. It includes six square tulous—Chaoshui Lou, Yangzhao Lou, Yongsheng Lou, Shengqing Lou, Yongrong Lou, and Yonggui Lou—as well as six circular tulous—Yuchang Lou, Chun Gui Lou, Dongsheng Lou, Xiaochun Lou, Yongqing Lou, and Yuxing Lou—and the pentagonal Nanxun Lou, totaling 13 structures.

Hekeng Tulou Cluster is the most densely packed tulou settlement in Fujian. Spanning from the earliest Chaoshui Lou (built between 1549–1553) to the latest Yongqing Lou (built between 1967–1972), it reflects the historical development of tulou across different eras. Seven square tulous from the Ming and Qing dynasties and seven round tulous from more recent times form two groups that create the celestial spectacle of the “Big Dipper” on the ground.

Transportation

Take a bus from Zhangzhou West Bus Station to Nanjing

Nanjing – Zhangzhou: 13 RMB per person

Nanjing Bus Station Address: No. 129 Renmin Road, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City

Nanjing Taxi Hotline: 0596-7822222

The Nanjing Tulou Reception Center provides scenic area buses, but these do not have fixed departure times. They generally operate only when there are many passengers or tour groups. When there are few visitors, the buses usually do not run. It is recommended to hire a local car or motorcycle for transportation.

Opening Hours

Open all day, every day from Monday to Sunday

Attraction Location

Tianluokeng Natural Village, Shangban Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County