Nanjing Tulou

Historical Overview
Construction began in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as Hakka clans migrated south to escape wars. The first tulou, Yu Chang Lou, was built in 1371. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), circular "king tulou" like Tianluokeng emerged, housing 300+ residents. The 1920s-1940s saw final expansions before modernization slowed construction. Post-2000, restoration efforts revived these "living museums," with some clans returning to maintain ancestral homes.

Architectural Layout
Tulou follow a concentric design with three layers:

1. Outer Wall: 3-5 story rammed earth with watchtowers and firing slits.
2. Middle Ring: Wooden galleries connecting family apartments (10-20 rooms per floor).
3. Inner Core: Central ancestral hall, well, and communal kitchen.
   Key structural features include cantilevered balconies, cross-shaped timber frames, and drainage systems. Circular tulou (e.g., Tianluokeng) symbolize unity, while square ones (e.g., Hehui Lou) reflect order.

Major Attractions

1. Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: Five circular buildings (1960s) nicknamed "Four Dishes and a Soup" for their arrangement.
2. Yu Chang Lou: The oldest "tilted tulou" (1371) with 5 floors and 270 rooms.
3. He Gui Lou: A 19th-century square tulou with 144 windows and intricate brick carvings.
4. Taiyang Tulou: Circular structure with a 12m-diameter inner courtyard.
5. Ancestral Hall of Huiyuan Lou: Features 300-year-old wood carvings and clan genealogy records.

Recommended Itineraries

1. Classic Route (3 hours):
   Tianluokeng Viewpoint → Yu Chang Lou → He Gui Lou → Ancestral Hall
   Highlights: Iconic clusters and oldest surviving tulou.

2. Cultural Deep Dive (5 hours):
   Tianluokeng → Taiyang Lou → Huiyuan Lou → Local Hakka tea House → Sunset at Xiangxi Village
   Includes: Architectural details and Hakka Tea Culture.

3. Photography Expedition (Full Day):
   Early morning at Tianluokeng → Chuxi Tulou Cluster → Yunchong Lou → Evening drone photography (with permit)
   Best for: Capturing misty mountain landscapes and tulou symmetry.

Ticket Information

• Nanjing Tulou Scenic Area Pass: ¥90 (peak)/¥60 (off-peak), includes major clusters.
• Free Entry: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
• Online Booking: Available via "Fujian Tulou Official Platform" WeChat/Alipay.

Transportation

• High-Speed Rail: Xiamen/ZHangzhou → Nanjing Station (1.5hr), then taxi (40min).
• Bus: Xiamen Hubin Bus Station → Nanjing County (2.5hr).
• Self-Drive: G76 Xiamen-Chengdu Expressway → Nanjing Exit → County Roads.

Optimal Visiting Tips

• Best Seasons: March-May (azalea blooms) & October-November (rice terraces).
• Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 9 AM; weekends draw 50% more visitors.
• Essentials:
  • Wide-angle lens (for interior shots).
  • Light jacket (mountain temperatures drop 10°C at night).
  • Cash for rural tea stalls.
• Prohibitions: No climbing exterior walls; drones require advance permits.