Top 10 China tours 2023/2024 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
3-Day Xiamen Essence and In-Depth Fujian Tulou Tour

Xiamen Essence and Tulou Combination

3-Day Xiamen Essence and In-Depth Fujian Tulou Tour

This 3-day tour combines the essential attractions in Xiamen with the World Heritage Site — the Fujian Tulou. We have selected three tulou clusters, which are the essence of the Fujian Tulou and help you avoid the commercial sites and tourist crowds. In this way, you can experience the authentic lifestyle and culture of the Hakka and Minnan people. You can not only appreciate the unique architecture but also feel the spirit of the Hakka people condensed in the buildings.

Tour Highlights

  • Wander around the romantic Gulangyu Island to enjoy exotic architecture with a Mediterranean flavor.
  • Be amazed by Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, which was mistaken for a missile weapon base by America.
  • Find Mulan's "hometown" from the movie in the authentic Hekeng Tulou Cluster.
  • Experience picking and processing tea leaves like a Hakka tea farmer.
  • Spend one night in an original tulou to have a glimpse of a vanishing dimension of life.
  • Discover more styles of tulou other than round and rectangular ones at Hongkeng Tulou Cluster.
98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
Tour Review
May 2023, Serhat Altay
May 2023, Munsie
May 2023, Joanna i Piotr Kuzebscy
May 2023, Pam S.
May 2023, Meibao
May 2023, Annalina Wheeler
May 2023, SHARRYN HINCHLIFFFE
May 2023, Chani
May 2023, Allen C
May 2023, Fer Villasefior
May 2023, Ryan Corless
May 2023, Katha
Apr 2023, Lawrence
Apr 2023, Mark
Apr 2023, Jonathan
Apr 2023, Pedro V
Apr 2023, Brenda Sarmanho
Apr 2023, Evangelos Athanasopoulos
Apr 2023, Hi
Apr 2023, Alan Harris

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 Xiamen Arrival and Gulangyu Island Tour

After your flight lands at the airport, your tour guide will wait for you with a welcoming smile at the arrival hall. Transfer to your hotel by a private car and driver. The rest of the day is for you to acclimatize and explore the city, or relax and recoup ready for the tour tomorrow.

Hotel options:
Ramada Hotel Xiamen
Pan Pacific Xiamen

Gulangyu Island Gulangyu Island
Day 2 Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Hekeng Tulou Cluster, and Ancient Taxia Village Tour

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster will be the first attraction you visit. It is composed of four round earthen buildings and a square one. It is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved Hakka fortresses. Your guide will give you detailed information about who built these earthen buildings, how they were built, and their advantages. We will drive you to a high vantage point so that you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the cluster.

Yuchang Earthen Building

Yuchang Earthen Building is a skewed building. It is one of the oldest existing tulou. This five-story earth building is most famous for its tilted pillars. The most extreme one is slanted at a 15-degree angle. There are five highlights in this building for you to discover. Let your guide uncover its secrets for you.

Yuchang Earthen Building Yuchang Earthen Building

Hekeng Tulou Cluster

Hekeng Tulou Cluster is one of the six tulou clusters belonging to the World Heritage Site, the Fujian Tulou. It is an authentic and less touristy Hakka village full of earthen buildings in different shapes. It is Mulan's "hometown" in the movie Mulan. You will see the real earthen building where Mulan is depicted as living in the movie. The Hakka people are happy to invite you into the living room of their earthen building and show you the upstairs floor. This might not be available in other tulou clusters. Have a cup of local tea and listen to the stories about their families. It is a great chance to get close to the Hakka people's lifestyle and culture.

Mulan's home Mulan's home

Taxia Village and Tea Plantation Experience

Taxia Village is a distinctive Hakka village located in a valley in Nanjing County. It was built by the Zhang family about 600 years ago and many famous overseas Chinese people can trace their history back to this village. From April to November, you can pick tea leaves at a local tea plantation just like a local Hakka tea farmer and learn to process the tea leaves. You can take the tea you make back home with you. You can also taste some black tea that has already been prepared by the local farmers.

Hotel options:
Nanjing Qingdelou Inn (original tulou with a private toilet)

Experience picking tea leaves Experience picking tea leaves
Day 3 Hongkeng Tulou Cluster and Xiamen Departure

Hongkeng Tulou Cluster

Hongkeng Tulou Cluster includes most kinds of earthen buildings. There are about 100 earthen buildings of various sizes and styles in the long and narrow village. Besides the rectangular and round-shaped tulous, you will also see the palace and villa styles as well as the smallest round-shaped tulou.

After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport or train station. Your private guide will make sure that everything goes smoothly before saying goodbye.

An earthen building in villa style An earthen building in villa style

Trip Notes

1. About the Hotel in Nanjing

We have selected the best-value hotel in an original tulou for you to have a unique experience of staying in an earthen building. The facilities in the original tulou accommodation are limited. They are not as good as the facilities found in accommodation in the city. There is, however, a private bathroom and air-conditioning in the room. If you would like to upgrade to a boutique hotel in Nanjing, please let your travel advisor know.

2. About an Ancestor's House or Visiting Relatives

We know that some of our customers have a Hakka or Minnan origin. If you would like to find your ancestor's house or look for your relatives, we are happy to use our relationship with the local association of the family clans to help you.

3. Tailor-Make Your Tour

This is a suggested itinerary. It can be customized according to your interests and needs. Let your travel advisor know what you prefer to do and he/she will make a unique trip for you.

FromUSD 833p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

Number in your group

*

*

*

Having a phone number, especially with WeChat/WhatsApp capability will improve communication efficiency.

I prefer to be contacted via:

We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on