Xiamen Tulou Day Tour 2026: Explore UNESCO Earth Houses
Explore UNESCO Fujian Tulou earth houses on a Xiamen day tour. Discover ancient Hakka architecture in Tianluokeng, Taxia, and Yuchang. Enjoy a genuine cultural experience with no hidden fees.
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Explore UNESCO Fujian Tulou earth houses on a Xiamen day tour. Discover ancient Hakka architecture in Tianluokeng, Taxia, and Yuchang. Enjoy a genuine cultural experience with no hidden fees.
Planning a trip to Xiamen and looking for a truly unique cultural experience?
I recently compared several options for a Tulou tour and found the perfect one.
When searching for a Tulou tour during my Xiamen independent travel, I found myself with quite a few choices, which made deciding a bit tricky.
I wanted a tour that focused purely on the historical sites, without any pressure for tips or unwanted shopping stops, and I found exactly that on Trip.com!
What are Nanjing Tulou?
The Nanjing Tulou are a UNESCO World Heritage site located in China's Fujian province.
These are traditional communal dwellings, known as 'Tulou' (土樓), built from packed earth, some dating back hundreds of years.
They boast a unique landscape where both circular and rectangular folk architectural structures coexist, creating a truly distinctive scene.
This tour combines three iconic locations—Tianluokeng, Taxia Village, and Yuchang Building—into a single day, offering a comprehensive experience.
It's an ideal tour for anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional Chinese villages.
Tianluokeng — The Symbol of Circular Tulou
Tianluokeng is often referred to as the 'King of Tulou.'
It showcases the exquisite structure and balanced beauty of representative circular Tulou at a glance.
Looking down from above, the arrangement of the Tulou, layered like concentric circles, is truly impressive.
The texture of the earth walls and the air mixed with the scent of old wood make you feel the centuries of history.
It's also famous as a photo spot, with picturesque scenes appearing no matter the angle you shoot from.
With the guide's explanations, the architectural structure becomes even more fascinating to understand.
Taxia Village — The Serene Landscape of a Traditional Village
Taxia Village is a charming village where a small stream, Tulou, and traditional houses are naturally harmonized.
The scenery created by pavilions, stone bridges, and ancient trees gives it a classic and peaceful ambiance.
Walking slowly through the alleys, you'll find traces of the villagers' daily lives, giving it a feeling different from a mere tourist attraction.
With local residents still inhabiting these spaces, the term 'living cultural heritage' truly fits.
Taking a quiet moment to sit and relax in an less crowded alley was quite enjoyable.
Yuchang Building — A 700-Year-Old Rectangular Tulou
Yuchang Building is a rectangular Tulou with a history stretching over 700 years.
Its famously leaning pillars seem to perfectly embody the weight of time and history.
Thanks to its unique structural beauty, comparing it with the circular Tulou of Tianluokeng adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
The distinct, rich scent of wood, characteristic of a timber structure, permeated the entire space, making a lasting impression.
Stepping inside, you can find traces that hint at the daily lives of past residents.
We were given ample time to explore, allowing us to wander without feeling rushed.
Tour Schedule & Meeting Location
The tour meeting begins at 9:20 AM, in front of the Swiss Grand Hotel in Xiamen.
You'll travel to the Nanjing Tulou by private vehicle, enjoy a local lunch, and then spend approximately 3.5 hours exploring Tianluokeng, Taxia Village, and Yuchang Building in order.
After the tour concludes, you'll return to Xiamen, disbanding around 6:00 PM.
There's no need to give tips, no forced shopping stops, and no additional optional activities, so you can simply relax and enjoy your day :)
📌 Here's the link to the Xiamen Tulou tour I booked
Price & Inclusions Summary
The price for adults is ~$80 per person.
This price includes a private vehicle, an English-speaking guide, a local lunch, and all entrance fees.
There are no tips, no shopping, and no additional options.
Considering it's a full-day tour with a significant amount of travel, I believe this is a very reasonable tour price.
📌 Book your Xiamen Tulou tour here
My Top Tips for the Tour
One, the Swiss Grand Hotel, your meeting point, is easily accessible from downtown Xiamen. Just look for your guide right at the main entrance. 👉🏻 Read more about the Swiss Grand Hotel
Two, the interiors of the Tulou can be dimly lit, so using your smartphone's flash can help you get better photos.
Three, local lunch is included in the tour, so you don't need to carry extra money for meals.
Four, the alleys in Taxia Village have many stone paths, so wear comfortable, flat shoes for easy walking.
Five, the leaning pillars of Yuchang Building are a fantastic photo opportunity. Check out the best angles beforehand to capture some great shots.
This Xiamen Tulou Tour is Perfect For:
This tour is ideal for those who want to see a UNESCO World Heritage site firsthand, fill a day in Xiamen with enriching experiences, or walk through traditional villages at a leisurely pace with family or parents.
Its biggest advantage is the pure focus on the historical sites, without any pressure for tips or shopping. If you're visiting Xiamen, I highly recommend adding a Tulou tour to your itinerary!
This tour is a one-day itinerary exploring three locations among the Nanjing Tulou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Fujian Province: Tianluokeng, Taxia Village, and Yuchanglou. Tianluokeng is a representative circular Tulou, Taxia Village is a traditional village, and Yuchanglou is a square Tulou with 700 years of history.
The tour meeting starts at 9:20 AM in front of the Xiamen Swiss Grand Hotel. We will travel to Nanjing Tulou by private vehicle, and after a local lunch, we will explore the main Tulou for about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The tour concludes around 6:00 PM upon returning to Xiamen.
The price is ~$80 per adult. This price includes a private vehicle, a Korean-speaking guide, local lunch, and all entrance fees. There are no tips, shopping courses, or optional extras; this tour focuses purely on visiting historical sites.
Taxia Village has many stone paths, so it's recommended to wear comfortable, flat shoes. At Yuchanglou, the leaning pillars are a great photo spot, so it's advisable to check good angles in advance for excellent pictures.
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