The Gaobei Tulou cluster comprises several earthen fortresses of the Hakka clan, located in Gaobei village, 4 km east of Hongkeng Tulou, 40 km east of Yongding district, and 15 km west of the Nanjing Tulou. Situated in the Fujian province, the site exemplifies the defensive and communal architecture of the Hakka—a term literally meaning "guest people," referring to Han Chinois who settled in southern Chine. The complex has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2008.

Why visit the Gaobei Tulou cluster

Gaobei village brings together four major Tulou with complementary shapes (circular, pentagonal, square, rectangular), making it a rare condensation of Hakka architecture. Unlike more touristy Tulou sites, Gaobei retains a village character: the buildings are still inhabited, courtyards serve to dry laundry or crops, and lanes between rings keep their original function. The Chengqilou, nicknamed the "King of Tulous," is worth the trip on its own.

History

Tulou ("earthen buildings") are fortified collective dwellings built by the Hakka, whose ancestors fled northern Chine during the troubles between the Tang and Song dynasties. At Gaobei, several centuries of occupation are evident in the diversity of buildings: the oldest dates from the 16th century, the most recent from the mid-20th century.

In July 2008, at the 32nd World Heritage Conference held in Quebec (Canada), UNESCO inscribed 46 Tulou from Fujian on the World Heritage List, including several buildings from Gaobei. This recognition accelerated the preservation of structures, weakened by humidity and rural exodus.

What to see on the site

Four main Tulou structure the village visit.

The Chengqilou

Built in 1709 by the Jiang family during the Qing dynasty, the Chengqilou is nicknamed the "King of Tulous." Its circular layout features four concentric rings. At the center are the ancestral hall and community library; residential rooms occupy the peripheral rings. The building houses approximately 400 rooms, accommodates nearly 80 families or around 600 people, and has three entrances and two wells. Each ring is separated by a circular courtyard or narrow lane.

The outer ring, which serves as a fortress, comprises three superimposed stories totaling 288 rooms, or 72 chambers per level, served by four staircases positioned at cardinal points. Uses vary by floor: kitchen on the ground floor, grain storage on the first floor, bedrooms on the second and third floors.

The Wuyunlou

Built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the Wuyunlou adopts an irregular pentagonal layout. It is the oldest "square" plan Tulou (as opposed to the circular layout) in the village and one of the most precious witnesses to primitive Hakka architecture.

The Qiaofulou

More recent, the Qiaofulou was built in 1962 by the Qiaofu family, Chinese nationals from overseas. Its architecture blends traditional Chinese codes with Western elements (openings, decorations, interior layout), making it a singular case within the site.

The Shizelou

Built in 1565, the Shizelou is the village's only rectangular Tulou. Demolished in 1929, it was rebuilt on its original site starting in 1931.

Practical information

• Allow half a day to visit the four main Tulou at a relaxed pace.
• The entrance ticket is shared and provides access to all the main Tulou in the village; rates are moderate and may vary by season.
• The site is open daily during daytime hours; check local hours or contact your accommodation before departing.
• The Tulou are inhabited: be discreet and avoid entering private rooms without an invitation.
• Wear sturdy shoes; interior earthen floors and wooden stairs are irregular.

When to visit

The climate in rural Fujian is humid subtropical. Spring months (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are most pleasant: mild temperatures and lighting ideal for photographing the ochre earth. Summer (June-August) brings heat, humidity, and rainy spells linked to the monsoon, sometimes accompanied by typhoons. Winter remains cool but dry, with fewer visitors. Avoid early October's Golden Week and Chinese New Year (January-February), periods of high domestic tourism.

How to get there

The most convenient entry point is Xiamen, served by flights and high-speed rail. From Xiamen's bus station, buses reach Yongding district via the main road serving the Gaobei Tulou. For more flexibility, a private taxi or motorbike taxi from Yongding or Hukeng allows direct access to the village. Allow 2 to 3 hours of travel from Xiamen depending on traffic.

Nearby

Gaobei lends itself well to an expanded Tulou circuit. 4 km to the west, the Hongkeng Tulou cluster groups several buildings around a stream. 15 km to the east, the Nanjing cluster houses the famous Tianluokeng, organized in a quincunx of five Tulou often photographed from above. To extend through Chine, explore our pages on the Beishan Buddhist temple, the Bell and Drum towers, or the Beijing Botanical Garden.

Frequently asked questions

Include the Tulou in your trip

The Gaobei Tulou fit into an itinerary in southeastern Chine between Xiamen, rural Fujian, and the coast. To build a customized circuit including this UNESCO site, explore our suggestions on our Chine travel page.