Name: Yongding County

Chinese name: 永定县

Province: Fujian

Status: County

Population: 463,226

Area: 2,500 km²

Yongding County lies in a rural region of southwestern Fujian on the border with Guangdong. This district is celebrated for its circular hakka earthen dwellings known as Tulou.

History

From the late Tang Dynasty through the early Song Dynasty, the hakka people from northwestern Chine gradually migrated from the Yellow River plains southward to escape persecution and famine. They first settled in Jiangxi, then moved to the remote rural areas of Fujian and Guangdong. The hakka constructed sturdy earthen houses to protect themselves from bandits and external threats.

In 2008, the tulou were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Today

Yongding is a county administered by the city of Longyan. Approximately 300 kilometers separate Yongding County from the city of Xiamen, and around 450 km from the provincial capital, Fuzhou.

The county attracts an increasing number of travelers drawn to its natural beauty and its distinctive hakka dwellings. The Tulou are scattered throughout several villages in the district. Some are meticulously maintained and open to the public, while others remain abandoned in the most remote corners.

The Tulou of Fujian in Yongding District

The earliest Tulou were constructed to shelter entire clans. The buildings are communal structures—immense circular or square residences capable of housing hundreds of people. Tulou are built from rammed earth and glutinous rice, reinforced with bamboo stems and wood shavings. Inside are chambers, wells, kitchens, and storage areas surrounding a central courtyard.

The Tulou of Hongkeng

Hongkeng (or Hukeng) is a village in Yongding District. It spreads across a natural landscape of rivers and mountains, housing a wealth of Tulou accessible to visitors.

The houses here are remarkably distinctive, revealing diverse architectural styles. Your entrance ticket grants access to Zhencheng Lou, the site's most renowned circular residence. Further on, you can visit the square-shaped Tulou, Kuiju Lou. Next, you'll explore the charming Rusheng Lou before finishing at the magnificent Fuyu Lou.

Chengqi Tulou in Gaobei

In the village of Gaobei, 5 km from Hongkeng, you can also discover the Chengqi Tulou, a structure considered the "king of Tulou" for its ingenious construction. Less touristy than those in Hukeng (Hongkeng), it remains fascinating to explore with its 400 rooms.

Tulou of Chuxi

Scattered behind lush vegetation, the rammed-earth buildings of Chuxi appear like historical treasures. Circular or square in shape, the Tulou of Chuxi village rank among the most compelling to discover and visit.

Tulou of Nanxi

In the Hongkeng valley, Nanxi sits along a river between two hills. Nanxi is home to several Tulou surrounded by cultivated fields and streams, offering a splendid landscape.

Climate

Located in a subtropical zone, Yongding District is susceptible to typhoons. Rainfall is frequent throughout the region, with an average annual precipitation of 1,300 mm.

Consider bringing lightweight rain gear that dries quickly.

Daily buses depart from Xiamen to Yongding County, with stops in Hukeng, Shutang, and Xiayang (Chuxi Tulou).

Long-distance buses also shuttle between Xiamen and various tourist sites.

From Xiamen, you can hire a driver to take you to the different attractions.

If you have time, local or tourist buses connect the villages to one another.

Which Tulou to Visit in Yongding County?

• Tulou of Hongkeng
• Tulou of Nanxi
• Tulou of Gaobei
• Tulou of Chuxi