Tulou Earthen Buildings

土楼

Massive circular and rectangular earthen fortified buildings unique to the Hakka people, with Hongkun Lou and Chengqi Lou being the most famous examples. These UNESCO-listed structures offer insight into traditional Hakka communal life, architecture, and are visually stunning both inside and out.

Things to do

• Explore Hongkun Lou Interior — Wander through the five-story circular residence to see traditional family quarters, ancestral halls, and communal spaces that housed over 800 Hakka residents.
• Climb Chengqi Lou Rooftop — Ascend the rectangular tulou's upper levels for panoramic views of the interior courtyard and surrounding Yongding landscape.
• Visit Tianluokeng Scenic Area — Photograph the cluster of four tulous (Fuxing Lou, Huaiyuan Lou, Benba Lou, and Wuyun Lou) arranged in a distinctive pattern surrounded by rice paddies.
• Attend a Hakka Folk Performance — Experience traditional drum dancing, folk songs, and storytelling performed by local residents inside the main tulou courtyard.
• Join a Pottery Kiln Workshop — Learn traditional Hakka pottery techniques at workshops near Yongding county, where artisans craft vessels used in tulou households for generations.
• Walk the Rice Terrace Trails — Trek through surrounding agricultural landscapes dotted with traditional rice paddies, tea plantations, and smaller family tulous.
• Browse Local Artisan Shops — Purchase handmade crafts, Hakka embroidery, bamboo products, and traditional tea from vendors operating inside and around the main tulou complexes.

Food to try

• Hakka Stuffed Tofu — Savory blocks of tofu stuffed with seasoned minced meat and mushrooms, steamed or pan-fried, a signature protein-rich dish at tulou family tables.
• Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry — Tender bamboo shoots harvested from the Yongding region, stir-fried with mushrooms and preserved vegetables in a light soy glaze.
• Salt-Baked Chicken — Whole chicken buried in salt and clay, slow-roasted to tender perfection, a ceremonial dish traditionally served during tulou family gatherings.
• Hakka Glutinous Rice Balls — Chewy rice balls filled with sesame, peanut, or dates, steamed in banana leaves and eaten during festivals and celebrations in tulou communities.
• Preserved Vegetables Soup — Broth made with salted mustard greens, dried fish, and mushrooms, a practical everyday soup that sustained multigenerational tulou households.
• Tea House Visit in Yongding — Sample local Oolong tea sourced from nearby mountain plantations while discussing tulou history with hosts in traditional teahouses.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove Shoes Indoors — When entering family living quarters and ancestral halls within the tulous, locals expect visitors to remove shoes as a sign of respect in sacred communal spaces.
• Ask Permission Before Photographing Residents — While tulous are major tourist attractions, many remain active family homes; always request consent before photographing people or private family altars.
• Respect Ancestral Worship Practices — The central halls of tulous serve as ancestral shrines; avoid touching altars or incense offerings, and remain quiet during ceremonies or memorial observances.
• Learn Basic Hakka Greetings — Older residents, particularly in smaller tulous, may speak limited Mandarin; greeting them with simple Hakka phrases like 'Hoi san' (hello) builds goodwill and cultural connection.