5-Day Tulou Private Tour from Xiamen: History, Nature & Coastal Charm Combined

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Xiamen: Shanghai to Xiamen by High-Speed Train, Free & Easy
Day 2 Xiamen: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Yuchang Building, Taxia Village
Day 3 Xiamen: Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, Chuxi Tulou Cluster
Day 4 Xiamen: Nanputuo Temple, Gulangyu Island
Day 5 Xiamen Departure

Day 1 Shanghai-Xiamen

After breakfast, your professional driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you comfortably to the train station for your high-speed rail journey from Shanghai to Xiamen. At the station, your dedicated guide will assist with all check-in and boarding procedures, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure. Settle into your seat and enjoy a scenic 6–7 hour ride through China’s ever-changing landscapes — from bustling cities to peaceful countryside. Upon arrival in Xiamen, your local guide and experienced driver will be waiting for you at the exit with a “Your Way Holiday” sign. They’ll assist with your luggage and provide a comfortable private transfer to your hotel, sharing interesting stories and tips about Xiamen along the way. This seamless and thoughtful service lets you relax and ease into the coastal charm and cultural richness of Xiamen as soon as you arrive.

After settling into your hotel, spend the rest of your day enjoying the city at your own pace. You might begin with a relaxing stroll along Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, where you'll be charmed by old arcade buildings blending Chinese, Western, and Southeast Asian styles, while sampling tasty local snacks. For a refreshing coastal experience, head to Huandao Road — perfect for walking or biking beside soft sandy beaches, palm trees, and sweeping ocean views, especially beautiful at sunset. If you prefer a peaceful escape within the city, wander through Bailuzhou Park, where shimmering lakes, lush greenery, diverse birdlife, and a laid-back local vibe offer a perfect snapshot of Xiamen’s easygoing charm.

Day 2 Xiamen

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your friendly local guide and experienced private driver will pick you up right at your hotel lobby. Settle into your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and get ready for a scenic two-hour drive through the Fujian countryside to Nanjing County, home to some of China’s most iconic Hakka tulou. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the unique architecture, culture, and history of the Hakka people—descendants of northern Chinese who migrated south centuries ago. As the bustling cityscape fades into lush hills, tea plantations, and riverside villages, you’ll begin to feel the rhythm of rural Fujian life. This leisurely journey not only sets the tone for a day of cultural immersion but also provides a smooth and comfortable transition from modern city life to the timeless charm of traditional Hakka settlements.

Your first stop is the breathtaking Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, one of the most photographed and iconic tulou groups in China. Perched on a terraced hillside, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of five striking tulou buildings arranged in a unique pattern: three circular, one oval, and one rectangular. Locals affectionately refer to this layout as “Four Dishes and One Soup” because it resembles a traditional Chinese dining set when viewed from above. From the scenic observation platform located at a nearby mountaintop, you’ll be treated to a postcard-perfect panoramic view of the tulou nestled among emerald-green bamboo groves and layered rice terraces. Your guide will help you spot the architectural nuances that distinguish each building and explain how this harmonious layout not only served defensive purposes but also fostered community life among generations of Hakka families. It's a visual and cultural feast, and a perfect introduction to the unique way of life preserved in these mountain villages.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Yuchang Building, one of the oldest and most intriguing tulou structures in existence. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, Yuchang Building has withstood more than 600 years of wind, rain, and even earthquakes. What sets it apart is its curious architectural feature: the massive internal wooden pillars have visibly tilted over time—some by as much as 15 degrees—yet the building remains incredibly stable. Locals affectionately call it the “zigzag tulou.” As you step through the heavy wooden entrance and explore the inner courtyard, your guide will point out how the ingenious use of local materials—like rammed earth, wood, and stone—creates not only durability but also natural insulation. Look up to admire the concentric wooden balconies and imagine daily life here centuries ago, as children played in the corridors, smoke drifted from kitchens, and elders gathered in the central square. Yuchang is more than architecture—it’s living history in the shape of a fortress.

Next, you’ll head to Taxia Village, one of the most charming and photogenic villages in the region, often referred to as a “Tai Chi Water Village” because of the gentle S-shaped stream that winds through its heart. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this village is home to more than 20 tulou structures lining both sides of the stream. Stroll along the stone paths, past small bridges and banana trees, while your guide shares stories about the Zhang clan who settled here centuries ago. Don’t miss Yude Building, affectionately called the “Apron Tulou” due to its unique apron-like shape, and Deyuan Hall, renowned for its carved wooden doors and intricate stone reliefs featuring birds, flowers, and mythical creatures. Another highlight is the row of 24 granite flagpoles standing proudly by the water—each representing a scholar or official from the Zhang family and silently testifying to the village’s rich cultural legacy. Walking through Taxia feels like stepping into a painting of southern Chinese village life, filled with history, harmony, and quiet beauty.

After the tour, your guide and driver will accompany you to your hotel right in Taxia Village and assist with check-in. Surrounded by the tranquil rhythm of village life and the earthy elegance of Hakka Tulou architecture, you’ll spend the night immersed in a cultural landscape unlike any other. Whether it's wandering the stone paths or enjoying a simple Hakka meal, the rest of your evening is yours to enjoy in this unforgettable setting.

Day 3 Xiamen

After breakfast, you’ll set out on a scenic 20-minute drive to the heart of Yongding’s Tulou region, where your journey begins at the renowned Hongkeng Tulou Cluster. This area is home to some of the most iconic and well-preserved earthen buildings in Fujian. Your first stop is Zhencheng Lou, famously known as the "Prince of Tulou." Built in 1912, it impresses visitors with its fusion of Chinese traditional geomancy and Western architectural elements. Marvel at the two-story central hall supported by four granite columns—a striking contrast to the rustic outer ring. Your guide will explain the symbolic layout based on the Bagua (eight trigrams), highlighting the balance of form and function in Hakka culture. From there, take a leisurely walk to Kuiju Lou, a rare square-shaped Tulou built in a palace style in 1834. This grand structure took five years to complete and features ornate carvings, paintings, and colorful embellishments at every turn. Lastly, visit Rusheng Lou, the smallest round Tulou included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. With a modest diameter of 23 meters and only three stories high, it’s affectionately known as the “pocket Tulou,” showing how even the smallest structure carries cultural weight and charm.

Your exploration continues with a drive to Chuxi, often praised as “the most beautiful Tulou cluster in China.” Tucked into the green folds of Fujian’s hills, Chuxi is not only visually stunning but also historically rich. A peaceful stream flows through this timeless Hakka village, adding a tranquil rhythm to your walk. The highlight here is the Jiqing Lou, built in 1419, the oldest and most distinct round Tulou in the Yongding region. Jiqing Lou boasts 72 staircases dividing the residence into 72 independent living units, cleverly designed like a modern apartment complex but steeped in ancient wisdom. As you ascend its wooden steps, take in the view from the upper levels, where traditional Hakka artifacts—handwoven baskets, ancestral tablets, and ancient kitchen tools—bring daily life from centuries past into vivid focus. The interior exhibitions reveal the evolution of Hakka craftsmanship, musical traditions, and social customs. Your guide will point out subtle details like decorative eaves, symbolic animal motifs, and family shrines that highlight each clan’s unique story. This visit offers more than architecture—it’s a window into a resilient culture that has stood the test of time.

After exploring the core Tulou structures, your guide will lead you on a short but rewarding uphill walk to a panoramic viewpoint. From this elevation, you’ll witness the full splendor of the Chuxi Tulou Cluster. Each structure tells a story of communal living, self-sufficiency, and adaptation to nature. Among them, the youngest Tulou stands out with its pristine white walls, reflecting a modern twist in a sea of tradition. The peaceful setting is occasionally animated by villagers going about their day—drying clothes on bamboo poles, feeding chickens, or chatting in local dialects. As the sun casts golden light over the village, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a living painting. Your driver will then take you back to Xiamen, and after a day filled with history, beauty, and cultural immersion, a good night’s sleep is definitely in order.

Day 4 Xiamen

Your classic Xiamen day tour begins with a peaceful visit to the thousand-year-old Nanputuo Temple, a beloved cultural and spiritual site nestled at the foot of the verdant Wulao Peaks. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by magnificent halls with sweeping curved roofs, glazed golden tiles, and intricate Buddhist carvings. The scent of incense fills the air as worshippers offer prayers before towering Buddha statues. Take a slow walk around the serene lotus pond, watch the koi fish glide beneath traditional stone bridges, and admire the peaceful pavilions surrounded by ancient banyan trees. Your guide will explain the temple’s history and share insights about local Buddhist customs as you pause at scenic spots for reflection or a few photos. If you're up for a short hike, the temple’s rear trail leads you up to the hill behind, where panoramic views of Xiamen city and coastline await.

After soaking in the calm of Nanputuo, hop aboard a ferry for a scenic 20-minute cruise across the strait to Gulangyu Island—Xiamen’s most iconic destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often called the “Island of Pianos” and “International Settlement of History,” Gulangyu is famed for its blend of European architecture, leafy lanes, and artsy vibes. You’ll explore the charming old neighborhoods filled with colonial villas, quaint gardens, and elegant churches built by settlers from the UK, France, and Spain during the 19th and early 20th centuries. One highlight is the Organ Museum, housed in the beautiful Bagua Mansion, featuring a rare and vast collection of pipe organs from around the world. The live demonstrations and audio experience here transport you back in time. Then board a quiet sightseeing cart and cruise through the island's shaded avenues, catching glimpses of both local life and architectural gems.

Next, discover the poetic charm of Shuzhuang Garden, a tranquil seafront retreat designed in classic Chinese style but with a surprising twist of Western elements. This coastal garden was built by a wealthy overseas Chinese businessman in the early 20th century and features elegant pavilions, flowing corridors, moon gates, and clever landscape illusions that make the garden appear larger than it is. Your guide will point out the symbolism in the garden’s layout, where water, rocks, and architecture harmonize with the ocean just beyond the walls. Inside the garden lies another treasure—the Piano Museum, home to more than 70 antique pianos, each with a unique story, representing different countries and eras. If you still have the energy, hike up to Sunlight Rock, the island’s highest point, and take in a 360-degree view of red-roofed mansions nestled among tropical greenery, with the sparkling sea stretching beyond. After a full day of sightseeing, return to the main city by ferry and enjoy a relaxed ride back to your hotel, ending the day with memories full of beauty, culture, and timeless melodies.

Day 5 Xiamen Departure

After breakfast, your dedicated driver and attentive guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to ensure a smooth and timely transfer to Xiamen airport or train station for your next destination. As your 5-day Xiamen and Tulou journey draws to a close, we hope the tranquil beauty of Gulangyu, the spiritual calm of Nanputuo Temple, and the rich heritage of the Hakka earthen buildings have left you with lasting impressions. Throughout your trip, our guide has been there to offer in-depth stories and seamless assistance, while your driver ensured every ride was comfortable and stress-free. Thank you for traveling with us—we wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you again in the future!

Price Per Person in US Dollars