Tulou (Earthen houses) represent a vernacular architecture to the Hakka people. As most Hakka resided in mountains, communal houses made of compacted earth were built to provide protection against bandits and wild animals.

Arrive in Xiamen in the morning, a beautiful coastal sub-provincial city in southeastern Fujian province. Pick up, then, take a local ferry to tour Gulangyu Island, renowned for its delicate natural beauty, its ancient relics, and its varied architecture. The name of Gu (drum) Lang (wave) is from the huge reef surrounding it. When the tide comes in, the waves pound the reef and it sounds like the beating of a drum. Then, visit the South Putuo Temple which is the deemed to be one of the must-go tourist places in Xiamen, situated at the foot of Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) and facing the sea. The temple covers 30,000 square meters with four main buildings on the north-south axis, and the many rooms flanking the main buildings include dormitories, libraries and study rooms for monks. Stay overnight in Xiamen. (L,D)

Day 2 Xiamen-Nanjing-Yongding

After breakfast, ride a bus to Nanjing (3.5 hours driving). Visit Nanjing Tianluokeng Hakka House and Yuchang House, the most classical designs of Tulou. One Hakka House or Tulou is constructed by compacted earth for inhabiting of dozens of families, the descents of one ancestor. Most houses were built in round shape for defense against bandits and wild animals scattered in mountains area. Enjoy lunch in the village, and around 4pm, head for Yongding (1 hour driving). There are many architectural designs of Tulou in this area with a well-concentrated distribution of clusters. The most common designs are rectangular, round, triangular, pentagonal and octagonal. Stay overnight in Overseas Guesthouse (the local best available). (B,L,D)

Today’s highlight is sightseeing of Yongding Chuxi Hakka House, like Jiqing House, Yuqing House, Gengqing House. The Chuxi Tulou cluster includes five large circular buildings and ten rectangular buildings. All building names share the common word “Qing”, meaning “celebration”, which reflects the hospitable nature of the Hakka people. Have lunch in the village. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Yongding Nanxi Hakka House, like Yanxiang House, Huanji House. Yanxiang House is referred to as Fengzhi Dafu after an ancestor was bestowed with the honorary title of “honest man”. Huanjilou was built in 1693. In 1918 it withstood an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale and was used as the base by the Red Army of China. Then, visit Chengqi House, the biggest tulou in Yongding County following a very classical design with a large central hall. Stay overnight in Overseas guesthouse (the local best available). (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive back to Xiamen, and pay a visit Zhangzhou on the way. Zhangzhou is a time-honoured city as well as a well-known “land of plenty”. As early as 5,000 years ago, the ancient Minyue people began to settle here. Visit Zhangzhou old town. Stay overnight in Xiamen. (B,L,D)

Depart from Xiamen leaving for next station. TOUR ENDS! (B)