In many parts of China, there are historic architectural sites. Beyond trips to Wudang Mountain, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and Diaolou, the Hakka Tulou is certainly another place to experience rich history and culture.
Long ago, the Tulou design was once mistaken for a nuclear facility. Similar to the Diaolou of Kaiping, it shares the same purpose — defense against enemies.
Transportation
Vehicle rental is recommended in ShenZhen for self driving. Head to Meizhou for one night then to Tulou.
Depart from Shenzhen high-speed rail is recommended as there are more train schedules, and you can get off directly at Meizhou Station.
Accomodation and Meals
Within the Yongding Scenic Area’s Tulou attractions, there are accommodations inside the Tulou around HKD 400 per night. These rooms come with air conditioning, making the stay more comfortable. However, you can also find options within the scenic area that let you truly experience living like the locals — by staying in the same Tulou with them. During the off-season, it’s about RMB 100 per room.
My deepest impression was that the rooms on the upper floors of the Tulou do not have private bathrooms. So where do the residents go to the toilet? Along the circular corridor, there are several large black chamber pots, shared by both men and women. For more extensive needs, you still have to go downstairs. It was a truly memorable experience.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can also be ordered at the accommodation itself, and the meals are inexpensive, with ingredients sourced locally.
Attractions
On the way to the Tulou, there are also two places worth visiting.
Tiger Balm Villa 虎豹别墅
In addition to Hong Kong and Singapore, Aw Boon Haw also built a Tiger Balm Villa in his hometown, Fujian. Although it is not as large as the one in Hong Kong, since it’s along the route, it’s worth stopping by for a visit.
If you’ve heard of Tiger Balm, the company was founded by Aw Boon Haw (and his brother Aw Boon Par) after inheriting their father’s pharmacy. In 1938 and 1949, established Sing Tao Daily and The Standard in Hong Kong respectively.
China Hakka Museum (中國客家博物館)
It tells the story of the origins of the Hakka people, migrated from northern China to the south more than a thousand years ago.
Hakka Fujian Tulou — Yongding District (客家福建土樓 — 永定區)
The main part of the journey. There is a staircase nearby to climb up to the hill and look at Tulou. There are people upstairs selling honey and tea leaves.
Conclusion
If you want to truly experience the Hakka Fujian Tulou, immersing yourself into the local, Yongding District is the place you should go. In the evening, you can buy some tea leaves outside, sit down, take a sip while gazing at the stars, and even capture star trails.
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