Private Day Tour to Tianluokeng Tulou From Xiamen Including Lunch

Discover the hidden architectural gems of the Hakka people on a private day tour from Xiamen. Venture to the UNESCO-listed Tianluokeng Tulou, where towering circular earthen structures stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of this region. Explore the history and significance of these unique communal dwellings, then savor the flavors of traditional Hakka cuisine during a homemade lunch in a local family’s home. With comfortable transportation and an expert guide by your side, this immersive experience offers a glimpse into the captivating world of the Hakka people – a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Xiamen.

Key Points

• This private day tour from Xiamen takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Tianluokeng Tulou, featuring Hakka communal homes, with a traditional Hakka lunch included.
• The tour includes a 2.5-hour scenic drive, a 20-minute visit to the Tianluokeng Tulou Clusters, a 1-hour traditional Hakka lunch, and a 30-minute visit to the Yuchang Building.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who provides insights into the history and cultural significance of the tulou and Hakka people.
• The tour offers a comfortable and informative journey, with pickup and drop-off from any location in downtown Xiamen and transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and dietary requirements can be accommodated during the traditional Hakka lunch.

Tour Overview

The private day tour to Tianluokeng Tulou takes visitors from Xiamen, China, to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fujian’s "tulou" – impressive communal homes built by the Hakka people.

The tour has a 100% traveler recommendation based on 10 reviews, highlighting the cluster of Tianluokeng tulou, the historic Yuchang Building, and the charming Taxia water town.

A traditional Hakka lunch in a local family home and transportation from downtown Xiamen are included.

The tour provides guided insights on tulou history and Hakka culture during the 2.5-hour drive, as well as ample time to photograph and explore the tulou clusters.

Itinerary Details

Pickup and travel begins with guests being collected from any location in downtown Xiamen. From there, it’s a 2.5-hour drive in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the tulou region. Along the way, the guide provides insights into the history of the tulou and the Hakka culture.

Itinerary Highlights	Duration
Tianluokeng Tulou Clusters	20 minutes
Traditional Hakka Lunch	1 hour
Yuchang Building Visit	30 minutes

At the Tianluokeng tulou clusters, guests have time to take in the panoramic views from the viewing platform. After, they enjoy a traditional Hakka lunch in a local family’s home, complete with homemade rice wine. The tour concludes with a visit to the Yuchang Building, the oldest and largest round tulou structure.

Pickup and Travel

Guests are collected from any location in downtown Xiamen to begin their 2.5-hour drive in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the tulou region.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the history of the tulou structures and the Hakka culture.

The scenic drive takes travelers through the countryside, offering glimpses of the lush landscapes and rural life that characterize this part of China.

The guide ensures a comfortable and informative journey, setting the stage for the immersive cultural experience that awaits at the UNESCO-listed tulou clusters.

Tianluokeng Tulou Clusters

Visitors arrive at the viewing platform, which offers panoramic vistas of the remarkable Tianluokeng tulou clusters. These architectural marvels are UNESCO-listed for their unique design and cultural significance. Guests spend 20 minutes exploring the clusters, marveling at the structures’ resilience and history.

Feature	Description
Clusters	20+ interconnected, circular tulou buildings
Construction	Reinforced earthen walls, up to 6 stories tall
Purpose	Housing for extended Hakka families
History	Dating back to 15th-19th centuries
Significance	Epitomize Hakka communal living

The guide provides insightful commentary on the tulou’s architectural brilliance and the Hakka people’s rich cultural traditions.

Lunch Experience

After exploring the remarkable Tianluokeng tulou clusters, guests are welcomed into a local family’s home for a traditional Hakka lunch.

The homemade meal features several regional specialties:

1. A flavorful rice wine, handcrafted by the family using a time-honored recipe.
2. Steamed buns stuffed with savory pork and vegetables, a staple of Hakka cuisine.
3. A variety of locally-sourced vegetables, expertly prepared to showcase the fresh, seasonal flavors.

This intimate dining experience provides a rare glimpse into the daily life and culinary traditions of the Hakka people, complementing the architectural wonders discovered earlier in the day.

Yuchang Building Visit

The Yuchang Building stands as the oldest and largest round tulou structure in the Tianluokeng cluster. During the tour, visitors have the chance to explore this architectural marvel dating back over 700 years. Inside, the guide shares its historical significance and explains the resilience of the building’s design.

Feature	Details
Age	Over 700 years old
Size	Largest round tulou
Design	Resilient structure
Historical Significance	Highlighted by guide

Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and endurance of Hakka vernacular architecture as they step inside this iconic tulou edifice.

Inclusions

This private day tour to Tianluokeng Tulou includes a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, transport between attractions with hotel pickup and return, an English-speaking professional guide, and admission tickets for the visited sites.

The tour package covers:

1. A traditional Hakka lunch with homemade rice wine at a local family’s home.
2. Comfortable transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle during the 2.5-hour drive from Xiamen.
3. Guided insights on Tulou history and Hakka culture throughout the journey.

Additional Information

Confirmation of this booking is received at the time of the reservation.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating those with mobility needs.

Dietary requirements can be noted during booking, ensuring a customized dining experience.

Infant seats are available for families with small children.

Participants must provide their passport information prior to the tour. This is a necessary requirement for all travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Visit Other Tulou Sites?

Yes, there is an option to visit other tulou sites. The tour focuses on the Tianluokeng tulou cluster, but additional tulou sites may be included depending on the traveler’s interests and the tour duration.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate personal interests and requests, allowing visitors to explore additional tulou sites beyond the standard Tianluokeng cluster if desired.

What Is the Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour is a customized experience, allowing guests to tailor the itinerary to their preferences. The group size is flexible, typically ranging from solo travelers to small groups of up to 4 or 5 people.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The tour provider will handle all transportation and entry tickets, allowing you to focus on exploring the UNESCO-listed Tianluokeng Tulou buildings.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss options with the tour provider to customize the itinerary and spend more time exploring the Tianluokeng Tulou clusters and surrounding areas.

Recap

This private day tour from Xiamen to the Tianluokeng Tulou clusters provides an immersive experience into the rich cultural heritage of the Hakka people. Visitors will explore the stunning circular tulou buildings, learn about their history, and enjoy a traditional Hakka lunch in a local family’s home. With comfortable transportation and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the communal living and architecture of the Hakka community.