Wulin Traditional Village in Jinjiang｜“Peranakan Time” in Minnan Western-style Buildings, Hidden Photo Spots + Culture

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 In Jinjiang, Fujian, there is an ancient village that stitches together “Minnan daily life” and “Nanyang romance” — Wulin. Here, there is no monotonous commercialization of ancient towns, only 132 old buildings spanning from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the modern era: the swallowtail ridges of Minnan red brick mansions reach toward the sky, the Romanesque Western-style buildings’ carved colonnades are covered with vines, and you can even wear Peranakan costumes to shoot a set of “time-travel” style photos inside century-old buildings. This original guide helps you avoid typical tourist traps and truly understand the charm of Wulin’s overseas Chinese heritage. 1. Why visit Wulin? It’s more than just “photo check-ins” 📜 Wulin is not an ordinary “ancient village template,” it is a “living memory” of Minnan people going to Nanyang: - Historical background: The village was established during the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty. In the late Qing and early Republic era, many villagers went overseas to Nanyang to make a living. After earning money, the first thing they did was return to the village to build houses—some built traditional Minnan red brick mansions, others brought back Western-style buildings they saw in Nanyang. Gradually, a spectacle of “one building, one style” emerged, known as the “Overseas Chinese Architecture Museum.” In 2023, it was just rated a national 4A-level scenic spot. - Unique atmosphere: Walking in the village is like “opening a blind box.” One moment you’re touching auspicious patterns on a Ming dynasty hundred blessings wall, the next you’re standing in front of a Gothic-style arched window of a modern Western-style building; at dusk, the sunset dyes the red bricks warm orange, distant Minnan nursery rhymes drift in, with no crowded crowds, only time slowing down. - Practical info: The entire village is free to enter (makeup, dining, and other experiences charge fees); it’s a 20-minute drive from Jinjiang city center, or take bus routes 35/502 to “Wulin Ancient Village Station.” It’s recommended to spend 3 hours, visiting between 9-11 AM or 3-5 PM for soft lighting and no backlight when photographing. 2. Peranakan Makeup and Costume: 2 original tips to instantly become a Nanyang beauty 💄 “Peranakan” refers to female descendants of overseas Chinese in Nanyang. Their clothing and makeup blend Minnan embroidery with Malay style, a “soulful experience” in Wulin. Master these two tips, and even beginners can shoot unique Nanyang-style photos: - Outfit matching: Avoid overly bright neon colors! For a fresh look, prioritize light blue and pale pink, paired with white lace sleeves and a bamboo basket, giving a “gentle girl-next-door” vibe; for a vintage look, choose dark red or dark green with gold thread embroidery and pearl details, carry a black oil-paper umbrella, gently lift the skirt while walking—capturing dynamic shots looks more lively. - Makeup details: Peranakan makeup doesn’t aim for “heavy makeup,” but focuses on “gentleness”—eyebrows are drawn thin and slightly raised, brown eyeliner lightly traces the outer eye, avoiding exaggeration; lip color should be close to natural lip shades like dusty rose or brick red, blended with fingers for a natural edge; hairstyles can add pearl hairpins or silk flowers, keep it simple, showing the neckline for elegance. There are several makeup shops in the village, with options based on budget (basic starts at 60 RMB, refined around 100 RMB). It’s recommended to try on costumes first to ensure a good fit before makeup to avoid compromising photo results. 3. Hidden photo spots: 3 little-known “picture-perfect corners” 📸 1. Side alley of the Five-Story Mansion: “Nanyang daily life” under red brick walls Everyone loves photographing the front of the Five-Story Mansion, but the narrow alley on the side is more atmospheric—red brick walls covered with moss, old ceramic jars in the corner. Wearing Peranakan clothes standing at the alley entrance, hand resting on the wall with a smiling glance back, sunlight leaks from the roof, light spots fall on the clothes, like an old photo of a “Nanyang lady returning home.” No tourists in the frame, the scene is clean and full of story. 2. Second-floor balcony of the East-facing Building: “Vintage gaze” in front of the arched window The East-facing Building is Wulin’s iconic Western-style building, but few visit the second-floor balcony—white arched windows with green frames. Standing by the window, one hand resting on the sill, the other holding a folding fan naturally down, eyes looking into the distance. The photographer shoots from below, blending the building’s carvings, sky, and person into a full composition with a vintage atmosphere. 3. Old desk in the Overseas Chinese Letter Museum: “Longing” beside letters The Overseas Chinese Letter Museum displays old “cross-country letters” (qiaopi) from overseas Chinese. By the window, an old desk covered with blue cloth holds an old fountain pen and yellowed letter paper. Sitting on the chair, hand gently resting on the letter, head bowed as if “reading,” warm light shines in from outside, no filter needed, naturally “aged,” perfect for those wanting to shoot “storytelling” photos. 4. Explore and eat: More than just photography 🌿 1. Must-do: Experience overseas Chinese culture - Visit the “Overseas Chinese Letter Museum” to see old letters and photos of overseas Chinese, understanding their hardships going to Nanyang—some saved money by pulling rickshaws, others ran small businesses, all to build a good home for their families. The combination of text and images offers more immersion than just viewing buildings. - Don’t miss the “Wulin Market” on weekends, where Minnan aunties sell local snacks like earthworm jelly and spring rolls, with people singing Minnan songs and dancing Nanyang-style dances. Buy a snack and sit under the old banyan tree to feel the village’s lively atmosphere, more enjoyable than just checking in. 2. Must-eat delicacies: Minnan flavor + Nanyang flavor - Minnan traditional taste: At the village entrance, “Grandma’s Shop” offers chewy earthworm jelly without fishy smell, oyster omelet with egg and scallions, crispy outside and tender inside, spring rolls filled with crushed peanuts, shredded carrots, and seaweed—each bite full of childhood flavor, about 30 RMB per person for a full meal. - Nanyang flavor: Try the laksa noodles at “Nanyang Stories” restaurant, with rich, slightly spicy broth and coconut aroma that whets the appetite; Peranakan cakes are handmade, sweet but not greasy, available in taro and purple sweet potato flavors. The owner is a descendant of Nanyang overseas Chinese and says this is the taste his mother made in childhood. 5. Tips to avoid pitfalls: Make your trip smoother ⚠️ 1. Don’t wear high heels! The village roads include stone slabs and dirt paths. Wear flat shoes or embroidered shoes provided by makeup shops to avoid foot pain and affect your mood. 2. Makeup and costumes must be returned the same day. When photographing, avoid getting too close to sharp architectural carvings to prevent tearing or staining clothes. Damages require compensation, so be careful. 3. The last bus leaves around 6:30 PM. If you want to shoot the sunset, it’s recommended to drive or take a taxi back to avoid missing the last bus. Free parking is available at the village entrance, convenient and worry-free. The beauty of Wulin is not created by “internet filters,” but by the century-old stories hidden in red brick Western-style buildings and the gentle sweep of Peranakan skirts on stone paths. Here, no need to rush through attractions or squeeze through crowds—wear your favorite outfit, take a set of story-filled photos, and enjoy authentic local food for the best travel experience.