Nanjing Summer Exclusive: When Tulou Meets Rice Fields, Streams, and Sunset Glow
In the height of summer, Nanjing County in Zhangzhou, Fujian, is surrounded by the green mountains and clear waters of southwestern Fujian. Amidst the chorus of cicadas, this place is the filming location for "Yunshuiyao" and "Big Fish & Begonia," and also the core area of the World Cultural Heritage site "Fujian Tulou," harboring a unique summer coolness and romance.
🚗 Transportation Guide
1️⃣ Self-drive: About 2 hours from Xiamen/Zhangzhou, navigate to "Yunshuiyao Ancient Town." Along the winding mountain roads in summer, lush greenery fills the view. Roll down the windows and feel the mountain breeze carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees🌿
2️⃣ Bus: From Zhangzhou Bus Station → Nanjing Bus Station → direct Route 6 bus, or choose the shuttle bus directly to the scenic area🚌. Taking the bus in the afternoon, you can catch the splendid sunset through the window.
3️⃣ Group Tour: A blessing for the lazy! One-day tour from Xiamen including the Tulou clusters, worry-free and effortless🚗. The guide thoughtfully prepares refreshing wet wipes to dispel the travel heat.
🏯 Must-Visit Attractions
1️⃣ Yunshuiyao Ancient Path🌳
Take a summer stroll along the cobblestone road under the thousand-year-old banyan trees, whose dense branches form a natural canopy. Listen to the babbling stream, watch the century-old street and creaking waterwheels, as if stepping into a movie scene🎬!
✨ Hidden Experience: Come early morning to photograph the Tulou in the mist before the heat sets in; or wait until evening to see the sunset dye the stream golden🌅, feeling the summer poetry of "the setting sun and lone wild goose flying together, autumn waters blending with the vast sky."
2️⃣ Hegui Lou 🏯
"The Noah’s Ark on the swamp!" This square Tulou is built on marshland and has stood for 300 years without collapsing. When you step on it, it slightly vibrates—super amazing🤯. In summer, the temperature inside is cooler than outside, making it a great place to escape the heat.
3️⃣ Huaiyuan Lou📚
The most exquisite round Tulou! With carved doors and windows, ancestral teachings and couplets, experience the Hakka family's literary heritage📜. Sitting in the cool shade inside the Tulou, listen to local elders tell Tulou stories. Amid the cicada chorus, time seems to slow down.
4️⃣ Countryside Scenery🌾
Rent a bicycle🚲 and weave through the rice fields and Tulou. In the summer fields, the rice waves ripple with the wind. You might meet an old man herding cattle and water buffalo grazing, filling you with a healing vibe🐂. You can also play in the stream and enjoy the summer coolness.
🍜 Foodie Radar
🔥 Must-Try:
Chilled Guangyu Fish Soup 🐟: Fresh and sweet fish soup cooked with mountain spring water, chilled in summer for a refreshing taste, paired with homegrown vegetables🥬, perfect for cutting grease and cooling down.
Chilled Taro Cake 🍠: Soft, glutinous, and savory taro cake dipped in chili sauce, accompanied by a glass of sour plum juice—absolutely delicious!
Hakka Rice Wine 🍶: Strong and potent glutinous rice wine, best served chilled, sweet and tasty. Remember to say "Cheers~" before drinking🥂
📌 Restaurant Recommendation: "Yunshuiyao Renjia" by the ancient path, sitting by the stream, enjoy your meal while watching ducks swim🦆, and feel the summer breeze passing through the hall.
🏡 Accommodation Guide
🌙 Recommended Experience: Stay in a Tulou-converted guesthouse!
Sketching Base Inn 🎨: Open the window to streams and ancient banyan trees, fall asleep to the sound of cicadas and flowing water, and gaze at the starry sky✨ at night.
Jingwei Xiaodiao 🎸: A favorite among artsy youth, the owner plays guitar, and there are bonfire parties🔥 at night. Under the summer night sky, gather around the fire singing and dancing—so lively.
⏰ Itinerary Suggestions
🌞 One-day Tour:
Morning: Hegui Lou → Yunshuiyao Ancient Path → Huaiyuan Lou
Afternoon: Surrounding Tulou clusters (such as Tianluokeng "Four Dishes and One Soup"), enjoy the stunning Tulou sunset in the evening.
🌙 Two-day Tour:
Day 1: Walk the ancient path + explore Tulou + night tour of the ancient town, experience the lively summer night atmosphere.
Day 2: Early morning watch the sea of clouds☁️, afternoon visit Taxia Village to experience Hakka folk customs💃, taste local specialties, ending a pleasant summer trip.
💡 Tips
1️⃣ Prepare for sun protection! Bring sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, as the summer sun is strong🌞
2️⃣ Wear non-slip shoes! The ancient path is mossy and slippery after rain🌧️
3️⃣ For portraits, wear light-colored clothes or Hanfu, which match the ancient architecture perfectly👘 and look cooler.