A nice tour all around!
Built between the 13th and 20th centuries, the Fujian Tulou are the most representative and best preserved in Southeast Asia. Circular or square, these houses could house a population of several hundred individuals. These are simple constructions made of mud and tiles. Their sober look from the outside hides in fact a warm heart finely decorated. During this stay, the inhabitants will be delighted to make you discover this life in community. And that, in the respect of the environment.
Daily program: Fujian tour and Tulou villages (5 days)
Day 1: Xiamen - Taxia ~ 3:00 to 4:00 drive
Flight in the morning to Xiamen. Welcome to your English-speaking guide then drive through the banana fields, sugar cane, tea plantations and exotic fruit orchards to the city of Nanjing, in the heart of the Hakka country. On the way, visit Gaofeng Tulip Dapinglou where you can observe the daily life of residents and Tianluokeng, a typical Hakka village, consisting of a large circular building called “Tulou”. These Tulous, literally “earthen buildings”, are large, circular, collective buildings resembling fortresses built for defensive purposes. Continue to Shuyang.
Overnight in the village of Taxia in the circular Tulou of Weiqunlou (simple but clean comfort, private bathroom) or in the Tulou square of Yuchang converted into a hotel (private sanitary)
Day 2: Taxia - Chuxi (B) ~ 2h00 drive
Today visit of several round houses of the country Hakka. The Tulou of Chengqilou, more than three hundred years old, is the biggest fortress village in the land of the region. With 400 pieces, it could accommodate more than 600 people. Visits of Yanxianglou built during the Qing Dynasty with a more luxurious interior and Huanjilou used as headquarters by the Red Army … Continuation to Chuxi, including five circular houses and the oldest Tulou dating back more than 600 years. This Tulou is no longer inhabited but houses a museum that can discover thousands of everyday objects, to learn more about the history and unique culture of Hakka people.
Night in the circular Tulou of Chuxi located at the edge of a river in a beautiful setting of wooded hills (comfort simple and clean and pleasant, private toilets), or optional “comfort” at the Capital of Hakka Resort 4 * in the city of Xiayang (250 RMB surcharge per room).
Day 3: Hongkeng (or Chuxi) - Meilin - Gulangyu (B) ~ 3:00 to 4:00 drive
Drive to Meilin City and visit Heguilou Village with the largest square-shaped Hakka House. Also visit Changjiao surrounded by big Banyans, and Huaiyuanlou. Return to Xiamen to take the ferry to Gulangyu Island (10 minutes crossing).
Check-in at Bay View Inn, a charming Gulangyu-style inn, or upgraded to Yangtao Yard Hostel (200RMB / room surcharge).
Day 4: Gulangyu (B)
Free day without guide on the charming little island of Gulangyu, called “the island of Pianos”. Walk on the beach and in the shaded alleys in the heart of a tropical nature to discover the beautiful colonial mansions. Lunch possible seafood and getaway to Xiamen.
Night at Bay View Inn.
Day 5: Gulangyu - Xiamen (B)
Free day (without guide). Visit by your own means from Xiamen City, then transfer from the hotel to the airport (included in the quote) for your flight to another destination in the afternoon. End of our services.