Ask a Question
Situated in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City (福建省漳州市南靖县), the main tulou clusters are concentrated in Shuyang Town (书洋镇) and Hekeng Town (河坑镇). The region is characterized by lush green valleys and meandering streams, with tulou often perched on hillsides or along riverbanks. From Xiamen, the journey to Nanjing Tulou takes you through scenic highways, offering glimpses of Fujian’s pastoral countryside before arriving at these hidden architectural gems.
►Option 1 Xiamen→Shuyang →Township Direct access to Shuyang Town (to key scenic spots such as Tianluokeng and Tasha Village)
For visitors specifically heading to the Tianluokeng Tulou complex and Tasha Village, the most convenient option is to take a direct bus from Xiamen's Fanghu Bus Station to Shuyang Town. Currently, there are five daily departures (08:30, 09:10, 12:10, 13:30, and 15:30), with a journey time of approximately 3.5–4 hours and a fare of 80–100 RMB (approximately US$11–14). Upon arrival in Shuyang Town, transfer directly to a local minivan to your desired scenic spot (e.g., Tianluokeng takes about 15 minutes, Tasha Village takes about 20 minutes, and costs 5–10 RMB per person). For the return trip, Shuyang Town Bus Station has three daily departures back to Xiamen (07:30, 14:25, and 16:00). It is recommended to confirm the return departure time upon arrival to avoid missing the bus.
►Option 2 Xiamen→Nanjing County→Tulou
If you plan to visit more dispersed attractions like the Hekeng Tulou Cluster, you can first arrive in Nanjing County and then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus. Frequent buses to Nanjing County run from Xiamen Fanghu Bus Station and Wucun Bus Station between 6:40 AM and 6:00 PM (2.5–3 hours, 60–80 RMB). Upon arrival at Nanjing Bus Station, transfer to the "Tulou Special Line" bus. Buses to Tianluokeng and Yuchanglou depart hourly from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, take 1.5 hours, and cost 25 RMB. For more distant destinations like Hekeng, it's recommended to charter a bus directly at the bus station (approximately 50–80 RMB per bus).
Note: Nanjing's Tulou Cluster is widely dispersed, so be sure to clearly state your destination (e.g., "Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster" or "Hekeng Tulou Cluster") with the driver before boarding to avoid taking the wrong route.
►Option 3 Private car/van/bus
For groups of 4 to 8 people or tourists who wish to explore in depth, a chartered vehicle is the best choice. The service covers round-trip transportation from Xiamen city center / airport / railway station to Nanjing Tulou, and customizes routes based on needs (such as visiting Tianluokeng, Yuchanglou, and Taxia Village in one day). The cost of chartering a vehicle varies by model: a 4-seat sedan is approximately $150 - $200 per day, and a 6-8 seat minibus is about $200 - $250 per day, including driver service fees, fuel costs, and tolls. The advantage is that you can stop at scenic spots along the way at any time, avoiding the time constraints of public transportation. It is especially suitable for families with luggage or elderly and children. It is recommended to book through platforms such as Ctrip and Klook or local reputable travel agencies to confirm the vehicle's qualifications and the driver's English communication skills (or prepare a Chinese itinerary in advance) to ensure a smooth journey.
Once in Nanjing, getting between tulou clusters can be challenging due to the region’s hilly terrain and limited public transport. Tianluokeng and Yuchang Building are about 15 km apart, while Taxia Village lies 8 km from Hekeng Cluster. To efficiently explore multiple sites, consider hiring a local taxi or joining a guided tour. Taxis in Shuyang Town typically charge US$30–50 for a half-day tour, covering 2–3 clusters. Shared mini-vans are cheaper (US$5–10 per person) but follow fixed routes and schedules. For a more immersive experience, some travelers opt to rent electric bicycles, though this is best suited for short distances and requires familiarity with the area.
While trains do not go directly to Nanjing Tulou, they offer a scenic route combined with local transport. The fastest option is to take a high-speed train from Xiamen North Station to Zhangzhou Station (约 30 分钟，10 余趟每日), then transfer to a bus from Zhangzhou Bus Station to Shuyang Town (约 2 小时，每小时一班). For those with more time, ordinary trains from Xiamen Railway Station to Nanjing County Station (约 4 小时，2 趟每日) are also an option, followed by a taxi or bus to the tulou clusters (1.5 小时). This method is suitable for travelers who enjoy train journeys but requires careful scheduling and some patience due to the transfers involved.
We are member of
Follow us on
