How to Get to Hakka Tulou in Yongding from Xiamen

Yongding lies 160–200 km west of Xiamen, the region’s primary gateway. For travelers eager to explore these ancient Hakka fortresses, the question arises: How to journey from Xiamen to Yongding Tulou? The most direct options include private car transfers for seamless convenience, direct intercity coaches, or a combination of trains to Longyan/Nanjing followed by local bus connections. Delve into the details below to discover the best routes for your Yongding Tulou adventure!

travel to tulou in yongding from xiamen

Where is Yongding Hakka Tulou?

Yongding Hakka Tulou , a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, is located in Yongding District, Longyan City (龙岩市永定区), southern Fujian Province. Bordering Guangdong Province, this area is renowned for its 30,000+ tulou—iconic circular or square earthen fortresses where Hakka families have lived for centuries. The main clusters lie in Hukeng Town (湖坑镇，home to Hongkeng and Gaobei Clusters) and Xiayang Town (下洋镇，including Chuxi Tulou Cluster), about 160–200 km west of Xiamen.

How to Get to Hakka Tulou in Yongding from Xiamen?

1. By Direct Bus (Most Convenient for Major Clusters)

Departure Stations in Xiamen:

Hubinnan Long - Distance Bus Station (湖滨南长途汽车站)：This is a key departure point for buses heading to Yongding Tulou areas. Buses to Hukeng Town (where the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster is located) operate with multiple daily departures, starting from around 6:00 am to 12:30 pm. For instance, buses might leave at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 (schedules may vary, so it's crucial to double - check before departure). The buses pass through scenic areas of Zhangzhou, Nanjing, and other places along the way. The journey takes approximately 3.5 - 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The fare for a one - way trip is around CNY 60 - 70.
Wucun Bus Station (梧村汽车站)：If your destination is Xiayang Town (where the Chuxi Tulou Cluster is located), there is a direct bus option. Buses depart from Wucun Bus Station at 6:40 in the morning. This bus travels through various towns and offers a convenient way to reach the remote and authentic Chuxi Tulou Cluster. The travel time is about 4 - 4.5 hours, and the one - way fare is approximately CNY 75.
Journey Time: 3.5–4 hours, depending on the cluster.
Fares: The one - way fares for direct buses range from CNY 60 - 75. For the buses departing from Hubinnan Long - Distance Bus Station to Hukeng Town (Hongkeng Tulou Cluster), the fare is typically around CNY 60 - 70. And for the bus from Wucun Bus Station to Xiayang Town (Chuxi Tulou Cluster), the fare is approximately CNY 75. These fares are subject to change, and it's advisable to check with the bus stations or relevant ticketing platforms for the most accurate and up - to - date information.

Return Buses from Yongding

From Hukeng Town: Return buses to Xiamen are available. They usually depart at 7:30, 12:30, 14:45. The return journey takes around 3 - 3.5 hours, getting you back to Xiamen in a timely manner. It's important to note that these times are subject to change, so it's best to confirm the return schedule at the local bus station in Hukeng Town as soon as you arrive at the destination.
From Xiayang Town: Buses from Xiayang Town to Xiamen also operate. The departure times are around 8:00, 13:00, 15:00. The journey back to Xiamen takes approximately 4 - 4.5 hours. Similar to the Hukeng Town return buses, always check the actual schedule at the local bus station in Xiayang Town to avoid any inconvenience.

*Tip：When boarding the bus in Xiamen, make sure to clearly communicate your drop - off point to the driver. Specify whether you are going to the "Hongkeng Tulou Cluster" (洪坑土楼群) or the "Chuxi Tulou Cluster" (初溪土楼群). This is essential as the buses may have multiple stops along the way, and accurate communication will ensure you get off at the correct location closest to your intended tulou attractions. Additionally, it can be helpful to have the Chinese names of the destinations written down or saved on your phone to show the driver if there are any language barriers.

Why This Option?
Ideal for first-time visitors targeting Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (with the "King of Tulou," Chengqilou) or Chuxi Tulou Cluster (remote, authentic Hakka villages). Buses stop near major attractions, allowing easy access to ticket offices and guesthouses.

2. By Train + Local Transfer (For Flexibility)

Step 1: Xiamen → Longyan by High-Speed Train

Departure: Xiamen North Station → Longyan Station (40+ daily trips, 1 hour, CNY 50–80/US$7–11).

Step 2: Longyan → Yongding Tulou by Bus

From Longyan Bus Station (3 km from the train station), take buses to Hukeng Town (hourly 07:00–17:00, 1 hour, CNY 25/US$3.5).
For Chuxi Tulou Cluster, transfer from Hukeng Town to Xiayang Town (20 minutes by taxi, CNY 50/US$7).

Why This Option?
Suitable for travelers who prefer rail travel or need to combine visits to Longyan. Avoids the 4.5-hour ordinary train (no longer operational) and offers faster connections via high-speed rail.

3. By Private Car/Van Charter (Premium Convenience)

Ideal For: Families, groups, or travelers wanting to cover multiple clusters (e.g., Hongkeng + Chuxi) in one day.

Service Details:
- Pickup from any Xiamen location (hotel, airport, train station).
- Custom routes with English-speaking drivers (e.g., Hongkeng → Gaobei → Chuxi).
- Costs: Sedan (4 pax): US$150–200/day; Van (6–8 pax): US$200–250/day (includes fuel and tolls).
Advantages:
- Direct access to remote clusters like Nanxi Tulou Cluster.
- Flexibility to stop for meals or photography (e.g., at mountain viewpoints).

Booking Tips: Use platforms like Ctrip or our agencies Top China Travel to ensure licensed vehicles. Provide a Chinese itinerary for clarity (e.g., 洪坑土楼群，初溪土楼群).

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring (Mar–May) for mild weather and green landscapes; autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear skies. Avoid summer typhoons and winter rains.
Pack light for buses; most tulou guesthouses offer free luggage storage.
Language Help: Save these Chinese names:
- 洪坑土楼群 (Hongkeng Tulou Cluster)
- 初溪土楼群 (Chuxi Tulou Cluster)
- 湖坑镇汽车站 (Hukeng Town Bus Station)
Tickets: Buy combo bus + tulou tickets at Fanghu/Wucun Stations for 10% savings (e.g., Hongkeng Cluster combo: CNY 130/US$18).