NEARBY ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
1 Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
Tianluokeng tulou cluster is one of the better known Fujian Tulou clusters. It consists of a square earth building at the center of a quincunx, surrounded by four round earth buildings (or more exactly, 3 round earth buildings and one oval shape earth building), figuratively nickenamed "Si cai yi tang" (four dishes with a soup).
2. Taxia Village
There are more than 20 earthen building of different shapes built along the bank of a clear brook that flows through the entire village. Another major attraction is Zhang's Clan Ancestral Hall. Next to a pond, 20 stone flagpoles rise like a stone forest in front of it. As one of the most well-preserved ancient clan houses in China, Zhang's Clan Ancestral Hall is listed among the key cultural relics protected under the national level.
3. Hegui Lou
Located in Meilin Village, Hegui Building is a key cultural heritage structure under state protection. The building cost 15,000 liang or 75 kg of silver when it was constructed in 1732.
4. Shuhai Waterfall (pictured above)
The Shuihai Waterfall is approximately 10 miles from Qingxing Lou, or a 25-minute drive. Though it's not part of the popular tourist route due to geographic location, the scenery is spectacular and depending on conditions it is sometimes possible to swim in the waterfall. It can be reached by a long day hike or by short car ride from Qingxing Lou.
5. Walk Through Rice Fields To Shuyang Town
Shuyang town is about 2 miles from Qingxing Lou by foot. It's the center of farmers market for the surrounding villages. Walking through the morning mist alone the river bank and the rice field, passing through other ancient village with different shapes of Tulou, you will get to the early farmers markets in Shuyang. Having an authentic countryside breakfast there and/or buying some fresh vegetables, fruits, and stone grounded fresh tofu for your day is very enjoyable and refreshing.
6. Motorcycle Ride Through Tea Fields in Feng Lin Village
Fenglin Village is an eco-tourism site, and can be experienced by cycling through the tea and vegetable fields along mountainous roads. It's about 6 miles from Qingxing Lou.
7. Yunshuiyao
Yunshiyao is one of the most romantic ancient villages in the tourist area. At this riverside village, hundreds-year-old fig trees line the river, and ancient stone walkways provide walking paths for exploring the area. Yunshuiyao is about 8 miles from Qingxinglou.
8. Hiking
Hiking behind the rolling hills of Qingxing Lou is good way to experience the landscape. All the sites above are reachable by hiking. Local tour guides or volunteers are available upon request to help you find your way.
Photo by Travis JM Bunt (@ Tulou Open House 2012)
Tianluokeng tulou cluster is one of the better known Fujian Tulou clusters. It consists of a square earth building at the center of a quincunx, surrounded by four round earth buildings (or more exactly, 3 round earth buildings and one oval shape earth building), figuratively nickenamed "Si cai yi tang" (four dishes with a soup).
2. Taxia Village
There are more than 20 earthen building of different shapes built along the bank of a clear brook that flows through the entire village. Another major attraction is Zhang's Clan Ancestral Hall. Next to a pond, 20 stone flagpoles rise like a stone forest in front of it. As one of the most well-preserved ancient clan houses in China, Zhang's Clan Ancestral Hall is listed among the key cultural relics protected under the national level.
3. Hegui Lou
Located in Meilin Village, Hegui Building is a key cultural heritage structure under state protection. The building cost 15,000 liang or 75 kg of silver when it was constructed in 1732.
4. Shuhai Waterfall (pictured above)
The Shuihai Waterfall is approximately 10 miles from Qingxing Lou, or a 25-minute drive. Though it's not part of the popular tourist route due to geographic location, the scenery is spectacular and depending on conditions it is sometimes possible to swim in the waterfall. It can be reached by a long day hike or by short car ride from Qingxing Lou.
5. Walk Through Rice Fields To Shuyang Town
Shuyang town is about 2 miles from Qingxing Lou by foot. It's the center of farmers market for the surrounding villages. Walking through the morning mist alone the river bank and the rice field, passing through other ancient village with different shapes of Tulou, you will get to the early farmers markets in Shuyang. Having an authentic countryside breakfast there and/or buying some fresh vegetables, fruits, and stone grounded fresh tofu for your day is very enjoyable and refreshing.
6. Motorcycle Ride Through Tea Fields in Feng Lin Village
Fenglin Village is an eco-tourism site, and can be experienced by cycling through the tea and vegetable fields along mountainous roads. It's about 6 miles from Qingxing Lou.
7. Yunshuiyao
Yunshiyao is one of the most romantic ancient villages in the tourist area. At this riverside village, hundreds-year-old fig trees line the river, and ancient stone walkways provide walking paths for exploring the area. Yunshuiyao is about 8 miles from Qingxinglou.
8. Hiking
Hiking behind the rolling hills of Qingxing Lou is good way to experience the landscape. All the sites above are reachable by hiking. Local tour guides or volunteers are available upon request to help you find your way.
Photo by Travis JM Bunt (@ Tulou Open House 2012)