Longyan

Longyan, in western Fujian, is home to the World Heritage tulou, old towns where everyday life still carries on, and Danxia landscapes. It is ideal for a leisurely weekend or short holiday.

• Yongding Tulou: A World Cultural Heritage site featuring Chengqi Building, Zhencheng Building and others. Learn about Hakka architecture and experience the tulou atmosphere reminiscent of *Big Fish & Begonia*.

• Changting Ancient City: This thousand-year-old Tang-era city has pleasant night views around Diantou Street and Jichuan Gate. With limited commercial development, it retains the feel of everyday life in an old town.

• Guanzhai Mountain: Known alongside Wuyi Mountain as “Northern Yi, Southern Zhai,” it features Danxia landforms. A boat ride on Shimen Lake offers views of the mountains, water and the “Root of Life” formation.

• Peitian Ancient Village: With 800 years of history, the village preserves many Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Its scale and state of preservation have earned it the nickname “the Folk Forbidden City.” The surroundings are peaceful.

• Longkong Cave: A karst underground cave formed 300 million years ago, with mountain and water scenery inside. Temperatures stay around 18°C year-round, making it a good summer destination.

3-Day, 2-Night Highlights Without Backtracking

• Day 1: Arrive in Longyan and visit Yongding Tulou
  • Morning: Take the high-speed train to Longyan Station, then take a bus or chartered car to Yongding Tulou, about 1.5–2 hours away.
  • Afternoon: Visit Zhencheng Building, which combines Chinese and Western styles, in the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, or head to the Gaobei Tulou Cluster to see Chengqi Building, known as the “King of Tulou.” Early morning and late afternoon are less crowded and offer better light for viewing the architecture.
  • Evening: Stay at a tulou guesthouse, try Hakka activities such as making glutinous rice cakes and drinking lei tea, and watch the tulou lit up at night along with folk performances.
• Day 2: Morning tulou views and an evening visit to Changting Ancient City
  • Morning: Get up early to visit the Chuxi Tulou Cluster. It retains more of its original character and sees fewer visitors. From the viewing platform, you can look out over the tulou and terraced fields at sunrise or sunset.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Changting Ancient City, about 2.5 hours away, then check in and rest.
  • Evening: Stroll along Diantou Street and sample Hakka snacks. At dusk, climb Jichuan Gate for views of the Ting River at night and the light show.
• Day 3: Visit Guanzhai Mountain and return
  • Morning: Travel from Changting to Guanzhai Mountain, about 1.5–2 hours by car. Route A covers the main scenic area and includes a Shimen Lake boat ride. Adjust the visit to your energy level; there is no need to complete the entire route.
  • Afternoon: If time allows, stop at Peitian Ancient Village on the way. Explore its historic buildings along the kilometer-long old street, then continue your return journey.

Essential Hakka Foods to Try

Longyan cuisine is mainly Hakka-style, commonly seasoned with ginger, wine and pepper, with a generally savory and salty flavor.

• Poached pork kidney: Thinly sliced pork kidney is coated in starch and poached to order. The soup has the aroma of aged wine and white pepper, with a crisp, tender texture. It is a common local breakfast choice.

• Bozai ban: Thin, springy rice sheets are filled with green beans, preserved radish and minced meat, then topped with scallion oil. The texture is refreshing and pleasantly chewy.

• White-cut Hetian chicken: Hetian chicken has golden skin and tender meat, and is usually served with garlic and vinegar dip.

• Yongding taro dumplings: The wrappers are made from mashed taro and cassava flour, filled with dried bamboo shoots, minced meat and shiitake mushrooms. They are soft, glutinous and savory.

• Clear-broth rice noodles: The broth is made by slowly simmering pork bones for about six hours, then served with sliced meat and chives. The flavor is light but lingering.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Getting there:
  • High-speed rail: Longyan Station is the most convenient choice for Longyan city and the tulou. For Changting Ancient City, get off at Changting South Station; for Guanzhai Mountain, use Guanzhai Mountain Station.
  • Flights: Liancheng Guanzhai Mountain Airport is currently closed to flights for expansion work, so taking the high-speed train is recommended.
• Getting around: Longyan’s county towns and scenic areas are spread far apart, so driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient. After arriving by high-speed rail, you can also transfer to a bus or a customized tour shuttle near the station.
• Where to stay:
  • In the city: Staying near Longyan Station or Wanda offers convenient transport and plenty of dining options.
  • At the tulou: Choose a Hakka guesthouse near the Tulou Prince scenic area or Hukeng Town for easy access to the night views.
  • In the old town: Changting Ancient City has guesthouses and chain hotels nearby. Rooms cost about 120–300 yuan per night, making it convenient for evening sightseeing and dining.

Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Choose just 1–2 tulou: Since the styles of the different tulou are somewhat similar, it is enough to explore 1–2 of Chengqi Building, Zhencheng Building and the Chuxi Tulou Cluster in depth.
• Be wary of unsolicited guide offers: At scenic-area entrances, people may claim they can take you to cheap places or show you a shortcut. Be careful, as you could be led to a remote, deserted tulou.
• The old-town combo ticket is better value: Changting’s old-town streets are free, while Jichuan Gate, the Baxi Hall and Dafu Residence offer a combination ticket that is usually cheaper than buying tickets separately.
• Check opening days: Exhibitions such as the Longyan Museum are usually closed on Mondays, so avoid planning this route for that day.
• What to wear: Tulou sites and Guanzhai Mountain have many steps and cobblestone paths, so wear sneakers. Temperature changes between morning and evening are noticeable in the mountains, so bring a light jacket.