Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: Unique Landscape of “Four Dishes and One Soup”

Written by Veronica | Updated March 13,2026

Fujian Tulou is a defensive building built by Hakka people who migrated from the north to the south of China. Standing in a mist-shrouded valley in southwestern Fujian province, the unique structure called Tulou is so large and sturdy, built with layers of rammed earth.

According to the shapes (square or round), Fujian tulou is mainly found in Yongding Tulou and Nanjing Tulou, and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster belongs to the Fujian Tulou complex. What makes it so famous is its layout known as “Four Dishes and One Soup”, which is unique in the world. In fact, it refers to 3 round tulou, 1 square tulou and 1 oval tulou. It has been a popular photography spot. Interestingly, it was once mistaken for a missile base by American intelligence agencies.

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• Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster Facts
• Architecture Features of Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
• What to See in Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
• Tips for Visiting Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
• How to Get to
• Attractions nearby Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
• Plan a Tulou Tour with China Xian Tour

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster Facts

Location: Tianluokeng Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Fujian Province, China

Ticket Price: 90 yuan per person (public transportation fare is 15 yuan/person)

Opening Time: It is open all year round, 24 hours available

What to wear: The road in Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is paved with pebbles, which makes it easier to slip. So it is suggested that you wear flat shoes or sneakers.

Suitable for: If you are an architecture enthusiast or like to explore nature on foot, Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is a great place to visit.

Architecture Features of Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is a building group of three circles, a square and an oval built in accordance with the principles of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth in Chinese Fengshui. It is a landmark building of Fujian Tulou.

The five tulou are three-story civil structures, and each tulou is a complete residential area with only one gate for people to enter and exit. Entering the gate you will find a spacious patio, the first floor is the kitchen, the second floor is mostly the barn, and the third floor is the bedroom for residents. A large tulou can house 200 to 700 people.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster fully demonstrates the wisdom of Chinese working people. It has the characteristics of gathering and living together, anti-theft, anti-earthquake, anti-beast, fire prevention, moisture-proof, ventilation and lighting, warm in winter and cool in summer.

What to See in Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Tulou Complex

The five tulou buildings of “Four Dishes and One Soup” each has its unique design. The central hall of Buyunlou is built on three ascending levels along the terrain. After entering the main gate, you will ascend step by step, reflecting the meaning of its name. Hechanglou is the oldest existing tulou foundation site in Tianluokeng. It was a square tulou originally, but changed to a round building when rebuilt on the original site in 1953.

The featured design of Zhenchanglou is its ancestral hall and the main gate are not on the same central axis. Ruiyunlou is located in the inner corner and is believed in Chinese Fengshui to block wind and gather energy. Wenchanglou is an extremely rare oval-shaped tulou. It is not intentionally designed but was formed in accordance with the terrain of its foundation, which was originally a rectangular threshing ground.

Yuchanglou

Looking from outside, Yuchanglou seems similar to other tulou buildings. But after stepping in, you will find the corridor pillars from the 2^nd – 5^th floors are obviously slanted, with the maximum inclination even reaching 15 °. Though the building looks as if it may fall, it still stands firm through over 700 years of wind, rain and earthquake. Till now, it is a mystery why it can remain standing with inclined columns for such a long time. Besides, in each kitchen, there is a private well, which is extremely rare among the Tulou buildings.

Taxia Village

Taxia Village is also known as Taiji Water Town, because a stream flows through the village in an “S” shape. About 10 various shapes of Tulou and many stilted houses are built along the stream and the stone bridges cross the river, like a typical Chinese ink painting. The tranquil village is an ideal place for you to relax yourself. At dusk, stroll around the stream and village and see the curling smoke from the kitchen chimneys. You will feel a deep sense of peace.

Tips for Visiting Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

• Best to Visit: spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons, when the fields around the Tianluokeng Tulou are filled with colorful flowers and golden crops, respectively. The scenery complement the ancient tulou buildings perfectly. With clear sky and fresh air, it is the best time to enjoy the tour and take photos.
• Photography: the upper viewing platform is the best spot to capture the classic view of “Four Dishes and One Soup”. At dawn and dusk, the lighting condition is the best and the crowds are fewer. The lower viewing platform offers an upward shot of the magnificent ancient tulou nestled against the mountain, which resembles the Potala Palace.
• Accommodation: Taxia Village and the area near viewing platform have many homestays. Taxia Village is the most recommended place. Please note that most homestays are transformed from old buildings, so the room may have poor sound insulation. When choosing the hotels, confirm whether the room is equipped with a private bathroom and check the comments.

How to Get to

Since there is no airport nearby, it is advised to take a train to Nanjing Station first. After arrival, it is highly recommended that you hire a local driver to go for a trip to tulou in Fujian or start a road trip tour of the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, which will be very time-saving and labor-saving. Except during the Chinese New Year parking space may be relatively scarce, in most cases there are parking spaces near the viewing platform.

If you plan to take the bus, you can take the Nanjing bus No. 1, 8, or 601 to Nanjing Bus Station and then take bus No. 6 to the Nanjing Tulou Reception Center. Finally, take the tourist bus to Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster.

For tourists travelling from Xiamen, there are also direct buses from Wucun Bus Station to the scenic area. The operating time is 07:00, 10:30, 14:30 and 18:00.

Attractions nearby Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Yuchang Tower: Built at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, it is the oldest and largest circular tulou with a history of 700 years. Some of the pillars inside the building have been tilted, with a maximum tilt of 15 degrees, but have remained standing after multiple earthquakes.

Taxia Village: It is a secluded Hakka village, suitable for hiking. The whole village is surrounded by mountains, and a stream runs through it, like a fairyland on earth. There are many small restaurants where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine.

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town: It is a renowned Fujian Tulou world heritage site. The beautiful natural landscape and unique human resources of this ancient town have attracted the world’s major directors and producers to shoot here.

Plan a Tulou Tour with China Xian Tour

As one of the most unique architectural wonders and traditional residential complexes in China, Tulou cluster is definitely worth visiting. Do you want to enjoy the tour completely without worrying about the transfer and planning? How about travelling with China Xian Tour? From your first consultation until the moment your tour ends, our travel expert will arrange all the processes and solve all the problems to eliminate your stress. Our price is 100% transparent with no hidden cost and we will offer the best possible value. Just contact us now to enjoy your perfect tour.