GAOBEI TULOU CLUSTER

Gaobei Tulou Cluster (高北土楼群) is one of the most famous tulous ensembles in Yongding county. Nestled in a verdant valley, it is distinguished by the diversity of its tulous, ranging from circular to square shapes, depending on the needs of the families who lived there. The Chengqilou (承启楼), nicknamed the "King of tulous", is the cluster's largest and most iconic. Built in 1709, it rises over 4 floors with 370 rooms organized around a central courtyard. One of the largest tulous in Fujian, it once housed around 800 people. Tulous bear witness to a unique communal way of life, where several generations lived under the same roof, fostering family unity and solidarity. The interiors of the Tulous are fascinating to explore, with inner courtyards, spiral staircases and small rooms decorated in a simple yet warm manner.

The Gaobei site stands out for its exceptional conservation and daily liveliness: it is still inhabited by hakkas families who perpetuate their traditions. There's also the Wuyunlou (五云楼), famous for its carved pillars, and the Qiaofulou (桥福楼), remarkable for its calligraphic decorations. What's more, it's surrounded by rice terraces and green hills.

Although tourism has developed since its Unesco listing, the authenticity of the site remains intact, and visitors can still feel the atmosphere of a living village, where history and tradition are palpable around every corner.