Yunshuiyu Scenic Area

In many ancestral halls, temples, pavilions, and towers in the Chaoshan area, the ridges of the roofs are decorated with porcelain inlays. I didn't expect to find similar decorative arts on the roof of Jifu Temple in the Yunshuiyao scenic area of Zhangzhou, Fujian. In the center of the temple roof's eave, a dragon sculpture faces forward, with a row of immortals riding mythical beasts in front of it. The roof sculptures are symmetrical, with immortals riding phoenixes symmetrically carved on the outer corners of the eaves of the left and right rooms. From a distance, the dragons appear to soar and dazzle, while up close, each figure has a distinct expression and appears lifelike. Address: Jifu Temple, Yunshuiyao Ancient Village, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, originally named Changjiao Village, is a historic village with a long history. It was renamed Yunshuiyao Ancient Town because the popular movie 'Yunshuiyao' was filmed here. Both names, Changjiao Village and Yunshuiyao, exude a literary charm. Ancient trees and villages, gentle breezes on ancient paths, small bridges over flowing water, despite the hustle and bustle of visitors, this place seems to have its own barrier, bringing an instant power of tranquility to those who enter. In the Yunshuiyao Ancient Town scenic area, besides the two World Cultural Heritage earthen buildings 'Hegui Building' and 'Huaiyuan Building', the ancient banyan tree group composed of more than a dozen century-old banyans is also not to be missed. Among these ancient banyan trees, the oldest is nearly seven hundred years old, each one flourishing with branches and strong roots. Two of them are particularly noteworthy. One is located on the pebbles next to a stream, with a huge trunk and a canopy covering an area of 1933 square meters. The branches extend over 30 meters, and it takes more than ten adults to encircle the base of the trunk. It is the largest banyan tree in Fujian Province. Standing under the tree, one feels as tiny as an ant, with its sprawling roots resembling dragons, very sculptural. Another tree is so large that it takes three or four people to embrace it. Underneath the tree, people drink tea and eat, sitting in the cool breeze, watching the shadows of the tree sway, listening to the rustling sound, feeling incredibly relaxed. Location: Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province Transportation: The nearest station to Yunshuiyao is Nanjing Station, and the nearest airport is Xiamen Airport, both about an hour and a half away. Ticket: 90 yuan. The surrounding accommodation and dining are already well developed. If time allows, it is recommended to stay for one night.

Nanjing Tulou, especially Yunshuiyao, is quite famous, and there are many tourists who come from all over to visit~~ Quaint villages, bridges over flowing water, homes amidst the scenery, and sipping tea under the big banyan tree, it's truly pleasant! 🛤️ Travel: If you're from a nearby city, it's recommended to drive 🚗 there. Compared to the previous mountain roads with eighteen bends, the traffic is now much more convenient, with highways leading all the way there smoothly. If you're arriving by high-speed train 🚅, there are also quite a few direct buses available now~~ 🥙 Eat: There are now quite a few local farmhouse restaurants inside and outside the scenic area. We randomly chose a restaurant called Abao near a big rock, which seemed overall better. The dining experience was good, with fresh ingredients and tasty food, and the prices were reasonable for the scenic area, making it quite a good value~~ 💁🏻‍♀️Tips: 1. Tickets can be purchased directly at the tourist service center or on various platforms. Yunshuiyao and 'Four Dishes and One Soup' are priced at 90r each and are separate. Personally, I think Yunshuiyao is more worth it, with mountains, water, and Tulou to experience the harmony between humans and nature, and it's great for taking photos~~ 2. Mosquito repellent is a must! Especially in this weather! However, if you're a tourist from out of town and need accommodation, the scenic area is now quite mature, and you can buy everything you need there...

|||. Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is a historic village with a long history, originally named Changjiao. It gained fame after the movie 'Yunshuiyao' was filmed here, and the local government later renamed it 'Yunshuiyao Ancient Town'. The town boasts breathtaking ancient banyan tree clusters that are over a thousand years old. A wide stream flows through the middle of the village, alongside which there are 13 ancient banyan trees, some hundreds and some thousands of years old. The largest tree has a canopy covering an area of 1933 square meters, requiring more than ten people to embrace its trunk. Beneath the banyan trees is a thousand-year-old cobblestone path, which has been worn smooth by countless footsteps over the years. The ancient path is over 10 kilometers long and, according to historical research, was the essential route from Changting Prefecture (Longyan City) to Zhangzhou Prefecture (Zhangzhou City), now known as 'Yunshuiyao Ancient Path'. Next to the ancient path, there is a row of two-story old brick-and-wood structures, which is the centuries-old street market of Changjiao. Moreover, the most eye-catching sights in the village are the earthen buildings scattered at the foot of the mountains, along the stream, and across the fields. These earthen buildings, which began construction in the mid-Yuan dynasty, are listed as 'World Cultural Heritage' for their magical shapes and unique cultural significance. There are 53 well-preserved earthen buildings in Yunshuiyao, each with its own unique charm. The most famous are the Hegui Building, which is built on a marsh and known as the 'world's most extraordinary', and the Huaiyuan Building, which is a double-ring round earthen building known for its exquisite craftsmanship and good preservation. Yunshuiyao Ancient Town offers a pleasant scenery where mountains, water, trees, and houses complement each other, making it an absolutely beautiful and spiritually inspiring place.

While writing this short essay, I came across a short video mocking Yunshuiyao. The general idea was that the place is packed with tourists, the vendors' hawking is noisy, and the tour guides' loudspeakers are as piercing as thunder, making it impossible to find the feeling of 'ancient roads, western winds, lean horses, small bridges, and flowing water homes' anymore. During the Spring Festival period, the visitor flow is even more astonishing, and the last few daytime photos truthfully record the spectacular scene of visitors at that time. Peace leads to a long way; coming to a distant place, I want to be quiet. Walking out of the noisy city, everyone hopes to experience the artistic conception of 'ancient roads, western winds, lean horses, small bridges, and flowing water homes'. The morning sun ☀️ quietly climbs over the mountain top, the golden sunlight awakens the sleeping small mountain village, the calm stream seems as if time has been frozen at this moment, and the crisp bird songs are like a beating rhythm, adding a bright color to the tranquil picture. Isn't this the feeling of 'small bridges, flowing water, and family homes' that we look forward to? This moment only exists from 6:30 to 8:00 in the morning. Book a hotel on Ctrip, stay quietly, and wait for the arrival of 'small bridges, flowing water, and family homes'. This is the meaning of travel. ⛰【Attraction Strategy】 📍Detailed address: Yunshuiyao Ancient Village, Nanjing, Zhangzhou, Fujian. 🚗Transportation strategy: Take a high-speed train to Zhangzhou or Nanjing, then take a ride-hailing service or drive yourself. 🕙Opening hours: It seems like you can enter at any time. 💰Ticket price: Adult ticket is 90 yuan. 🌟Highlights: 1. The charm of 'small bridges, flowing water, and family homes', by the countryside streams, centuries-old banyan trees cover the sky and are worth savoring. 2. Huaiyuan Building, as one of the representatives of Fujian Tulou, is worth a visit. 📌Little Tips: 1. The small mountain village in the early morning is the whole meaning of travel, so be sure to book a hotel on Ctrip, get up early, and experience the charm of 'small bridges, flowing water, and family homes'. 2. During holidays, Huaiyuan Building is open for climbing before 8 am and after 7 pm. During the day, for safety and protection, visitors are prohibited from climbing.

Beyond the hustle and bustle of the world, there lies a forgotten paradise on earth called Yunshuiyao. Located in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, it's a flowing landscape painting with its unique rustic charm, quietly telling stories of a thousand years, waiting for the light footsteps of every traveler. 🌴 Attraction Introduction Yunshuiyao, originally named Changjiao Village, got its name from the movie 'The Knot' which was filmed here. Since then, the name has become synonymous with romance and poetry. Stepping onto this land, the first thing that catches your eye is the winding stream, with ancient banyan trees by the stream like green giants, shielding the sky and acting as ancient spirits guarding the land. Walking along the stream, you will see a series of historical Tulou buildings scattered in an orderly fashion, among which the most famous are Hegui Building and Huaiyuan Building. They are not only World Cultural Heritage sites but also a testament to the wisdom and diligence of the Hakka people. Strolling on the cobblestone paths, every step resonates with history, making one involuntarily indulge in this tranquility and simplicity. 🚗 Travel Tips Reaching this secluded paradise is not complicated. The most convenient option is to depart from Xiamen, where you can take a direct bus to Nanjing at any major bus station, with a journey of about 2-3 hours. Upon arriving in Nanjing, transfer to a local bus or take a taxi to the Yunshuiyao scenic area, which is about half an hour away. For those who prefer to drive, the expressway leads directly there, and the scenic journey is a pleasure in itself. 🌳 Nearby Attractions - **Taxia Village**: Not far from Yunshuiyao, known as the 'Zhouzhuang of Southern Fujian', it is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and the unique Zhang family ancestral temple. - **Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster**: Jokingly referred to as 'four dishes and one soup', this unique Tulou cluster is an excellent place to appreciate the architectural wonders of Hakka Tulou. - **Zhangzhou Tulou Cultural Village**: To delve into Tulou culture and experience Hakka folk customs, this is a stop you cannot miss. 🍱 Food Recommendations In Yunshuiyao, not only is the scenery beautiful, but the food is also not to be missed. Here are a few must-try local delicacies: - **Hakka Stuffed Tofu**: Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and smooth on the inside, leaving a lingering fragrance in your mouth. - **Bamboo Tube Rice**: Cooked in fresh local bamboo, the rice absorbs the fragrance of the bamboo, offering a unique flavor. - **Tulou Tea Eggs**: Boiled in mountain spring water, the perfect blend of tea leaves and spices makes for an unforgettable taste. 📝 Notes 1. **Respect Local Culture**: Yunshuiyao and the surrounding areas retain a rich Hakka cultural tradition. Please show respect during your visit and follow local customs. 2. **Eco-friendly Travel**: To protect this beautiful natural environment, please do not litter and try to minimize the use of disposable items. 3. **Comfortable Dress**: It is recommended to wear light and comfortable shoes, as exploring ancient villages and hiking are the main activities here. 4. **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Yunshuiyao, with cool weather and pleasant scenery.

Huaiyuan Building is a famous earth building within the Yunshui Ballad Scenic Area in Zhangzhou, with the first floor as the foundation, the second as the residence, and the third as the building. It is a dwelling where the Hakka people who migrated here during the Qing Dynasty lived together. The base is made of giant cobblestones, over 2 meters high, with the bottom wider than the top, rammed with earth. In the middle is the place for village meetings and teaching. Outside the building are open paddy fields and sunflower gardens, presenting a beautiful pastoral scenery.

Fujian Tulou counts more than 10,000 buildings, and before I went there, I was a bit confused about how to choose and how to get there, plus there are so many names of Tulou, and I always felt something was missing from the posts online, so I organized my thoughts after coming back for your reference: 🏠Introduction to Tulou 1⃣️History: The people from the Central Plains built Tulou in the south to avoid wars. 2⃣️Shape: Tulou are not only round, they can be categorized into round, square, and Wufeng buildings (symmetrical left and right, lower in the front and higher in the back, with roofs shaped like flying birds, hence the name Wufeng). 3⃣️Structure: There are corridor-style enclosed buildings and unit-style enclosed buildings. Most of the key Tulou scenic areas we visit are corridor-style, meaning the middle parts are interconnected, while unit-style are not. 4⃣️Function: Vertically, each building houses one family, with the kitchen on the first floor, granary on the second, and living quarters above the third floor. The first and second floors have no windows to prevent thieves and wild animals from climbing in. 🎑Classification of Tulou Mainly divided into Nanjing, Yongding, and Hua'an, with most concentrated in the first two. - Nanjing: Yunshuiyao, Tianluokeng, Hekeng - Yongding: Gaobei, Hongkeng, Chuxi, Nanxi - Hua'an: Dadi (Specific key Tulou features, ticket prices, and routes are detailed in the image) ❓How to Choose Tulou Generally, you visit 2 scenic areas in one day, and most people don't care about the details. I suggest choosing one from the commercial scenic areas, as they are quite similar. - More commercial: Yunshuiyao, Tianluokeng, Gaobei, Hongkeng - More homestays: Yunshuiyao, Tianluokeng - Public transportation available: Yunshuiyao, Tianluokeng, Yongding Tulou King - Good for photography, fewer people: Chuxi The following are personal opinions, not guidance: - Classic route lovers: Tianluokeng + Gaobei (Tulou King) - Unique feature lovers: Tianluokeng + Hongkeng (Tulou Prince) - Water enthusiasts: Yunshuiyao - Photography and quietness lovers: Tianluokeng + Chuxi - Focused understanding: Tianluokeng or Gaobei/Hongkeng or Chuxi (choose one of three) 🪧A Few Additional Points 1. I think Tianluokeng is more interesting and cost-effective than Yunshuiyao, which is more frequented by tour groups, but it still depends on your purpose. If you just want to stroll around, it doesn't matter which you choose. 2. Just choosing any key Tulou will give you a general idea, as there are so many, they only differ in layout and features, that's all. 4. Apart from Chuxi Jiqing Building, you have to pay to go upstairs in other Tulous, be aware of free tea and free well visits. 5. Tulous are generally located on mountain roads, requiring walking, so it's recommended not to wear high heels. 🍜Eating and Accommodation Yunshuiyao and Tianluokeng both have well-equipped restaurants and homestays, while other Tulous have villagers who cook for themselves, suitable for individual travelers, and not every Tulou offers in-house hostels, most do not. 🚗How to Get There Departing from Zhangzhou Ancient City: 1. Join a tour group: One-day tour prices usually range from 300 to 700. 2. Chartered car: Tianluokeng + Yongding Tulou King 550, Tianluokeng + Chuxi 650 (excluding tickets) 3. Self-driving: Yongding and Nanjing are about 100 kilometers away from Zhangzhou, about a 1-hour drive one way. 4. Public transportation: Tianluokeng/Yunshuiyao/Hekeng have minibuses from Nanjing high-speed rail to the scenic area, and each scenic area is quite scattered, with no taxis available.

Yunshui Yao, a name as poetic and picturesque, attracts countless travelers. In this paradise far from the hustle and bustle, every brick and tile, every grass and tree seems to be soaked in the ink fragrance of time, telling ancient legends. In the early morning, when the ancient town is gently shrouded in morning mist, it seems to step into a dreamlike fairyland. The bluestone slab road is wet and winding forward, as if inviting you to explore the thousand-year secret of this ancient town. Along the way, you can see old houses, the mottled walls are covered with traces of time, every half-open window seems to be telling the story of the past. Strolling in the alleys of Yunshui Yao, you will be attracted by the leisurely pace of life here. The elderly are enjoying the cool under the shade of the trees, children are playing by the stream, occasionally a few crisp laughter, making the whole ancient town full of vitality and vitality. The residents here are hospitable, their smiles are as warm as the sun, making people feel the warmth of home. The beauty of Yunshui Yao is not only in its quaint architecture and leisurely life atmosphere, but also in its unique landscape charm. The stream is gurgling, the green waves are rippling, the green trees on both sides are reflected in the water, forming a beautiful landscape painting. Walking along the stream, feeling the cool stream brushing past the toes, as if all the troubles are washed away. When night falls, the night view of Yunshui Yao has a different charm. The lights of the ancient town are dim, reflecting the stars in the sky, forming a beautiful night view. At this moment, why not find an antique inn to stay in, and feel the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town at night. The journey to Yunshui Yao is not only a simple trip, but also a baptism of the soul. Here, you can put down all your troubles and constraints, and enjoy this tranquility and beauty to your heart's content. May every traveler find their own poetry and romance in the embrace of Yunshui Yao.

| Zhangzhou is waiting for you. Wow, Zhangzhou really is a city hidden with countless treasures! ❗️ It was incorporated into the central territory during the Qin Dynasty and became the birthplace of Southern Fujian culture, truly a witness to history. 🏝 Compared to Xiamen, Zhangzhou has more beautiful islands, historic earthen buildings, and delicious food that satisfies the gluttonous stomach. The travel guide is ready, if you don't know where to go for the National Day, get your bags ready! 🐎 2 days and 1 night, ready to leave at any time! 【Transportation】🍃🍃 🚄 Nanjing Station (near Nanjing Tulou) is the first choice, you can rent a car if driving, and pick up the car near the high-speed rail station. Since the attractions in Zhangzhou are far apart, it's more convenient to have a car. To get to Nanjing Tulou, there is a mountain road that requires an experienced driver. 【Route】🍃🍃 ☑️ Day1: Nanjing Tulou (Yunshuiyao or Tianluokeng) -- Zhangzhou Ancient City ☑️ Day2: Dongshan Island *Tulou recommendation is Yunshuiyao for its greater fame; you can also choose to go to Tianluokeng. Folklore enthusiasts can visit both, the two attractions are a half-hour drive apart. 【Attractions】🍃🍃 ❶ Yunshuiyao Scenic Area 🎫 Ticket price is 90 yuan, estimated 2 hours for a visit ➠ Filming location of 'Big Fish & Begonia', home to the tallest earthen building in Fujian. ➠ Main attractions include Yunshuiyao Ancient Town, Huaiyuan Building, and Hegui Building. ➠ It is recommended to visit Hegui Building first, as it is less crowded and has a unique view. ➠ Generally, residents charge ¥5/10 for a visit inside the building 🥘 Food recommendation: Chunyan Restaurant ❸ Zhangzhou Ancient City (rich in traditional delicacies) 🚄 Near Zhangzhou Station 🎫 Free admission, estimated half a day for a visit ➠ Recommended route: Yan'an South Road → Zhangzhou Confucian Temple → Hong Kong Street → Ancestral Temple → Zhencheng Port → Zhongshan Park ➠ Food recommendations: 🥘 Confucian Temple Juice, Mochi Shun 🥘 Old Zheng Meat Skewers, Aqin Beef 🥘 Ajun Tofu Pudding, Old Guo Triangle Kuih 🥘 Qingnian Road Pot Edge Paste, Jianguo Oyster Pancake Oyster Noodles 🥘 Li Tai Busy Salt Baked Pistol Leg, Qingye Egg Burger 🥘 Monk Park Dried Bean Noodles, Original Park Back Door Four Fruit Soup ❷ Dongshan Island 🚄 Near Yunxiao Station, take bus 15 after getting off the high-speed rail🚌. ➠ Jinluan Bay: Recommended for sunrise viewing ➠ Nanmen Bay: Filming location of the movie 'The Left Ear', recommended to go for the sunset around 4-5 pm. ➠ Nanyu Lighthouse: Filming location of 'Your Wedding', view the lighthouse during low tide. ➠ You can ride electric scooters on the island 🛵, less than 100 yuan for 24 hours. 🍢 Food: 🥘 I Want to Be Quiet Courtyard, Chen Ji Meatball Old Store 🥘 Awei Sister's Stir Fry, Lianyi Oyster Pancake 【Accommodation】🍃🍃 It is recommended to stay near Zhangzhou Ancient City to experience the slow life of Southern Fujian. The ancient city is where local residents go to cool off at night, full of life and atmosphere. The prices are also relatively affordable.