Cloud and Water Ballad Ancient Town: Timeless Charm of Tulou, Enchanting Scenery!

Dear friends, Cloud and Water Ballad is absolutely stunning! Once you visit, you won’t want to leave. Every corner is filled with poetry and stories! Transportation Guide: You can drive from Xiamen, taking the Shenhai Expressway towards Zhangzhou. Exit at Zhangzhou and follow the road signs to provincial or county roads heading to Nanjing County, eventually arriving at Cloud and Water Ballad Ancient Town. The total distance is about 160 kilometers, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation, first reaching Nanjing County and then transferring to a shuttle bus to the ancient town. ✨Must-See Highlights: • Cloud and Water Ballad Ancient Path: Paved with cobblestones, this path meanders along Changjiao Creek for about 5 kilometers. Its history dates back to before the Ming Dynasty and was once a vital route connecting Tingzhou Prefecture to Zhangzhou Prefecture. The path links numerous attractions, including the northern section with Huaiyuan Building and the Jian Family Ancestral Hall, the middle section featuring ancient banyan trees and waterwheels, and the southern section with Hegui Building. • Huaiyuan Building: Located in Kansha Village in the northern part of the ancient town, this circular tulou was built in 1905. It is the best-preserved double-ring tulou, showcasing intricate carvings and traditional Minnan architectural style combined with Confucian culture. It also features defensive facilities like gun holes and watchtowers. • Hegui Building: Situated in Pushan Village, this square tulou was constructed in 1732 using a floating principle with pine wood piles and raft foundations on marshland. It has five stories and is the tallest square tulou in Cloud and Water Ballad. • Banyan Tree Cluster: The ancient town boasts 13 century-old banyan trees, forming the largest and most concentrated banyan tree cluster in Fujian Province. Among them is the “Number One Banyan Tree in Fujian,” with a canopy covering an area of 1,933 square meters. Its trunk base requires over ten adults to encircle. 🍱Must-Try Experiences: • Lychee Pork: This dish features premium pork coated in batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Its appearance resembles lychee, with a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. • Longyan Marinated Duck: A traditional Fujian delicacy, the duck is meticulously marinated and cooked, resulting in tender meat, rich aroma, and a flavorful taste. • Handmade Taro Dumplings: A local specialty snack filled with generous stuffing, sometimes with a hint of spiciness, offering a delightful taste. • Green Bean Jelly: Smooth and refreshing, this street snack is perfect for enjoying in hot weather. ❗Tips: • Some tulou are still inhabited, so please keep quiet and respect the local customs during your visit. • The ancient town’s roads are mostly cobblestone-paved, so wearing comfortable sneakers or flat shoes is recommended for easier walking. • If visiting in summer, prepare for sun protection and bring mosquito repellent as there are many insects.