Nanjing county breathes new life into ancient homes with cultural experiences

Nanjing county in Zhangzhou, East China's Fujian province, is breathing new life into its ancient tulou, or earthen buildings, through immersive cultural experiences, aiming to build it into a world-renowned tourism destination.

Tulou buildings are multi-story communal homes built by the Hakka in the mountains. They are typically constructed with thick, rammed-earth walls in a circular or square layout. They served as defensive dwellings for extended clan families and are recognized as a marvel of traditional Chinese architecture.

With over 15,000 tulou structures still standing, Nanjing county is home to clusters inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Intangible cultural heritage performances, including tulou building demonstrations, palm puppetry, the tulou festival banquet, and folk shows, are regularly staged in the buildings to create immersive encounters with local culture.

Looking ahead, the county plans to introduce new cultural formats, including a local comedy workshop and celebrity performance venue.

In 2025, the tulou scenic spots in the county welcomed 5.68 million visitor arrivals, generating ticket revenue of 387 million yuan ($57.6 million), according to local authority.