Yunshuiyao (云水谣), originally known as Changjiao (é•¿æ•™), is a scenic area within the world cultural heritage site of Fujian Tulou. It stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Minnan (Southern Fujian) and Hakka cultures. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Yunshuiyao gained widespread fame after the release of the TV drama “Yunshuiyao” in 2005, which prompted the renaming of the town and its ancient pathway to Yunshuiyao Ancient Trail.
Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is a historic village that captivates visitors with its serene ancient paths, centuries-old banyan trees, and enchanting Tulou structures. The natural beauty of the area, combined with its rich history, creates a unique and tranquil atmosphere. One of the most impressive sights is the cluster of ancient banyan trees along the riverbank, consisting of 13 trees that are hundreds to thousands of years old. Among them is a colossal banyan tree with a canopy covering 1,933 square meters, branches extending over 30 meters, and a trunk base that requires more than ten adults to encircle, making it the largest banyan tree discovered in Fujian Province.
Beneath these magnificent trees lies an ancient cobblestone path, worn smooth by countless footsteps over the centuries. Historical records indicate that this path was a crucial route connecting Changting Prefecture (present-day Longyan) to Zhangzhou Prefecture. Adjacent to the path is a row of two-story brick-and-wood structures, which form the old marketplace of Changjiao, with many of these shops still retaining their wooden plank walls.
The most striking features of Yunshuiyao Ancient Town are the Tulou, or earthen buildings, that dot the landscape near the foothills, riversides, and fields. These unique structures, first built during the mid-Yuan Dynasty, have been remarkably well-preserved, with 53 Tulou still standing. Each Tulou has its own distinctive style and charm. Among them, the He Gui Lou stands out as the “most unusual in the world,” built on marshy land, and the Huaiyuan Lou, a double-ring round Tulou, is noted for its exquisite craftsmanship and excellent preservation. In addition to these, there are also stilted buildings, bamboo pole buildings, and mansion-style Tulou, each offering a unique glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the past.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 90 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0596-7880659 |
Location and Transportation
Yunshuiyao is located in Puxi Village, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, China. It is renowned for its historic significance within the Fujian Tulou world heritage site. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
From Xiamen: There are two daily direct buses from Xiamen to Nanjing Yunshuiyao Ancient Town. Buses depart at 7:10 AM and 12:10 PM from Xiamen Hubinnan Station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes, arriving at Yunshuiyao around 10:45 AM or 3:50 PM, respectively.
From Xiamen or Chaozhou, Guangdong: Alternatively, travelers can take the high-speed train to Nanjing County after arriving at Fujian’s Xiamen or Guangdong’s Chaozhou. Upon arrival at Nanjing County High-Speed Rail Station, take bus route 6, which terminates at Yunshuiyao, offering a direct route to the ancient town.
