On July 8 2008, 19 new cultural sites were added to UNESCO World Heritage List with the Fujian Tulous being one of them and we were there! Also we were really lucky to see these sites before they become too commercialized. The whole county was lined with balloons, flags, banners, and lanterns. Even though it was not a convenient trip getting there and back it was the best part of our Fujian Province trip.
We rode a crowded bus about 3 hours when the bus driver let just Cynthia and I off on a barren section of road where we waited in the rain for the boss of the hotel/tulou to pick us up on motorcycles. Yes! Motorcycles! No helmet, narrow mountain roads with lots of evidence of landslides and with me juggling my backpack, purse and an extra bag. Obviously we made it safely to the tulou, but we immediately asked the boss to hire a car and driver for the next 2 days.
There are thousands of these tulous still occupied by family 'clans'. They have survived earthquakes and bandits. Some were built as early as 1400 some as late as early 1900’s. Interesting side fact is that during the cold war the Pentagon, when looking at satellite photos of the area, thought the round tulous were missile silos.
Can you see the heavy rain in the picture .... the long uncomfortable bus ride, the motorcycle ride, and the rain - it was still worth it!
