World Heritage Site: Fujian Tulou, China

Fujian Tulou, located in the mountainous regions of Fujian Province, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. These communal residences, resembling fortresses, were originally built starting around the 12th century to protect against external enemies and bandits, while allowing clans and villagers to live together. Even today, some of these tulou are still used as residences, and certain ones are open for visitors to explore. In the tulou open to the public, the first floor often houses dining areas or souvenir shops, while the upper floors are still used as living spaces. How to get there: Joining a day tour from Xiamen is the most common way to visit, as guides efficiently take you to the famous tulou sites. If you prefer to travel independently, you can take a bus or train from Xiamen to Yongding or Nanjing, and then use local minibuses or taxis to reach the tulou. Note that taxi drivers and locals generally do not speak English, so knowledge of Chinese is essential!