Being a "Lazy Fish" in "Little Lijiang": Counting Roof Tiles by Day, Chasing Fireflies by Night

❤The guide to relaxation in Yun Shui Yao is hidden in the folds of the tulou. ❤In the early morning, the tulou cluster appears gray-blue, with six-hundred-year-old round buildings layered with roof tiles. By the time I count to the third circle, bamboo shadows have already spread across the courtyard. By the stream, old banyan trees dangle their aerial roots, filtering visitors' exclamations into gentle rustling sounds. ❤Dusk is the magical hour. Wandering along the cobblestone path, you suddenly see glowing lights floating above the rice fields, as if someone has spilled a bottle of star-brewed wine. Following the green lights into an alley, you bump into the inn owner fanning himself on the porch: "What's the rush? The fireflies aren't catching a high-speed train." ❤Spending the night within rammed earth walls, you hear raindrops falling from the eaves, as if time itself is counting the moments. Fujian Yun Shui Yao Travel Guide: I. Overview of Yun Shui Yao Yun Shui Yao is located in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. Originally named "Changjiao Village," it was renamed after the movie "Yun Shui Yao" was filmed here. This area is the core zone of the World Cultural Heritage "Fujian Tulou," famous for its ancient banyan trees, streams, tulou buildings, and pastoral scenery, perfect for a slow-paced ancient town exploration. II. Transportation Guide How to Get There High-speed Rail: Xiamen North Station/Fuzhou South Station → Nanjing Station, then take Bus No. 6 (about 1 hour) or shared car (about 40 minutes) directly to the scenic area. Self-driving: From Xiamen (about 2 hours): Xiarong Expressway → Zhangwu Expressway → Shuyang Exit → Yun Shui Yao Scenic Area; From Fuzhou (about 4 hours). Coach: Xiamen Fanghu Bus Station → Nanjing Yun Shui Yao Scenic Area (multiple departures daily, journey takes about 3 hours). Transportation Within the Scenic Area Walking or renting electric carts (about 20 yuan/person). The ancient town has many stone paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. III. Accommodation Recommendations Tulou Homestays: Experience traditional Hakka life at places like "Hegui Lou Inn" or "Huaiyuan Lou Home," priced at 150-300 yuan/night. Ancient Town Inns: With modern facilities, recommended options include "Yun Shui Yao Sketching Base" and "Xiyuan Home," priced at 200-500 yuan/night. Peak Season Tip: Book 1-2 weeks in advance for National Day and Spring Festival holidays. IV. Must-Visit Attractions Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town Ancient Banyan Tree Cluster: 12 century-old banyan trees, with the largest "Banyan King" covering nearly 2 acres. Changjiao Stream: Stroll along the stone path by the stream and visit the water wheel featured in the movie. Iconic Tulou Buildings Hegui Lou (Square Tulou): Known as the "Noah's Ark" built on marshland, admission included in the scenic area pass. Huaiyuan Lou (Double-ring Round Tulou): The best-preserved tulou with exquisite ancestral hall carvings. Extended Tours Nearby Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster ("Four Dishes and One Soup"): 30 minutes by car from Yun Shui Yao, offering a view of "a flower from above, a Potala Palace from below." Taxia Village: A picturesque water town with the Zhang family temple "Deyuan Hall" worth visiting. V. Food Guide Hakka Specialties: Salt-baked chicken, taro buns, dried bamboo shoots with meat, glutinous rice wine, and light fish soup. Recommended Restaurants: "Abao Restaurant" and "Chunyan Restaurant" in the ancient town, averaging 50-80 yuan per person. Snack Experiences: Handmade mochi, Hakka rice cakes, and grass jelly (5-10 yuan at street stalls). VI. Itinerary Suggestions One-day Tour: Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town (morning) → Hegui Lou + Huaiyuan Lou (afternoon) → Return in the evening. Two-day Tour: Day 1: Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town + In-depth tulou exploration, overnight stay in a tulou homestay; Day 2: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster + Taxia Village, enjoy Hakka cuisine before returning. VII. Practical Tips Tickets: Yun Shui Yao Scenic Area pass costs 90 yuan (includes Hegui Lou and Huaiyuan Lou), Tianluokeng costs 100 yuan (includes "Four Dishes and One Soup," Yuchang Lou, and Taxia Village). Best Seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November). Be prepared for sun protection in summer; fewer tourists in winter. Photography Tips: Capture misty tulou scenes in early morning or after rain; banyan trees look best in afternoon backlight. Important Notes: Many residents live in the tulou buildings, so please stay quiet during visits. Mosquito repellent is essential; bring waterproof shoe covers during rainy season. Respect Hakka culture and avoid touching items in ancestral halls. The charm of Yun Shui Yao lies in its tranquility and rustic beauty. Slow down and feel the flow of time between the tulou buildings and streams!