Zhangzhou Nanjing Yunshuiyao Fuxinglou Tulou Familystay

This tulou is not on eof the oldest, it's only about 90 years old. However, it is authentic! The owner and some of his family are still living in it but most of it has been converted into rooms. We had the largest, most expensive option available - one queen size bed (be warned - very hard!) and our own shower/toilet combo room (FYI - hole in the floor kind of toilet). Airconditioning and hot/cold water functioned properly, no problems there. They do not offer breakfast, but there are plenty of local options down the street. The location of this hotel is just off the main scenic spot, maybe a 5 min walk, in Yunshuiyao (the mill on the river with the 1300yr old tree). Across the street is a small cigarette and tea shop, the guy there also has english signs that he rents bikes. We asked if we could rent a motorbike, he gave us his own 125cc which was perfect to discover the villages around (Note: driving in China is not for the faint of heart, I've been doing it for a while and have a local license). All he wanted in return was to fill up his tank, great guy indeed! You can get to Yunshuiyao by bus from Xiamen's long distance bus station. It costs about 50 kuai and takes some 4 hours. You can also take the same bus back, but there is less frequency and you just have to stop it on the road as there is no bus station. Ask a local for departure times. Anyways, great tulou to stay in, not too basic - but don't expect many creature comforts. And the location is also very good and still quiet! We booked the hotel through elong a Chinese online travel agency, just search for the name in Chinese (南靖云水谣古方楼福兴楼) and you'll find it. FYI - nobody speaks English there!