Driving with her parents from Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, a tourist surnamed Ju chose a boutique homestay converted from a traditional tulou, or earthen building, in Zhangzhou city, East China's Fujian province.

"I really wanted to experience what it's like to live in a tulou," Ju says. "It is quiet and unique."

The homestay, named Changrong Building, retains its historical exterior but houses 12 modern rooms. Following a 2023 renovation led by a team from Xiamen University, the structure now features sound insulation, smart home technology, and public reading spaces, offering guests activities such as tea picking and traditional-costume experiences.

Fujian tulou buildings were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. In the years following, the local tourism industry shifted from basic sightseeing to high-quality, experiential stays.

Huang Zhihui, secretary-general of the local tulou homestay association, grew up in a tulou cluster. He notes that early homestays lacked professional management and private amenities. Today, however, travelers seek culture and quality.