Visit Meizhou for Hakka Culture!
Meizhou is the center of Hakka culture in Guangdong, with a profound historical heritage and unique folk customs. It has the Songkou Ancient Town, which preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and the Fireboat Dock, witnessing the history of Hakkas sailing to Southeast Asia. There are also Tai'an Building and Dabu Old Street in Dabu County, showcasing traditional Hakka architectural style and culture. Meizhou is definitely worth a visit!
Top Meizhou Tourist Attractions
Dabu County
Dabu County is a treasure trove of Hakka culture. Tai'an Building, built in 1764, is a square earthen building made of brick, stone, and wood, showcasing the wisdom of Hakka architecture. Lee Kuan Yew's Ancestral Home is located in Dangxi Village, Gaopu Town. It is a Hakka residence in the "descending tiger" style, exuding an ancient charm and witnessing the glory of the Lee family. Dabu Old Street is full of ancient charm, built in the early Qing Dynasty, with white walls, gray tiles, and bustling markets that make people feel as if they have traveled back in time. Xiyan mountain in Dabu County is a famous production area of Oolong tea in China.
Songkou Ancient Town
Songkou Ancient Town is one of the four great ancient towns in Guangdong and has a history of 1,200 years. It was the starting point for Hakka people to go to Southeast Asia and also the cradle of the Revolution of 1911 led by Sun Yat-sen. The town is built along the Mei River, with beautiful scenery. Its architecture is a blend of Chinese and Western styles, featuring arcade buildings and Western-style houses that exude a Nanyang charm. Strolling through the ancient streets, you can taste Hakka delicacies like Qilu cake and experience the rich culture.
China Hakka Museum
China Hakka Museum is located in Meijiang District, Meizhou City. It is a comprehensive museum that fully displays the origins and development of Hakka culture. The museum is divided into two zones: the eastern zone is the main museum area, including the Hakka Museum, University Presidents' Hall, Generals' Hall, and more; the western zone is the Huang Zunxian Memorial Hall. The museum features a themed exhibition titled "The Hakka People," showcasing the migration, architecture, customs, and cuisine of the Hakka people. It has a rich collection, including Hakka folk artifacts, ancient books, ceramics, and more.
Travel Tips
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 9:00-17:00, last entry at 16:30
Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, winter and summer vacations:
9:00-17:30, last entry at 17:00
Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
Suggested Visit Duration: 1-3 hours
Can't-miss Food of Meizhou
Meizhou cuisine is mainly Hakka dishes, known for its unique flavors. Salt-baked chicken has crispy skin and tender meat, with an irresistible aroma. Hakka stuffed tofu is juicy and tender, filled with mushrooms and pork for a rich texture. Braised pork with pickled mustard is succulent and not greasy, with the mustard absorbing the flavorful sauce. Other delicacies include poached chicken, Hakka pickled noodles, mugwort rice cakes, and tofu pudding. The ingredients are mostly sourced locally, emphasizing the original flavors, lightness, and freshness. Meizhou is an ideal place to savor authentic Hakka cuisine.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in Meizhou
Meizhou's Intangible Cultural Heritage is diverse, covering traditional music, drama, dance, and craftsmanship. Meizhou Hakka mountain songs are treasures of Hakka culture, with beautiful melodies and lyrics that reflect Hakka life and people’s emotions. Guangdong Han Opera and Wuhua puppet shows display the unique charm of Hakka culture. Traditional dances like Puzhai Fire Dragon and Mat Lion Dance, as well as brewing techniques for Hakka rice wine, are also important parts of Meizhou's intangible cultural heritage.
