Dabu County
Explore Dabu County with Hakka Culture!
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. Xiyanshan in Dabu County is a famous production area of Oolong tea in China.
Must-See Highlights
Xiyan Mountain
Xiyan Mountain is located in Dabu County. It is a famous mountain in eastern Guangdong, with its main peak at an altitude of 1,256 meters. The mountain is adorned with peculiar rocks and terraced tea gardens, creating a picturesque landscape. It is not only a treasure trove of natural scenery but also the birthplace of tea culture. The Oolong tea from Xiyan Mountain is renowned for its fragrance, sweetness, purity, and mellow taste, having won numerous international and national awards. Visitors can enjoy tea tasting, tea art performances, and experience the unique charm of Hakka tea culture here.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30 to 19:00
Suggested Visit Duration: 3 hours
Tai'an Building
Tai'an Building is located in Longgang Village, Dabu County. It is a rare square stone building. Constructed with brick, stone, and wood, it faces southwest from the northeast and has a square shape. The building measures 49 meters in length, 52.6 meters in width, and 11 meters in height, divided into three floors. The outer walls are sturdy, with the first and second floors made of stone and the third floor made of brick. There are 200 rooms inside, arranged meticulously and fully functional. Its unique architectural style and rich cultural heritage make it a treasure of Hakka architecture.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: 8:30-18:00 (all year round)
Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
Lee Kuan Yew's Ancestral Home
Lee Kuan Yew's Ancestral Home is a typical Hakka "Descending Tiger" style residence. Built in 1884 by Lee's great-grandfather, Lee Muwen, the house features a brick-and-wood structure with a construction area of about 223 square meters. It is laid out in the form of a traditional courtyard. The words "Zhonghan Di" are inscribed above the main gate. The interior is exquisitely decorated, with particularly unique stone window craftsmanship. "Zhonghan Di" is not only the ancestral home of the Lee family but also an important symbol of Hakka culture.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: All the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 hour
Dabu Old Street
Dabu Old Street is located in Chayang Town, Dabu County. It is a culturally rich and historic area, preserving arcade buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as traditional Hakka residences. The street, about 100 meters long, retains dozens of old houses with simple and elegant architectural styles. Here, visitors can find traditional grocery stores and ancient temples, which are important cultural symbols of the area. Strolling through the old street, people can experience the strong sense of community and the unique charm of Hakka culture.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: All the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 hour
Can't-miss Food of Dabu County
The local cuisine of Dabu County is rich and diverse, definitely worth a try. For example, Dabu Zan Jian includes varieties like bamboo shoot dumplings, and abacus dumplings, made from sweet potato starch or glutinous rice flour, filled with ingredients like winter bamboo shoots, dried squid, and shrimp, offering a smooth texture and delicious taste. Dabu beef jerky is another must-try, which is crispy, chewy, and perfectly balanced in saltiness and sweetness, making it a great gift. Sanjidi Soup is made with pork liver, lean meat, and pork tripe, combined with goji leaves, rich in nutrition and delicate in flavor.
Best Time to Visit
Dabu County has distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather that is ideal for strolling through ancient towns, enjoying natural scenery, and experiencing Hakka culture.
Although the winter months (January to February) are colder, they offer a serene winter atmosphere.
During the Spring Festival, the scenic areas host a variety of cultural activities, such as the Chinese Lunar New Year events at Huahuo Tower, which are filled with festive atmosphere.