Welcome to 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.
Must-See Highlights
Steamboat Wharf
Steamboat Wharf is located in Songkou Ancient Town and was the place of departure for Hakka people to go to Southeast Asia. It was once the second-largest river port in Eastern Guangdong. The wharf witnessed the journeys of countless overseas Chinese who crossed the seas. There were once more than 1,000 shops nearby, with over 300 boats moored daily. Today, it retains statues on stone steps, and large murals that tell stories from that time.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: All the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 hour
Yuankui Tower
Yuankui Tower stands 39.5 meters tall, featuring an octagonal shape with nine stories in a pavilion-style brick and stone structure. Except for the foundation and the first floor, which are made of granite, the rest is constructed with blue bricks. The inscription "Yuankui Tower" and the couplet on the gate were written by Li Shichun. The couplet reads: "The waves return before the pavilion, a pillar stands firm in the midstream; The peaks display extraordinary beauty, radiating brilliance for ten thousand years." The Yuankui Tower is not only a feng shui tower but also a symbol of Hakka culture and the imperial examination system.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: All the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 2 hours
China Immigration Memorial Square
China Immigration Memorial Square is the only immigration memorial project in Mainland China established by UNESCO. In the center of the square stands the "Homeland" Immigration Monument, designed in the shape of a banyan tree holding up the Earth, symbolizing the Hakka people's migration around the globe. Surrounding the monument are seven stone-carved suitcases and ship moorings, representing the seven countries involved in the construction project. The square also features relevant exhibitions, which showcases the migration history of the Hakka people.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: 1:00-22:00 (all year round)
Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Can't-miss Food of Songkou Ancient Town
The cuisine of Songkou Ancient Town is rich in Hakka flavor. Must-tries include Yusanfen, made from grass carp combined with rice wine lees and rice noodles, featuring a rich fish flavor; Hakka salt-baked chicken, with tender and juicy meat; stuffed tofu, crispy on the outside and tender inside with delicious fillings; and Qilubing, sweet and crispy. Each dish embodies the profound heritage of Hakka culture and is definitely worth a try.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Songkou Ancient Town in Meizhou is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
In spring, the climate is pleasant and nature is rejuvenating, with beautiful scenery around the town, including blooming peach blossoms and rapeseed flowers.
Autumn offers clear skies and cool weather, with maple and ginkgo leaves turning golden, creating picturesque scenes.
These seasons provide comfortable climates, avoiding the summer heat and winter chill, making them perfect for leisurely strolls through the town to experience the unique charm of Hakka culture.
