Meizhou

Geographical Location: Meizhou City is located in northeastern Guangdong Province, at the junction of Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces. It lies in the hinterland of the Lianhua Mountains and is known as the "Barrier of Lingnan". History and Culture: Birthplace of Hakka Culture: About one-third of Hakka people worldwide have ancestral roots in Meizhou. Known as the "Hakka Capital of the World", it preserves a large number of traditional Hakka buildings (such as Weilong Houses), folk activities, and dialects. Red Culture: It was once an important part of the Central Soviet Area and boasts numerous revolutionary sites and memorial halls. Climate and Products: It has a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 20-22°C. The weather is mild year-round with abundant rainfall. Famous as the "Hometown of Plum Blossoms", "Hometown of Hot Springs", and "Hometown of Tea", Meizhou is rich in preserved mustard greens (meigan cai), pomelos, green tea, and rare earth elements. Economic Characteristics: Mainly based on agriculture, tourism, and light industry, Meizhou has actively promoted the integrated development of cultural tourism in recent years. Attractions 1. Ketianxia Scenic Area (National 4A) Features: The world's largest Hakka culture-themed park, integrating natural landscapes, Hakka customs, and leisure and entertainment. Must-sees: Hakka Culture Corridor, Five Finger Peak Sea of Clouds Viewing Platform, and Hakka Intangible Cultural Heritage performances. Tickets: 70 CNY for adults, half price for students. 2. Wild Goose Returning South Tea Plantation (National 5A) Features: A combination of alpine tea gardens and Hakka gardens. Tea-picking experiences and tea art performances in spring, and colorful foliage in autumn. Recommended: Tea Tasting Viewing Platform, Tea Plantation Train, and Hakka Weilong House Tea Room. Tickets: 50 CNY (including the tea garden sightseeing bus). 3. Songkou Ancient Town Features: A thousand-year-old town with well-preserved arcade buildings and Nanyang-style old streets. It was once an important node on the Maritime Silk Road. Must-sees: Songkou Library (with a century of history), the ancient wharf, and the Huang Clan Ancestral Hall. Food: Songkou desserts, beef balls, and Yi Mein (Cantonese tossed noodles). 4. Baihou Ancient Town Features: One of the "Most Beautiful Ancient Towns in Guangdong", it has a dense collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient buildings and is known as the "Hakka Residential Museum". Highlights: Twin Pagodas, Hounan Academy, and the ancient alleys of Xipu Village. Tickets: Free (some venues charge a fee). 5. Han River Scenic Area Features: The mother river of Meizhou. There are "Eight Scenic Spots of the Mei River" along the riverbanks. The night cruise light show is romantic and charming. Recommended: Jinshan Bridge Viewing Platform and Hakka Park Culture Corridor. 6. Hakka Museum Features: The world's first thematic museum comprehensively showcasing Hakka culture, systematically sorting out Hakka history, folklore, and art. Exhibits: Hakka migration route map, traditional farming tools, and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts. Tickets: Free. Food Recommendations 1. Meigan Cai Kou Rou (Steamed Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens) Features: Fatty but not greasy pork belly, savory and flavorful meigan cai, a classic Hakka dish. Recommended restaurants: "Hakka Restaurant" and "Tan Zi Rou Lao Dian" in Meizhou. 2. Salt-Baked Chicken Preparation: Marinated with salt-baked powder and then roasted, the skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. Famous restaurants: "Salt-Baked Chicken Family" and "Country Bumpkin Salt-Baked Chicken" in Meizhou. 3. Stuffed Tofu Features: Tofu stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms, and other fillings, fried until golden brown on both sides, with a rich sauce. How to eat: Perfect with rice, a common street food. 4. Hakka Beef Balls Taste: Springy and smooth, available as beef tendon balls and beef brisket balls, a must-have for hot pot! Recommended: "Grandma's Beef Offal" in Meilin and "Hakka Beef Hot Pot" in Jiangnan. 5. Pork Belly and Chicken Soup Soup base: Simmered with whole pork belly and chicken, the soup is milky white, nourishing, and good for the stomach. Must-try: Dip in ginger paste and sand ginger soy sauce, even better with bamboo fungus! 6. Clay Pot Congee Ingredients: Fresh river shrimp, dried scallops, and conpoy, the rice grains are simmered until thick and creamy, incredibly sweet and fresh. Top choice for late-night snacks: Food stalls along the Mei River, even better with raw fish and barbecue. 7. Xianren Ban (Cactus Rice Cake) Features: Made from cactus starch, it has a chewy texture. Topped with brown sugar syrup or crushed peanuts, it is refreshing and cooling. Locations: Stalls in old town streets and Hakka markets. Travel Tips Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November). Summer is cool (ideal for escaping the heat in the mountains), and winter is warm with little snow. Transportation: By air: The nearest airport is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Take the high-speed rail to Meizhou West Railway Station (direct access to Shenzhen and Shantou after opening). Within the city: Buses cover major attractions. Taxis or chartered cars are available between attractions (approx. 30-50 CNY/day). Accommodation recommendations: High-end: Ketianxia International Hotel (inside the scenic area, with comprehensive facilities). Cost-effective: B&Bs in Meijiang District (such as "Hakka Flavor" themed inns). Cultural experiences: Participate in Hakka mountain songs performances, Puning Fire Dragon Dance (Lantern Festival), and making Hakka rice wine.