Meizhou City, located in eastern Guangdong Province, is widely recognized as the “Hakka Capital of the World” and one of the most important birthplaces of the Hakka people.
Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Meizhou has been the main ancestral homeland and cultural center of the Hakka community. Today, more than 7 million overseas Hakka Chinese live in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and other regions around the world, maintaining strong connections with their cultural roots in Meizhou.
In 2013, the China (Meizhou) Immigration Memorial Square, the only immigration-themed memorial project established with the support of UNESCO, was completed, further highlighting Meizhou’s important role in global Hakka migration history.
As a National Historical and Cultural City of China, Meizhou has preserved a unique cultural identity reflected in its traditional architecture, cuisine, folk customs, and local lifestyle. The city is an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic Chinese heritage and ethnic culture experiences.
Top Tourist Attractions in Meizhou
Baihou Ancient Town
Baihou Ancient Town is located in Dapu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. The town was originally called “Baihou” and later renamed after the Republic of China period, with the name symbolizing the hope of producing more than one hundred talented people.
Known for its profound Hakka cultural heritage and well-preserved ancient buildings, Baihou Ancient Town showcases the traditional lifestyle of a historic Hakka settlement.
The scenic area is divided into five themed sections:
* Baihou Impression
* Farming and Reading Family
* Ancient Lane Charm
* Old Dream of Market Town
* Houbei Family
The town features:
* Ancient official residences
* Traditional Hakka architecture
* Cultural exhibition halls
* Historic streets and lanes
* Beautiful rural landscapes
Visitors can experience the traditional Hakka values of education, farming, family traditions, and cultural development while exploring this thousand-year-old town.
Baihou Ancient Town combines sightseeing, historical exploration, cultural leisure, folk experiences, and educational tourism, making it one of the best places to discover Hakka civilization in Meizhou.
Qiaoxi Hakka Folk Culture Village
Located about 4 kilometers east of Yanyang Changjiao Village in Meixian District, Qiaoxi Hakka Folk Culture Village is a beautiful traditional Hakka mountain village surrounded by forests and streams.
The village was developed during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The local name “Qiaoxi” refers to the clear stream flowing through the village.
Surrounded by mountains, the village covers approximately 1 square kilometer and preserves a peaceful rural landscape featuring:
* Traditional Hakka houses
* Clear mountain streams
* Ancient trees
* Small bridges
* Terraced landscapes
* Traditional village scenery
The combination of ancient architecture and natural beauty creates an authentic picture of traditional Hakka mountain life.
Yannanfei Tea Field Scenic Area
Yannanfei Tea Field Resort is located in Yanyang Town, Meixian District, Meizhou City. It is the first 5A-rated tourist attraction in eastern Guangdong and an important ecological agriculture demonstration base.
The scenic area integrates:
* Tea production
* Ecological conservation
* Garden landscapes
* Tourism
* Leisure vacation
With the themes of Hakka culture, tea culture, and ecological tourism, Yannanfei offers visitors a relaxing experience surrounded by mountains, tea gardens, and fresh air.
Visitors can enjoy:
* Traditional Hakka singing and dancing performances
* Elegant tea ceremonies
* Beautiful garden landscapes
* Local agricultural experiences
* Traditional Hakka cuisine
Famous local dishes include:
* Hakka Salt-Baked Chicken
* Braised Pork with Preserved Plum Vegetables (Meicai Kourou)
The peaceful environment and rich cultural atmosphere make Yannanfei Tea Field a perfect destination for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Longguizhai Waterfall
Longguizhai Waterfall is located south of Tangkeng Town in Fengshun County, about 13 kilometers from the county center.
Originating from the mountains of Fengshun with an elevation of 1,285 meters, the waterfall is known as:
* “The Huangguoshu Waterfall of Guangdong”
* “The First Waterfall in Eastern Guangdong”
The waterfall reaches:
* Height: 125 meters
* Main drop: 115 meters
* Width: 62 meters
* Rainfall collection area: approximately 40 square kilometers
Surrounded by green mountains and forests, Longguizhai Waterfall offers spectacular natural scenery and is one of the most impressive ecological attractions in Meizhou.
Hua’e Lou Tulou Building
Hua’e Lou, meaning “Flower Calyx Building,” is located in Lianfeng Village, Dadong Town, Dapu County, about 45 kilometers from the county center.
Built nearly 400 years ago, this remarkable Hakka tulou-style residence is a provincial-level cultural relic and one of the finest examples of traditional Hakka architecture in Guangdong.
The building covers:
* Total area: approximately 2,300 square meters
* Construction area: approximately 2,286 square meters
Built with a circular earthen structure, Hua’e Lou reflects the traditional Hakka ideals of:
* Unity
* Equality
* Harmony
* Family cooperation
With its unique design, sophisticated construction techniques, and excellent preservation, Hua’e Lou is considered:
* The largest traditional tulou building in Guangdong
* One of the most beautifully designed Hakka residences
* A remarkable example of world residential architecture
The building provides visitors with a deeper understanding of Hakka family traditions and ancient Chinese architectural wisdom.
Why Visit Meizhou?
Meizhou is more than a city — it is the cultural heart of the global Hakka community.
Travelers visiting Meizhou can experience:
* Authentic Hakka traditions
* Historic villages and ancient architecture
* Traditional Hakka cuisine
* Tea culture
* Mountain landscapes
* Local festivals and folk customs
For those interested in Chinese history, ethnic culture, and rural heritage, Meizhou offers one of the most authentic cultural journeys in Guangdong Province.