Meizhou

Meizhou is a small Hakka city with a built-in old-time filter: slow-paced and packed with great food, making it perfect for a weekend or short-holiday “stroll and eat” trip. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary for you. Follow it and you won’t go wrong!

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Lively Nightlife

In the morning, head to China Hakka Museum to learn about the history of Hakka migration (closed on Mondays). In the afternoon, check in at Dongshan Academy and soak up the scholarly atmosphere of its red walls and green tiles. At dusk, stroll along Jiangbei Old Street to see the arcaded buildings, then switch into foodie mode at Youluo Street in the evening and eat your way through Hakka snacks.

• Day 2: Mountain Views and Slow Life in an Ancient Town

In the morning, visit Yinna Mountain Scenic Area and climb to Yuhuang Peak for views over the Meijiang River. At noon, try authentic salt-baked chicken in Yanyang Town. In the afternoon, wander through Yannanfei Tea Field Scenic Area, strolling and sipping tea among the green tea ridges. At dusk, head to Songkou Ancient Town to experience the old wharf atmosphere from a century ago, when Hakka people departed for Southeast Asia.

• Day 3: Discover Tulou and Return with Local Gifts

Spend the day in Dabu County checking in at Hua’e Building, the first round building in Guangdong and the architectural prototype for *Big Fish & Begonia*. It is quiet, uncrowded, and extremely photogenic. In the afternoon, visit the square fortified residence Tai’an Building on the way, then buy pomelos, tea, and other local gifts before heading back.

Must-Visit Attractions

Meizhou’s attractions are fairly spread out. Sights in the urban area are relatively concentrated, while county-level attractions are better suited to self-driving.

Local Food Guide

Meizhou is worth a dedicated trip purely for the food. Pickled noodles, stuffed tofu, and salt-baked chicken are the must-order trio.

• Chunxiang Breakfast Shop: A breakfast spot treasured by locals. The pickled noodles with crispy fried onion bits are incredibly fragrant, and paired with beef soup, they are warming and satisfying.
• Weilongwu Xingyuan Restaurant: A restaurant set inside a Hakka enclosed house and featured on *A Bite of China*. The salt-baked chicken is recommended, and it is best to reserve a private room in advance.
• Tuji Huamei Meatballs: An old-street shop known for its beef balls and pork balls. They are springy and chewy, and eating them as you walk has its own charm.
• Yinxiang Haoyouhe Restaurant: A restaurant locals often choose for banquets. Be sure to order the braised rice with goose blood in advance; the cooking is fairly consistent.
• Hongwu Snowflake Ice House: A century-old Western-style building hidden in the old lanes of the ancient city. The flavors run sweet, and it is a good place to sit down and enjoy a retro, artsy atmosphere.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: The districts and counties of Meizhou are far apart. If you want the freedom to check in at attractions across different counties, self-driving is strongly recommended. If you are only visiting the urban area, taxis and buses are convenient, but for farther sights such as Songkou Ancient Town, confirm ride-sharing or bus times in advance.
• Accommodation: If you are not driving, it is recommended to stay in the urban area, around Jiangbei Old Street or along the Meijiang River, where taxis are convenient and nightlife is lively. If you are driving or want to experience an ancient town, you can choose a guesthouse in Songkou Ancient Town, but note that some guesthouses may have a residents’ square downstairs, which can be noisy at night.

Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Mountain Road to Hua’e Building: The uphill road is extremely narrow and passing other cars is difficult. New drivers should go slowly and arrive early to avoid congestion. You can also get out and walk the final 1.5 km uphill.
• Museum Hours: China Hakka Museum is closed on Mondays, so remember to plan your timing well.
• Flavor Reminder: Hakka cuisine is generally salty and savory. If you are not used to strong flavors, you can ask for less salt when ordering.
• Value for Money at Scenic Areas: Some commercialized scenic areas, such as Ketianxia, offer only average value for money. Choose according to your own interests and save more time for the more authentic ancient towns and tulou buildings.