Meizhou, China
Region: Meizhou is located in Guangdong province
Geographic Coordinates: 24.299800, 116.119000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Climate: Meizhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The rainy season is from April to September, with typhoons occurring from July to September.
Population: 4378800
Language: Mandarin
Meizhou is a city located in the eastern part of Guangdong Province, China. It is situated on the eastern side of the Hakka Mountains, Which gives it a unique landscape and climate compared to other cities in Guangdong. The city covers an area of 15, 836 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 5 million people. The city has a rich history that dates back over 1, 000 years. Meizhou was once an important center for trade and commerce during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) due to its location on the ancient Tea Horse Road.
Today, Meizhou is known as one of the cultural centers for Hakka people. One of Meizhou’s most famous attractions is the Hakka Earth Buildings, Also known as Tulou. These are large circular or rectangular buildings made entirely out of earth, Wood and stone that were built by Hakka people between the 12th and 20th centuries. Another popular attraction in Meizhou is Wuzhishan National Park which covers an area of over 40 square kilometers with peaks rising up to around 1, 800 meters above sea level.
Meizhou is also famous for its tea production with several types grown in this region such as Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess), Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) among others which have won many awards both domestically and internationally. In terms of transportation infrastructure development within Meizhou City limits there are two major highways connecting it to other cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The Meizhou Airport offers flights to many domestic destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
The city has also been making efforts to promote eco-tourism in recent years with a number of initiatives aimed at preserving the natural environment while encouraging visitors to explore local culture and history. This includes promoting sustainable tourism practices such as reducing plastic waste, Supporting local businesses and encouraging visitors to respect local customs. Meizhou is an attractive destination for tourists looking for a unique cultural experience that combines history, Nature and tea production.
With its rich Hakka heritage, Stunning landscapes including the famous Tulou buildings and Wuzhishan National Park; it’s no wonder that Meizhou has become one of China’s most popular tourist destinations in recent years.
- Hakka Earthen Buildings (Tulou)
- Wuping Tulou Cluster
- Zhanqiao Tower
- Jianying Tea Garden
- Chuxi Tulou Cluster
- Xingning Ancient City Wall
- Meizhou Mazu Temple
- Fengshun Danxia Landform Geological Park
- Meizhou Jiaying Mountain Scenic Area
- Tea production: Meizhou is known for producing high-quality oolong tea.
- Agriculture: The city is a significant producer of fruits such as lychees, longans, and oranges.
- Manufacturing: Meizhou has a thriving manufacturing industry that produces textiles, electronics, machinery parts, and furniture.
- Construction materials: The city produces construction materials such as cement and bricks.
- Food processing: Meizhou has a significant food processing industry that includes meat processing plants and canned food factories.
- Tourism: Meizhou’s rich cultural heritage attracts many tourists to the city every year.
- Education: There are several universities and colleges in Meizhou that provide employment opportunities to residents.
- Healthcare services: The healthcare sector in Meizhou is growing rapidly with new hospitals being built to meet the increasing demand for medical services in the region.
- The Hakka people have a significant presence in Meizhou, having migrated to the area during the Tang Dynasty. Their influence can be seen in the region’s culture and history.
- Meizhou played a role in China’s revolution when Huang Xing led an uprising against the Qing Dynasty there in 1911, which helped spark the Xinhai Revolution.
- Li Zongren, a well-known military leader and politician, was born in Meixian district of Meizhou and served as Vice President of China under Chiang Kai-shek from 1948 to 1954.
- Mao Zedong and his Communist troops passed through parts of Meizhou during their epic retreat from Nationalist forces in 1934-35 on their way to Yan’an where they established their base during the Chinese Civil War.
- The Lingnan School of Painting had many followers throughout Guangdong province, including some painters from Meizhou who were influenced by this influential art movement founded by Gao Jianfu and his brothers in Guangzhou.
- Known for its high-quality tea production since ancient times, Meizhou has been an important center for tea cultivation and processing throughout Chinese history.
- The unique style of architecture associated with Hakka communities is particularly prominent in some parts of Meizhou such as Yongding district where there are numerous round or square earth buildings (tulou), which were built centuries ago as fortresses to protect against bandits or invaders.
- Meizhou Hakka Museum
- Wuzhifeng Scenic Area
- Huang Tingjian Memorial Hall
- Jiaying University
- Lingguang Temple
- Meizhou Mazu Temple
- Hakka Park
- Jianying Tea Garden
- Fengshun Dongshan Mountain National Forest Park
- Meizhou City Library
- Meizhou does not have any major professional sports teams.
- However, the city has several local amateur sports teams and clubs that participate in various sports like:
- Basketball
- Football (soccer)
- Table tennis
- Badminton
- These teams typically take part in regional or provincial tournaments and competitions.
- Meizhou Hakka Festival celebrates the Hakka people’s unique culture and heritage, one of the largest ethnic groups in Meizhou.
- Longtian Folk Temple Fair is an annual fair held at Longtian Temple, featuring traditional Chinese music, dance performances, food stalls, and games.
- Chaozhou Opera Festival showcases some of the best performers from around China and celebrates Meizhou’s rich tradition of Chaozhou opera.
- Dragon Boat Festival is an ancient festival celebrated throughout China by racing dragon boats on rivers or lakes to commemorate a famous Chinese poet.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival) celebrates family unity with mooncakes (a sweet pastry) and lanterns.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration takes place on December 31st each year where residents gather to celebrate with fireworks displays, food stalls, live music performances, and more.
- Spring Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations with colorful lanterns hung throughout Meizhou’s streets and public spaces.
- Meizhou is renowned for its Hakka cuisine that features delectable dishes like stuffed tofu, preserved vegetables, and salt-baked chicken.
- The Fengshun beef hotpot is a popular dish that comprises tender slices of beef cooked in a spicy broth with noodles and vegetables.
- Sanhe tofu, made from soybeans grown in the surrounding mountains, is renowned for its soft texture and delicate flavor.
- Wuzi roast goose is a local specialty that involves marinating goose meat for several hours before roasting it to perfection.
- Shexian snacks are bite-sized sweet or savory treats that are popular among both locals and tourists visiting Meizhou.
Some of the most famous restaurants in Meizhou include:
- Shangri-La Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Hakka dishes like stuffed tofu and braised pork belly.
- Sanhe Tofu Restaurant: As the name suggests, this eatery specializes in making delicious tofu dishes such as steamed tofu with minced pork and pickled vegetables.
- Fengshun Beef Hotpot Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its spicy beef hotpot which is a must-try when visiting Meizhou.
- Wuzi Roast Goose Restaurant: This restaurant offers some of the best roast goose in town that has been marinated to perfection before being roasted over an open flame.
- Laojie Street Snack Market: This market has numerous food stalls selling various types of local street foods such as rice cakes, dumplings, noodles etc., perfect for those who want to try different varieties at once!
- Meizhou Forest Park is a large park that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
- Jianying Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as jogging and tai chi.
- Wenhua Park is a cultural park that showcases traditional architecture and gardens.
- Xingning Cultural Square is a public square where performances and events take place throughout the year.
- Meizhou Bay Wetland Park is a nature reserve that provides birdwatching opportunities and eco-tours for visitors to enjoy.
- Meishan National Forest Recreation Area offers camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventure activities for those seeking an active vacation experience.
- Hakkas Museum of China showcases the Hakka culture of China through various exhibits on display at the museum.
- Meizhou City Stadium serves as a venue for sports events like football matches in the city of Meizhou.
- Meixian People’s Square is an open public square where festivals are held throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.
- Wuhua Mountain Scenic Spot boasts natural beauty with its waterfalls, pavilions, and other attractions worth exploring while visiting this area.
