Meizhou

Meizhou's landscape features rolling hills and the scenic Mei River. The city's connection to the Hakka people is seen in the local language, cuisine, and architecture, especially the UNESCO-listed Chuxi Tulou cluster. These multi-story, fortress-like buildings made of earth were built for living together as a community and for defense and show the cleverness of the Hakka people.

Visitors who are interested in culture should go to the Hakka Museum of China, which provides information on the customs, traditions, and history of the Hakka people. The museum has artifacts, photos, and models of Tulou, giving guests an in-depth look into the lives of the city's early inhabitants.

For a spiritual experience, the Thousand Buddha Pagoda, at 170 feet (about 52 meters), offers a quiet place for thought. It's a place where people worship as well as a historical site. Meizhou’s food brings a distinct Hakka taste; dishes like salt-baked chicken and Poon Choi (a traditional Hakka big bowl feast) are something food lovers should try.

The city celebrates its culture with festivals like the Lantern Festival, where residents release lanterns into the sky, a sign of their hopes for good fortune. Visitors should respect the local ways during such celebrations, which often include traditional music and dragon dances.

Outdoor activities include walks in the nearby mountains or a visit to the Ye Jianying Memorial Park, where Marshal Ye's life and work are remembered among beautiful gardens.

Travelers to Meizhou might want to come in spring or autumn when temperatures are more comfortable and there’s less rain. While you can get to the city by high-speed train, moving around could need a mix of public transport and taxi services, as not many people speak English.

Meizhou provides a genuine experience of Hakka culture and a chance to see how historical preservation and the beauty of nature exist together.