Trace the Route of Hakka Culture: Guangzhou, Meizhou & Shenzhen

Itinerary

• Day 1: Guangzhou Arrival

  Welcome to Guangzhou, a dynamic metropolis blending modernity with deep-rooted history. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to adjust. If time permits, explore the city's vibrant culinary scene, perhaps sampling Cantonese dim sum or traditional Hakka cuisine.

  This day is about relaxation and preparing for the cultural journey ahead. Why not visiting the iconic Beijing Road Pedestrian Street for a local food exploration?

  • Guangzhou

• Day 2: Guangzhou's historic heritage

  Start your day at Shamian Island, a charming area with colonial architecture and tree-lined avenues. Explore the colonial elegance of the island, where 19th-century relics meet stylish cafés and boutiques.

  Continue to Yongqing Fang, a lively historical district showcasing Lingnan (the region in southern China encompassing Guangdong, Guangxi, and parts of Hainan) culture through traditional homes, street art, and specialty shops. Here, visit Bruce Lee's Ancestral House to learn about this Kung-Fu master by rare photos and AR tech. Don't forget to try your hand on handicrafts like rice noodle roll.

  Next, explore Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, a grand tribute to modern China's founding father. End at the Nanyue King Museum, home to a 2,000-year-old tomb and remarkable jade burial artifacts, offering insight into ancient Southern Chinese heritage.

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  • Guangzhou

• Day 3: Drive to Meizhou

  In the morning, depart for Meizhou, the heartland of Hakka culture. En route, stop at Heyuan City to admire the scenic landscapes of Wanlv Lake, a vast reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. Stop at Sujiawei, a centuries-old village with well-preserved residences and ancestral halls. It is also known as a historic enclave home to generations of descendants of Su Shi （苏轼）- a great scholar in the Song Dynasty, also known as Su Dongpo（苏东坡）, making it an ideal destination to learn about Chinese traditional literature. Engage with locals to learn about their traditions, then enjoy an authentic Hakka lunch.

  Arriving in Meizhou, settle in and prepare for a deeper cultural immersion over the next few days. It is recommended to explore this motherland of Hakka culture by traveling through the old lanes.

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  • Meizhou

• Day 4: Hakka Round Building, Port Town, and Ancient Temple

  Begin at Hua'e Lou, the only round tulou structures in Guangdong Province. This three-ringed earthen building boasts 210 rooms across different levels, showcasing traditional Hakka defensive architecture. Spend two hours exploring its historical layout and unique design.

  Continue to Songkou Ancient Town, once a key departure point for Hakka emigrants heading to Southeast Asia. Walk its ancient streets lined with ancestral halls and former trading houses.

  Conclude at Lingguang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary where travelers can reflect on Hakka spirituality.

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  • Meizhou

• Day 5: Hakka Museum, Drive to Shenzhen

  Visit Qianfo Pagoda, a striking multi-tiered structure symbolizing Hakka Buddhist devotion. Explore the Hakka Museum to understand the origins, migration, and customs of the Hakka people. Head to Dongshan Academy, once a prestigious Confucian school, and learn about the scholarly traditions of Hakka elites.

  Stroll along Youluo Street, an old street which has become a part of local Hakka people's memory, to explore the decades-old stores, and savor local delicacies like salted chicken, stuffed tofu, and preserved radish.

  In the afternoon, drive to Shenzhen, transitioning from historic enclaves to China's modern innovation hub.

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  • Shenzhen

• Day 6: Traditional Towns Exploration

  Start at Guanlan Ancient Ruins and the nearby Guanlan Printmaking Village, where traditional Hakka row houses and boutique workshops captivate you. As you sample local snacks and enjoy contemporary printing art, your guide will tell you how this ancient town transformed into a vibrant art base. A 20-minute walk leads to Edi Xia Village, a 300-year-old settlement with watchtowers and Hakka courtyard houses, offering a tranquil yet immersive experience. Also, prepare your camera for the creative murals here!

  Drive an hour to Dawan Ancestral Residence, one of China's largest and best-preserved square Hakka walled houses, often hosting art exhibitions that merge history with modern creativity.

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  • Shenzhen

• Day 7: Modern Shenzhen Discovery, Departure

  In the morning, experience the dynamic side of Shenzhen at OCT Harbour, a waterfront leisure district featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment. At DJI's flagship store, have an exciting drone test flight. Visit the Contemporary Art and Urban Planning Museum, a great combination of aesthetics and tech, to explore Shenzhen's rapid transformation into a global metropolis.

  Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before heading to the airport, marking the end of an enriching Hakka cultural journey.

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