Meizhou Attractions
Meizhou, known for its Hakka heritage, has been recognized as the "Hakka Capital of the World." Through the implementation of the National Tourism and Leisure Plan, events such as retracing the ancient Hakka migration paths and the Guangdong Self-Driving Tour Day have made Meizhou a popular destination for car enthusiasts and leisure travelers. In 2013, eighteen scenic spots, including the former residence of Ye Jianying (叶剑英), were designated as the "Eighteen Scenic Spots of Meizhou." In 2017, notable locations like Ye Jianying's former residence were listed among the "Top Ten Cultural Landmarks of Hakka Capital," alongside the "Eight Scenic Spots of Old Meixian" and "Eight Scenic Spots of Songkou." By 2021, new categories such as "Ten Scenic Spots of Meizhou," "Ten Red Scenic Spots of Meizhou," and "Cultural Scenic Spots of Meizhou" were established, reflecting the area's rich cultural and natural heritage.
As of 2022, Meizhou boasts 150 major scenic attractions, including 50 that are rated above 3A national standards, placing it second in Guangdong Province. The city has 35 star-rated hotels, including 3 five-star, 5 four-star, and 26 three-star hotels. There are 57 travel agencies, 5 tourism bus companies, and 1 large cruise company. In 2019, Meizhou received approximately 49.9 million tourist visits, marking a 7.8% increase, with overnight visitors numbering 23.96 million. The total tourism revenue reached 55 billion yuan, an increase of 9.1%.
Rated Scenic Areas
Nationally, Meizhou is home to the following rated scenic areas:
5A Scenic Areas
- Yannanfei Tea Fields Resort (雁南飞茶田度假村)
4A Scenic Areas
- Ye Jianying Memorial Park (叶剑英纪念园)
- Yeming Lake Tourist Resort (雁鸣湖旅游度假村)
- Lingguang Temple (灵光寺)
- Changtan Tourist Resort (长潭旅游度假区)
- Hakka Tianxia Tourism Industrial Park (客天下旅游产业园)
- Taian Tower Hakka Cultural Tourism Industrial Park (泰安楼客家文化旅游产业园)
- Baihou Ancient Town Tourist Area (百侯名镇旅游区)
- Wuzhi Stone Scenic Area (五指石风景区)
- Shenguang Mountain National Forest Park (神光山国家森林公园)
- Luhua Hot Spring Resort (鹿湖温泉度假村)
- Xihe Bay Hakka Cultural Tourism Industrial Park (熙和湾客乡文化旅游产业园)
- Zhang Bishi Former Residence Tourist Area (张弼士故居旅游区)
3A Scenic Areas
- Tanghu Hot Mud Mountain Villa (汤湖热矿泥山庄)
- Qianfo Pagoda Religious Culture Scenic Area (千佛塔宗教文化景区)
- Xiyan Mountain Tea Town Resort (西岩山茶乡度假村)
- Longjing River Rafting Scenic Area (龙鲸河漂流景区)
- Yitang Scenic Area (益塘风景区)
- Pingshan Thousand-Mu Terraced Fields Tourist Area (坪山千亩梯田旅游区)
- Fudatao Ceramics Industrial Tourism Area (富大陶瓷工业旅游区)
- Sanhedaba Battle Memorial Park (三河坝战役纪念园)
- Shangju Xiangsi Valley (上举相思谷)
- Xiangsi River Scenic Area (相思河风景区)
- Riverside Leisure Resort (江畔人家休闲度假区)
- Cherry Blossom Valley Alice Manor (樱花谷爱丽丝庄园)
- Nanshou Peak Health Industry Park (南寿峰健康产业园)
- Lee Kuan Yew Former Residence Tourist Area (李光耀故居旅游区)
- Longguizhai Waterfall Tourist Area (龙归寨瀑布旅游区)
- Jinsui Ecological Farm (金穗生态农庄)
- Xihebeitang Rural Tourist Area (西河北塘乡村旅游区)
- Manduo Mountain Villa (曼陀山庄)
- Hanguang Chaoshun Agricultural Tourism Park (汉光超顺农旅园)
- Yuexing Mountain Rural Tourist Area (月形山乡村旅游区)
- Daguan Tianxia Cultural Tourism Industrial Park (大观天下文化旅游产业园)
- Hanshan Historical and Cultural Ecological Area (韩山历史文化生态区)
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Meizhou
Meizhou (梅州), known as the "World Hakka Capital" (世界客都), is a vibrant gathering place for the Hakka people. It is renowned for its rich historical culture and stunning natural scenery. This national historical and cultural city not only represents Hakka culture but also offers numerous attractions worth exploring. Here are the top ten attractions in Meizhou:
1. Kexiang Tianxia Scenic Area
Overview: Located in Meijiang District (梅江区), Kexiang Tianxia is a national 4A-level scenic area.
Highlights: The scenic area relies on its pristine natural landscapes and profound Hakka culture, featuring ten cultural projects and five major scenic spots. Visitors can immerse themselves in rich Hakka customs while enjoying beautiful natural views.
2. Yannanfei Tea Fields Scenic Area
Overview: This 5A-level scenic area is situated in Yanyang Town (雁洋镇) of Meixian District (梅县区) and serves as a national model for industrial and agricultural tourism.
Highlights: Yannanfei Tea Fields not only boasts vast tea plantations but also features layered hills and lush greenery. The picturesque tea fields and ancient architecture create a beautiful landscape, making it an ideal spot for leisure tourism.
3. Baihou Ancient Town
Overview: Baihou Ancient Town (百侯古镇) is located in Dapu County (大埔县) and is recognized as a national 4A-level scenic area.
Highlights: This ancient town showcases a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles and boasts a rich cultural atmosphere, attracting numerous visitors with its unique architecture and historical significance.
4. Ye Jianying Memorial Park
Overview: The Ye Jianying Memorial Park (叶剑英纪念园) and his former residence are significant sites for red tourism in Meizhou, designated as a national 4A-level scenic area.
Highlights: The memorial park presents the life of Ye Jianying, offering insights into the historical development of the Chinese revolution. It serves as an important venue for patriotic education.
5. Lingguang Temple on Yin Mountain
Overview: Lingguang Temple (灵光寺) scenic area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, recognized as a nature reserve and scenic area in Guangdong Province.
Highlights: Lingguang Temple is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and intriguing legends. The temple is known for its vibrant incense offerings, yet it remarkably produces no smoke outside, adding to its mystique.
6. Wuzhi Stone Scenic Area
Overview: Located in Pingyuan County (平远县), Wuzhi Stone is a representative of Danxia landforms and is classified as a national 3A-level scenic area.
Highlights: The area features towering cliffs, deep ravines, and thrilling skywalks, providing visitors with an exciting adventure experience.
7. Taian Tower
Overview: Taian Tower (泰安楼) is considered a remarkable example of world residential architecture and is one of the ten scenic spots of Meizhou, classified as a national 4A-level scenic area.
Highlights: This building is renowned for its unique walled dragon house structure, which combines defensive and residential functions, showcasing the wisdom and creativity of the Hakka people.
8. Luhu Hot Spring Resort
Overview: Luhu Hot Spring Resort (鹿湖温泉度假村) is a popular hot spring destination in Fengshun County (丰顺县) and is classified as a national 4A-level scenic area.
Highlights: The high-quality spring water leaves skin smooth and helps with relaxation. The resort also offers various recreational facilities, making it suitable for family vacations.
9. Qiaoxi Ancient Rhythm Scenic Area
Overview: Qiaoxi, formerly known as Koutouxi (桥溪古韵景区), is located in Changjiao Village (长教村) of Yanyang Town, Meixian District, and is recognized as a national 4A-level scenic area.
Highlights: Qiaoxi is home to nearly twenty ancient buildings from the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties. These structures, ranging from simple and elegant to antiquated and charming, are beautifully dotted throughout the mountains, each with its own unique charm.
10. Longguizhai Waterfall Scenic Area
Overview: Longguizhai Waterfall (龙归寨瀑布) is often referred to as the "Huangguoshu Waterfall of Guangdong" and is classified as a national 3A-level scenic area.
Highlights: The Longgui Waterfall has a height of 125 meters, a drop of 115 meters, and a width of 62 meters. Its spectacular waterfall view is truly breathtaking.
In summary, Meizhou, Guangdong, with its rich historical culture and beautiful natural landscapes, is a must-visit tourist city. The ten recommended attractions encompass aspects of Hakka culture, red tourism, natural scenery, and ancient town charm, offering diverse choices for visitors with various interests.