Yannanfei Tea Field Plantation Scenic Area in Meizhou

Yannanfei Tea Field Plantation Scenic Area in Meizhou
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Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Scenic Area (梅州市雁南飞茶田景区), abbreviated as Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation, is located in the Yan Yang Town of Mei County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. The scenic area comprises the Yan Nan Cha Yun Scenic Area (雁南茶韵景区), formerly known as Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Resort, and the Qiao Xi Ancient Charm Scenic Area (桥溪古韵景区).

Yan Nan Cha Yun Scenic Area

The Yan Nan Cha Yun Scenic Area is situated in Changjiao Village, Yan Yang Town, covering an area of 4.50 square kilometers. Surrounded by mountains, the tea fields are lush, orchards vibrant, and flowers bloom abundantly. The name “Yan Nan Fei” reflects the Hakka people’s roots from the Central Plains, where the northern geese fly south; tea is the thematic culture of the scenic area, with the aroma of tea wafting through the Tea Emotion Pavilion (茶情阁) and delightful tea cuisine.

Qiao Xi Ancient Charm Scenic Area

Located in the same village, the Qiao Xi Ancient Charm Scenic Area covers approximately 1 square kilometer. It has been recognized as one of the “Top Ten Beautiful Villages in Beautiful China” and one of the “Top Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in Guangdong.” For over 400 years, the Chen (陈) and Zhu (朱) families have lived in Qiao Xi Village, intermarrying and building 16 traditional Hakka residences during the Ming and Qing dynasties, which are still well-preserved, showcasing a rustic yet grand architectural style.

In 2011, the Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Scenic Area was designated as a national AAAA-level tourist area by the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, becoming the first AAAA-level tourist area in Meizhou City and the fourth in Guangdong Province.

Development History

  • In January 1995, the development of Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Scenic Area began.
  • On October 8, 1997, the scenic area officially opened.
  • In May 2012, the development of Qiao Xi Ancient Charm Scenic Area commenced.
  • On August 28, 2013, it opened to the public.

Geographic Environment

Location

The Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Scenic Area is located in Changjiao Village, Yan Yang Town, Mei County, Meizhou City, approximately 40 kilometers from Meizhou City.

Topography

The scenic area features hilly terrain.

Climate Characteristics

The scenic area lies close to the Tropic of Cancer, near the Pacific Ocean, and has a subtropical climate influenced significantly by the southeast monsoon. It enjoys strong solar radiation, with short winters and long summers, resulting in abundant sunshine.

Major Attractions

Yan Nan Cha Yun Scenic Area

  • Yan Nan Fei God Stone (雁南飞神石): This is the iconic structure of the resort, engraved with the words “Yan Nan Fei, Tea Emotion” (雁南飞、茶中情).
  • Tea Fields (茶田): Located on the hillside, these tea fields form a stepped pattern that harmoniously integrates the unique theme of tea culture with the mountainous landscape.
  • Flower Garden (百花园): Covering 20 acres, this garden cultivates a variety of flowers and greenery, producing over 600,000 pots of vibrant blooms each year, transforming every inch of Yan Nan Fei into a canvas of color.
  • Yan E Lake (雁鹅湖): The lake spans over 30 acres, with a depth of more than 20 meters, and its water quality meets national drinking water standards.
  • Daguanyuan (大观园): This garden features over 840 varieties of tea trees from 13 provinces in China and countries such as India and Japan, including renowned domestic varieties like Tieguanyin (铁观音) and Dahongpao (大红袍).

Qiao Xi Ancient Charm Scenic Area

Originally named Koutou Creek, this area covers approximately 1 square kilometer. Established during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (around 400 years ago) by the Chen and Zhu families, it features ancient trees, stone paths, terraced fields, and fragrant tea and fruits. The scenic area includes 49 tourism resources, with 16 well-preserved traditional Hakka residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties, forming a picturesque Hakka pastoral landscape.

  • Jishan Building (继善楼): This distinctive Hakka residence was built between 1902 and 1914, situated by the mountains and rivers, covering an area of 2,680 square meters with 70 rooms. The structure features a symmetrical design and is known locally as “Seven Gang Building” (七杠楼), representing the unique architectural style and cultural atmosphere of the region.

The Qiao Xi Ancient Charm Scenic Area reflects the culture of Meizhou, known as the “Hometown of Culture” and “Hometown of Overseas Chinese,” serving as a valuable resource for studying the migration history of the Hakka people, local education, and cultural customs.

Cultural Activities

Historical Significance

The poetic name “Yan Nan Fei” signifies the Hakka people’s recognition of their roots linked to the “northern geese flying south.”

Specialty Cuisine

  • Special Snacks: Qi Lu Bing (企炉饼), Fa Ban (发粄), Meatballs (肉丸), Xian Ren Ban (仙人粄), Fried Meatballs (炸肉丸), Pan-fried Dumplings (煎堆), Sweet Cakes (甜粄), and Yanmian (掩面).
  • Special Dishes: Stuffed Tofu (酿豆腐), Fish Rice Noodles (鱼散粉), Lamb Vinegar Soup (羊醋汤), Salt Baked Chicken (盐焗鸡), Braised Pork with Mei Vegetables (梅菜扣肉), Mother’s Wine Chicken (娘酒鸡), Radish Balls (萝卜丸), and Steamed Meatballs (开锅肉丸).

Honors Received

  • In 2001, the Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Scenic Area was approved as a national AAAA-level tourist area.
  • In 2011, it was recognized as a national AAAAA-level tourist area.
  • In June 2024, it was included in the candidate list for Guangdong Province’s Employee Health and Recreation Base.

Travel Information

Admission Fees

  • Ticket Price: 80 yuan/person (includes both Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation and Qiao Xi Ancient Charm).
  • Free Admission:
    1. Children under 1.2 meters tall.
    2. Seniors aged 65 and above with valid ID or senior certificate.
    3. Persons with disabilities with valid disability certificate.
    4. Active-duty and retired military personnel with valid soldier or officer ID.
  • Discount Admission:
    1. Seniors aged 60 to 65: 50 yuan/person with valid ID.
    2. Children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall: 40 yuan/person.

Transportation

  • From Meizhou City Bus Station to Yan Nan Fei:
    • Take Bus 41 or 48 from Meizhou Yu Yun Dingzi Bridge Station (07:00-17:00) or use DiDi taxi (approx. 91 yuan), about 38.1 km, roughly 57 minutes.
    • From Meizhou Wuzhou City Bus Station (Yuyun Terminal), use DiDi (approx. 77 yuan), about 36.9 km, roughly 51 minutes.
  • From Meizhou High-speed Railway Station/Train Station to Yan Nan Fei:
    • Walk 700 meters to Meizhou Post Office Bus Station to take Bus 17 (07:00-17:00), about 2 hours, or use DiDi (approx. 82 yuan), about 35.9 km, roughly 42 minutes.
    • For Meizhou West Station:
      1. Take Bus 95 to Bingcun Intersection, then transfer to Bus 38, about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
      2. Take Bus 22/34 to Industrial School, then transfer to Bus 17, about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
      3. Taxi (approx. 113 yuan), about 44.8 km, roughly 64 minutes.
  • From Meixian Airport to Yan Nan Fei:
    1. Walk 600 meters to Triangle Bus Station, take Bus 95 to Bingcun, then Bus 38 to Yan Nan Fei, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
    2. Walk 60 meters to Bus Station, take Bus 3 to Dongshan Middle School Station, then Bus 17 to Yan Nan Fei, about 2 hours and 18 minutes.
    3. Taxi (approx. 82 yuan), about 35.9 km, roughly 42 minutes.

Self-Driving Routes

  1. Guangzhou → Guanghe Expressway → Meihe Expressway → Meida Expressway (Bingcun Exit) → S223 Provincial Road → Yan Nan Fei
  2. Guangzhou → Guanghe Expressway → Meihe Expressway → Meida Expressway (Sanxiang Exit) → S224 Provincial Road → Qiao Xi Ancient Charm → Yan Nan Fei
  3. Chaozhou-Shantou Area → Shanmei Expressway → Meida Expressway (Bingcun Exit) → S223 Provincial Road → Yan Nan Fei
  4. Chaozhou-Shantou Area → Shanmei Expressway → Meida Expressway (Sanxiang Exit) → S224 Provincial Road → Qiao Xi Ancient Charm → Yan Nan Fei

Parking

The scenic area provides free parking for all types of vehicles.

Accommodations

For travelers looking to stay overnight, several guesthouses and hotels in the vicinity offer comfortable accommodations. Options range from local Hakka-style lodgings to more modern hotels.

Nearby Attractions

  • Meizhou Hakka Museum: A cultural hub focusing on Hakka heritage.
  • Meizhou Tea Culture Park: Offers insights into tea cultivation and its significance in Hakka culture.
  • Hakka Tulou: Explore traditional earthen structures that are a hallmark of Hakka architecture.

Additional Information

Visitors can enjoy the unique blend of culture, history, and nature at the Yan Nan Fei Tea Plantation Scenic Area, making it a great spot for both relaxation and exploration.