THE Hakka are believed to have originated in the central regions of China. To escape a calamity, they traveled southward and settled down in Jiangxi, Fujian and Guangdong provinces. For the next two weeks, we will take a tour into the heart of Hakka culture in Guangdong Province to understand their unique identity and history.

    Qiaoxi Village, Meizhou

    Listed as one of the “top 10 most beautiful ancient villages in Guangdong,” Qiaoxi Village is a well-preserved Hakka village in Meixian County.

    The village is surrounded by hills and is very small. Amazingly, the ancient village has not become over-commercialized compared to many other ancient villages in the province.

    It is said that the village was built as a hub for the Zhu and Chen families of Shibi Village in Fujian Province during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Four-hundred years later, 16 traditional Hakka buildings built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are still standing.

    The beautiful Hakka-style buildings are highlights of the village. Among them are Shide Tower, Baoshan Tower, Shi’an Tower and Yanyi Tower.

    Jishan Tower, which is 104 years old, is the best-preserved ancient building in the village and has colorful sculptures, paintings and calligraphies and elegant rooms. Shanqing Tower, which was built 130 years ago, is known for its unique design. Unlike most Hakka roundhouses, which have their living spaces facing the courtyard, the tower’s living room faces the gate.

    There are also many other attractions around the village, including the popular Yangnanfei Tea Garden.

    Transport: Drive to the village from Shenzhen via Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Heyuan Expressway, Heyuan-Meizhou Expressway and Provincial Road 223.

    Qiaoxiang Village, Meizhou

    Located at the foot of Luhu Mountain in Meizhou, Qiaoxiang Village is a beautiful village rich with traditional Hakka culture.

    Known as “the No.1 ancient village of the Hakka group,” Qiaoxiang has a history of more than 500 years and is a famous hometown for many overseas Chinese.

    Covering 1.5 square kilometers, the village has many well-preserved, ancient Hakka houses built along the mountain. More than 40 of them were built before the 1940s.

    Most of the villagers live quiet farming lives. A common evening scene includes older villagers chatting or playing chess together under large, aging trees and women cooking dinner together.

    The biggest sijiaolou, a square compound with watchtowers at four corners, in the village is called Nanhuayoulu and was first built by a successful businessperson named Pan Xiangchu. The house covers more than 10,000 square meters and has 118 rooms. In the courtyard, smaller sijiaolous and suites have been built.

    There are many other ancient buildings in the village, such as Yicheng School, which has a 100-year history.

    Transport: Drive to the village from Shenzhen via Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Heyuan Expressway, Heyuan-Meizhou Expressway and G205.

    Songkou Ancient

    Town, Meizhou

    Songkou Ancient Town is the heart of Hakka culture in Meizhou. With a history of more than 1,000 years, the town was built much earlier than the city of Meizhou.

    As an important residence for Hakka people, the town has been a center of business and trading in eastern Guangdong Province for hundreds of years. It was also the first stop for ancient Hakka people migrating to Southeast Asia and one of the first places where Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Republic of China, planned the national revolution in 1911 that ended the Qing Dynasty.

    The ancient town is known for its historical sites. Among them are Aichun Tower, Shide Hall, Chengde Tower, Shide New Street and Yuankui Tower. Some of them have a history of more than 400 years.

    Shide New Street is a must-see attraction in the town. First built in the Ming Dynasty, the street is about 200 meters long with more than 100 shops. Although the shops are no longer in business, the street is very well preserved, so it has become a popular spot for filmmakers and art students.

    Transport: Drive to the village from Shenzhen via Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway, Guangzhou-Heyuan Expressway, Heyuan-Meizhou Expressway and Provincial Road 223. (Wang Yuanyuan)