Hua’E Building
Harmonious Kinship” in a Hakka Round House
- City
- Meizhou
- Address
- Lianfeng Daqiutian Village, Dadong Town, Dapu County, Meizhou
- Cost
- 10 RMB
Meizhou·Hua’E Building
Lianfeng Hua’E Building – National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
Hakka weiwu (walled villages) are fortress-style clan dwellings, built with defense in mind and designed in either circular or square shapes. Among them, the Hua’E Building in Dapu County is known as the “Largest Round Hakka Building in Guangdong.”
Constructed in 1608 during the 36th year of the Ming Wanli reign, the building is three stories tall and features three concentric rings connected into one continuous structure — forming a layout of “three circles, one hundred rooms, and one central courtyard.”
For centuries, its inhabitants — all from the same clan — have shared a common gate, common hall, common yard, and common well. This lifestyle, where kin live in harmony and neighbors help each other, vividly reflects the Hakka value of “Hua’e xianghui” — mutual respect and affection among family members.
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### How to Get There
From Meizhou city center:
Navigate to “Dapu Hua’E Building (大埔花萼楼)”, approx. 90 km away. Driving takes around 2 hours.
Nearest high-speed rail station:
Meizhou West Railway Station
By public transport:
There is no direct access by public transit. It’s recommended to join a local tour, such as a "Dapu Tulou Day Tour", which typically includes stops at Hua’E Building, Tai’an Building, and other highlights.
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Visitor Information
Ticket: ¥10/person
Opening Hours: 8:30–17:30
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting for photography.
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What to See & Do
- Climb to the upper floors for a panoramic view of the circular tulou.
- Learn about Hakka architectural wisdom and communal lifestyle.
- Taste traditional Hakka snacks like Dapu bamboo shoot cakes (笋粄) and suanpanzi (算盘子).
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Nearby Attractions
- Tai’an Building (approx. 40 min drive): A square-shaped Hakka walled village in Dapu County.
- Baihou Ancient Town (approx. 30 min drive): Known for its Ming and Qing dynasty residences.
- Pingshan Terraced Fields (seasonal): Fields of rapeseed flowers in spring and golden rice in autumn.
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Content and photos courtesy of Southern Media Group (南方传媒 SPM)