Heyuan
Hometown of the Hakka and the Emerald Lake City
- How to Arrive
- Railway station: Heyuan East Station
Heyuan, also known as “Cuo City,” sits at the meeting point of the Dongjiang and Xinfeng Rivers, giving it the appearance of a floating raft on water.
As one of the most important birthplaces of Hakka culture in China, Heyuan is known as the “Hakka Ancient City” and remains a key center of Hakka settlement and heritage. From its flavorful Dongjiang River Hakka cuisine to Zijin County’s Huazhao Opera, the city is a living showcase of Hakka life.
Beyond its cultural roots, Heyuan offers dramatic red-rock formations nicknamed the “Danxia of Eastern Guangdong,” ancient bridges from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and some of South China’s most serene eco-retreats.
TOP THINGS TO DO
Heritage & Culture
Heyuan is a living museum of Hakka traditions.
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Step into the “Hakka Ancient City” and explore ancestral halls and traditional courtyard homes that tell stories of family and heritage. Join a local festival and enjoy performances by Hakka Song and Dance Troupes, which can be found in every county. Don’t miss Huazhao Opera in Zijin County—a nationally protected art form rich with music, vibrant costumes, and local folklore.
Everywhere you go, you can feel the rhythm of Hakka life in daily rituals, architecture, and celebration.
Natural Landscapes
Sail across Wanlu Lake, the largest eco-resort in South China, then stroll across stone bridges that have stood since the Ming and Qing dynasties.
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Climb Gui Mountain, the city’s highest peak, known as a “plant kingdom, animal park, and tourist paradise” for its biodiversity.
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Explore the red-rock landscapes known as the “Danxia of Eastern Guangdong,” shaped by wind and time. Vivid, layered cliffs that are a dream for hikers and photographers.
### Modern Landmarks
In the heart of the city, the Xinfeng River Music Fountain shoots water 169 meters into the air, earning the title of “Asia’s tallest musical fountain.”
After a day of exploration, unwind at Yulinmen Hot Spring in Zijin, a forest-surrounded spa that’s perfect for a cozy winter soak.
## LOCAL SPECIALTIES
Wanlu Lake Steamed Silver Carp
Fresh, tender carp from Wanlu Lake with fine bones, lightly steamed for a clean, delicate flavor. The fried golden fish head adds a crispy contrast.
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Pork Trotter Rice Noodles
A Hakka classic with soft, gelatin-rich pork trotters paired with fragrant, silky rice noodles.
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Hakka Stuffed Tofu
Smooth tofu filled with seasoned minced pork, then gently steamed for a savory, comforting taste.
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More Local Delicacies：
- Longchuan Eight-Treasure Fish Slices
- Cold Jelly Chicken
- Braised Lamb with Ginger (Yangrou Bangtai)
- Radish Leaves
- Pork Soup
- Zijin Eight-Knife Cuts
- Nine-Layer Rice Cake