Chaoshan & Hakka Cultural Odyssey
Discover Ancient Traditions, Architectural Marvels, and Legendary Cuisine Across Eastern Guangdong
Day 1: Arrival in Chaozhou - Ancient City Immersion
Chaozhou Old Town Exploration & Tea Culture Experience
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Chaozhou
Arrive at Chaoshan High-speed Train Station or Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, where our guide welcomes you to the cultural capital of Chaoshan. Check into your hotel before embarking on a walking tour through the historic Chaozhou Old Town. Marvel at the 650-year-old Guangji City Gate Tower and the engineering masterpiece of Guangji Bridge. Experience authentic Chaoshan tea culture at Zaiyang Tea House, listening to local tunes while savoring traditional tea. Explore Taiping Road and Jiadi Alley, discovering century-old archways and sampling local street food. Dinner features the famous Chaoshan Setay Beef Hot Pot, followed by optional river light shows before returning to your hotel.
Day 2: Chaozhou Heritage - Shantou Transition
Literary Shrines & Overseas Chinese Architecture
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Shantou
Begin with Hanwen Shrine, dedicated to poet Han Yu, then delve into Chaozhou's ancestral history at the Chaozhou Folk Museum. Enjoy a traditional Brine Whole Goose Banquet before visiting the magnificent former residence of Chen Cihong, showcasing exquisite Chinese-Western architectural fusion. Transfer to coastal Shantou (40-minute drive), known as "the gateway of Lingdong," where you'll settle in for the evening.
Day 3: Shantou Discovery - Coastal & Cultural Treasures
Bay Views, Modern Landmarks & Historic Quarters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Shantou
Embark on a comprehensive Shantou exploration starting with a ferry ride from Shantou Square Ferry Terminal, offering panoramic views of the bay. Ascend via cable car to Queshi Scenic Area's summit for breathtaking city vistas. Visit the impressive Chaoshan Culture Expo Center, Shantou's new cultural landmark, before traveling through the innovative Shantou Bay Tunnel. Savor a Chao-style abalone feast for lunch, then explore Tuo Cheng Small Park's historic architecture including Nansheng Department Store and Shantou Old Post Office. Conclude at Zhengbang Road's Chaoshan Cuisine Street, sampling time-honored local delicacies.
Day 4: Hakka World - Meizhou Arrival
Journey to the Hakka Cultural Capital
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Meizhou
Travel to Meizhou (2-hour drive), the global center of Hakka culture. Immerse yourself in Hakka World Scenic Area, an eco-tourism park blending natural landscapes with profound Hakka traditions. Witness architectural marvels that reproduce Hakka building essence while integrating modern design elements, creating a living cultural landscape that showcases Hakka folk heritage.
Day 5: Hakka Architectural Wonders
Tulou Dwellings & Mountain Village Scenery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Meizhou
Discover Tai Po County, the "Shangri-La of Hakka World," visiting the 400-year-old Tai Po Calyx Building in Lianfeng Village. This architectural gem demonstrates Hakka concepts of unity and equality through its unique circular design. After lunch, explore Yannanfei Scenic Area's natural beauty before visiting Qiaoxi Ancient Rhyme Bridge in Qiaoxi Village, where traditional Hakka residences blend harmoniously with mountain landscapes, streams, and ancient trees.
Day 6: Religious Heritage & Cultural Innovation
Forest Temples & Lantern Artistry
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Meizhou
Journey to Xingning City to explore Shenguangshan National Forest Park, a renowned religious and cultural site in eastern Guangdong. After lunch, visit Xihe Bay Tourism and Cultural Industrial Park, featuring the world's only dedicated lantern appreciation culture, including the first tall lantern building, lantern culture museum, and pavilion expo park showcasing this unique artistic tradition.
Day 7: Hakka Legacy & Departure
Museum Insights & Cultural Synthesis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the historic Thousand Buddha Pagoda Temple with its unique pagoda-within-pagoda structure, then explore the comprehensive Chinese Hakka Museum - China's only national museum dedicated to Hakka culture preservation. Gain deep understanding of Hakka architecture, art, and customs before transferring to the airport or train station for departure, concluding your immersive cultural journey.