A historic city in eastern Guangdong, part of the Chaoshan region, known for its jade industry, temple culture, and Chaoshan culinary traditions.
Jieyang is a prefecture-level city in eastern Guangdong Province, forming an integral part of the historic Chaoshan region alongside Chaozhou and Shantou. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Jieyang is one of the oldest administrative divisions in Guangdong, established during the Qin dynasty.
The city is renowned worldwide for its jade and jewelry industry. Yangmei, a town within Jieyang, is one of Asia's largest jade trading and processing centers, earning Jieyang the title "China Jade Capital". The city's hardware and stainless steel industries are also nationally significant.
Jieyang's cultural richness reflects its deep Chaoshan roots. The Jieyang Confucian Temple, a masterpiece of Song dynasty architecture, stands as a testament to the city's scholarly tradition. Local cuisine shares the exquisite qualities of Chaoshan food culture, with distinctive local specialties that reflect the agricultural and coastal bounty of the region.
Jieyang has one of the longest histories in Guangdong, established as a county in 214 BCE during the Qin dynasty under the name Jieyang County. It is one of the earliest administrative divisions in the Lingnan region. The city served as an important political and cultural center in eastern Guangdong for much of its history.
During the Song dynasty, Jieyang flourished as a center of learning and commerce. The Jieyang Confucian Temple was built during this period, becoming a prestigious academy that educated generations of scholars. The Ming and Qing dynasties saw Jieyang develop its distinctive Chaoshan cultural identity, including its renowned opera, music, and culinary traditions.
In 1991, Jieyang was upgraded from a county-level city to a prefecture-level city. The late 20th century saw the dramatic rise of Yangmei's jade industry, transforming a small village into a global jade trading hub. Today, Jieyang balances its ancient cultural heritage with modern industrial development.
Jieyang's economy is exceptionally diverse, built on jade and jewelry, hardware manufacturing, and agriculture. Yangmei Jade Market is the crown jewel — Asia's largest jade trading center, processing and trading billions of dollars worth of jade annually. The market attracts buyers from across China and Southeast Asia.
Hardware and stainless steel manufacturing is another major pillar, with Jieyang being one of China's largest production bases for stainless steel kitchenware and hardware products. The textile industry is also significant. Agriculture remains important, with Chaoshan fruits including olives, pomelos, and lychees. Puning is famous for its soybean products. The city's GDP reached 240 billion yuan in 2025.
Discover the culinary treasures of Jieyang, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) serves domestic routes to major Chinese cities and some international destinations. Located about 20 km from Jieyang city center.
Jieyang Railway Station on the Xiamen-Shenzhen high-speed railway. Direct trains to Guangzhou in about 2.5 hours, Shenzhen in 2 hours, and Shantou in 20 minutes.
No metro system. Public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services cover the urban area.
Mar - May
Mild and comfortable with blooming flowers. A pleasant time to explore the historic sites and enjoy outdoor activities.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid with frequent rain. The jade market is fully active. Evening street food scene is vibrant.
Sep - Nov
Comfortable temperatures with clear skies and low rainfall. The best season for sightseeing and exploring Jieyang's cultural heritage.
Dec - Feb
Mild and dry with cool evenings. A good time to visit without crowds and enjoy Chaoshan hotpot and Lei Cha.
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