Meizhou Travel Guide

Meizhou's history is inseparable from the story of the Hakka people. During the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), waves of Han Chinese migrants fleeing warfare in central China settled in the mountainous regions of what is now Meizhou. Over generations, they developed a distinct culture, language, and architectural style that set them apart from the surrounding Cantonese population.

The name "Hakka" means "guest families," reflecting their migrant origins. Meizhou became the cultural and spiritual center of Hakka identity. From the Ming dynasty onward, Hakka people from Meizhou began migrating overseas, first to Southeast Asia, and later to the Americas, Europe, and Australia. Today, an estimated 3 million Hakka in over 80 countries trace their ancestry to Meizhou.

The city also played a notable role in modern Chinese history. Ye Jianying (1897-1986), born in Meizhou, was a respected military leader and later served as Chairman of the National People's Congress. His former residence in Meizhou is now a popular historical site.

In the 20th century, Meizhou remained relatively isolated until improved transportation links connected it more closely with the rest of Guangdong. This isolation paradoxically helped preserve Hakka culture while the rest of the region modernized rapidly.