Xingning Travel

Xingning City, Meizhou, Guangdong — an important birthplace of Hakka culture, home to renowned scenic spots such as Shenguang Mountain and Xihe Bay. It integrates natural landscapes with profound cultural heritage, offering a 3-day 2-night experience of Hakka customs and historical charm.

500+
Hakka Ancient Residences
3
National 4A-Level Scenic Areas
1600+
Years of City-Building History
40+
Special Hakka Dishes
Panoramic view of Xihe Bay Scenic Area and Lantern Museum
Xihe Bay Hakka Cultural Tourism Industrial Park - Iconic Scenic Area of Xingning
A national 4A-level tourist attraction themed on Hakka culture, integrating lantern culture, landscapes, and leisure entertainment, housing the largest lantern culture museum in China

3-Day 2-Night Hakka Culture Tour in Xingning City

Climb the sacred Shenguang Mountain, admire Xihe lanterns, visit the millennium-old Confucian Temple, and taste Hakka feasts

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Shenguang Mountain National Forest Park, Xihe Bay, Xingning Confucian Temple, Yetang Ancient Residences, Yanan Hot Spring
Suitable For
Mountaineering enthusiasts, cultural explorers, family travelers, hot spring lovers
Budget Per Person
¥700-¥1300
01
Exploring the Sacred Mountain and Ancient City
Shenguang Mountain · Xingning Ancient City Wall · Old Street Arcade Buildings
Itinerary Highlights

Climb Shenguang Mountain in the morning to experience Buddhist culture and natural scenery; stroll along Xingning Ancient City Wall in the afternoon to explore historical relics; visit the old street arcade buildings in the evening to experience local life.

Attraction Arrangement
Shenguang Mountain National Forest Park
An iconic scenic area of Xingning, named after the "Shenguang Night Aura". The mountain is home to historical sites such as Shenguang Temple and Patriarch Hall. Climbing to the top offers a bird's-eye view of the entire Xingning City, making it a popular destination for citizens' leisure, fitness, and prayer.
Xingning Ancient City Wall
First built during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, parts of the city wall and gates remain, witnessing Xingning's thousand-year history. Many Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings are preserved around the wall, full of historical charm.
Xingning Old Street Arcade Buildings
A cluster of arcade buildings mainly in the Xingtian Road area, preserving the commercial style of the Republican period. There are many time-honored shops and specialty snack bars, making it a great place to experience Xingning's local culture.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Xingning Guest House
  • Shenguang Mountain Hot Spring Hotel
  • Urban Business Hotels
Food Recommendations
  • Xingning Stuffed Tofu
  • Salt-Baked Chicken
  • Fish Sashimi
  • Hakka Pickled Noodles
Travel Tips
  • The hiking trail of Shenguang Mountain is gentle, suitable for family visits
  • The old street is most lively from afternoon to evening
  • The best time to take photos of the ancient city wall is early morning
02
Cultural and Ecological Experience
Xihe Bay · Lantern Museum · Organic Farm
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Xihe Bay in the morning to admire the beauty of landscapes and architecture; visit the China Lantern Culture Museum in the afternoon to learn about intangible cultural heritage; experience the organic farm in the evening to pick fresh fruits and vegetables.

Attraction Arrangement
Xihe Bay Hakka Cultural Tourism Industrial Park
A large-scale scenic area integrating tourism, leisure, vacation, and cultural experience, featuring Hakka-style architectural complexes, Swan Lake, amusement parks, etc., showcasing Hakka folk culture.
China Lantern Culture Museum
The first museum in China themed on lantern culture, housing thousands of various lanterns, systematically displaying the history and production techniques of Chinese lanterns, with Xingning lanterns being the most distinctive.
Xingning Organic Farm
An experiential farm based on ecological agriculture, offering activities such as fruit and vegetable picking, farming experience, and farm food making, suitable for family travelers and leisure tourists.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • There is a tourist special bus from urban area to Xihe Bay
  • Sightseeing cars are available in the scenic area
  • Self-driving is recommended to the farm
Ticket Information
  • Xihe Bay: ¥80 per person
  • Lantern Museum: Included in the scenic area ticket
  • Organic Farm: Free (picking is charged by weight)
Travel Tips
  • Xihe Bay is crowded during holidays, it is recommended to arrive early
  • Lantern making experience needs to be booked in advance
  • It is best to wear sports shoes for farm picking
03
Ancient Architecture and Hot Spring Leisure
Xingning Confucian Temple · Yetang Ancient Residences · Yanan Hot Spring
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Xingning Confucian Temple in the morning to experience Confucian culture; explore the Yetang Ancient Residences group in the afternoon to appreciate Hakka architectural art; go to Yanan Hot Spring in the evening to relax.

Attraction Arrangement
Xingning Confucian Temple
First built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, it is one of the best-preserved Confucian temples in Guangdong. It was the highest institution of learning in ancient Xingning, with a rigorous architectural layout reflecting the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.
Yetang Ancient Residences Group
Gathering dozens of traditional Hakka residences from the Ming, Qing to Republican periods, including Wei Long Wu (round earth buildings) and Si Jiao Lou (four-cornered buildings). The buildings are exquisite and well-preserved, showing the essence of Hakka architectural art.
Yanan Hot Spring
A famous hot spring resort in Xingning, with hot spring water temperature up to 82℃, rich in various minerals. There are many hot spring resorts, making it an ideal choice for leisure and health preservation.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • The Confucian Temple is located in the urban area, accessible on foot or by bike
  • Yetang Ancient Residences are about 15 kilometers from the urban area
  • There is a special bus to Yanan Hot Spring
Photography Tips
  • The morning light at Xingning Confucian Temple is suitable for shooting architectural details
  • The best time to shoot the ancient residences group is on cloudy days
  • The night view lighting of the hot spring area is beautiful
Travel Tips
  • Visitors to the Confucian Temple must abide by cultural relic protection regulations
  • Most ancient residences are privately owned, permission is required before visiting
  • It is recommended to soak in the hot spring for no more than 30 minutes

Must-Try Foods in Xingning City

Xingning Stuffed Tofu

A signature Hakka dish in Xingning, made with tofu from local soybeans, stuffed with specially prepared minced meat, and slow-cooked in a casserole. The tofu is tender and the minced meat is fragrant, making it a must-have dish at Hakka banquets.

Xingning Fish Sashimi

A special delicacy in Xingning, made by slicing fresh grass carp into thin pieces, served with shredded ginger, shredded green onion, peanuts, garlic slices and other seasonings. It has a tender taste and unique flavor, and is a treasure at local banquets.

Liaohua Candy

A traditional pastry in Xingning, made with glutinous rice, sesame, and white sugar, shaped like polygonum flowers, coated with sesame seeds on the outside, crispy and sweet in taste, and a must-have tea snack and souvenir for festivals.

Huang Ban (Glutinous Rice Cake)

A traditional Hakka food in Xingning, made with glutinous rice, can be steamed or stir-fried, with a soft and glutinous taste. It is often stir-fried with shredded pork, shiitake mushrooms and other ingredients, and is a characteristic Hakka staple food.

Xingning Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Feb-Apr): Shenguang Mountain is covered with blooming flowers, suitable for spring outings
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): The climate is pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities
  • Lantern Festival (15th day of the first lunar month): You can watch the traditional Xingning Lantern Festival
Must-Try Foods
  • Xingning Stuffed Tofu
  • Fish Sashimi
  • Salt-Baked Chicken
  • Liaohua Candy
  • Huang Ban
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥180-400 per night
  • Catering: ¥90-130 per day
  • Transportation: ¥80-150
  • Total: ¥700-1300
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is there an entrance fee for Shenguang Mountain? → Free admission
  • Do I need to make an appointment to visit Xingning Confucian Temple? → No appointment needed, on-site registration is sufficient
  • Which season is best for Yanan Hot Spring? → Winter is the most suitable
  • Where to buy Xingning specialties? → Old street arcade shops, large supermarkets