Charm of Shixing · Source of Hakka

Shaoguan's Shixing County — an important birthplace of Lingnan Hakka culture, boasting the grand and ancient Mantang Wei as well as the primitive secret land of Chebaling. This 2-day 1-night itinerary explores ancient wei houses, treks through rainforests, and tastes Hakka customs.

Mantang Wei
The First Hakka Wei House
Chebaling
Biological Gene Bank
Donghuping
Living Fossil of Folk Customs
Tongzhongzhai
Danxia Wonder
Panoramic view of Mantang Wei in Shixing County, Shaoguan
Panoramic View of Mantang Wei, Shixing County
The ancient style of Mantang Wei, the largest Hakka wei house in Lingnan

2-Day 1-Night Hakka Culture Tour of Shixing County

Hakka Ancient Castle + Primeval Forest + Folk Culture, Experience the diverse charm of Shixing

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Mantang Wei, Chebaling, Donghuping, Tongzhongzhai, Shixing Hakka Museum
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Nature Explorers, Family Travelers, Photography Lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1200
01
Hakka Culture Tour
Exploration of Ancient Wei Houses and Folk Culture
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day Hakka history and folk custom experience

Attraction Arrangement
Mantang Wei
Built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, it is one of the largest and best-preserved Hakka wei houses in the Lingnan region, known as "The First Hakka Wei House". The wei house is square-shaped with a rigorous layout and a complete defense system, reflecting the wisdom of the early Hakka ancestors.
Donghuping Folk Culture Village
An ancient village integrating Ming and Qing architecture and folk customs, preserving ancient buildings such as the Nine-Building Eighteen-Hall Mansion and the Zeng Clan Ancestral Hall. It showcases Hakka wedding customs, farming culture and other folk customs, serving as a living fossil for understanding Hakka culture.
Shixing Hakka Museum
A special museum systematically displaying the history and culture of Shixing Hakka, with a rich collection of cultural relics. Through physical objects, pictures and multimedia forms, it shows the migration history, living customs and cultural inheritance of the early Hakka ancestors.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • There are Hakka cultural performances in Mantang Wei, it is recommended to check the performance schedule in advance
  • Experience making traditional Hakka handicrafts in Donghuping
  • The museum provides free explanation services, you can listen in groups
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels in Shixing County Town
  • Hakka Homestays near Mantang Wei
  • Characteristic Inns in Donghuping Folk Village
02
Ecological Secret Land Tour
Exploration of Primeval Forest and Danxia Wonders
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day natural ecology and geological landscape experience

Attraction Arrangement
Chebaling National Nature Reserve
Known as the "Pearl of Nanling" and "Biological Gene Bank", it is one of the most well-preserved primeval forests in South China. The reserve is rich in animal and plant species, including rare animals such as South China tigers and clouded leopards, making it a paradise for eco-tourism and scientific research.
Tongzhongzhai
A scenic spot featuring Danxia landform, named after a huge boulder on the top of the mountain that resembles a bronze bell. The scenic area has unique rock caves, red cliffs and clear streams. Climbing to the top of the village, you can overlook the surrounding pastoral scenery with pleasant views.
Mojiang Wetland Park
An urban wetland park located on both sides of the Mojiang River in Shixing County Town, with rich vegetation and beautiful environment. It is equipped with hydrophilic plank roads, viewing platforms and other facilities, making it a good place for leisure walks, bird watching and scenery appreciation, showing the style of Shixing as a "mountain and water city".
Practical Information
Characteristic Experiences
  • Participate in forest hiking adventures in Chebaling
  • Experience cave exploration in Tongzhongzhai
  • Cycling and scenery appreciation in Mojiang Wetland Park
  • Taste characteristic Hakka farm dishes
Return Suggestions
  • Buy local specialties such as Shixing Prime Minister's Noodles and shiitake mushrooms
  • Chebaling is about 50 kilometers from the county town, it is recommended to depart early
  • The drive from Shixing County to Shaoguan urban area takes about 1 hour with convenient transportation

Must-Try Foods in Shixing County

Shixing Prime Minister's Noodles

A characteristic rice noodle of Shixing County, named after the legend that it was created by Zhang Jiuling, a famous prime minister of the Tang Dynasty. Made of high-quality rice, it has a delicate and smooth texture with a unique taste. It can be served in soup or stir-fried, and is the most representative food of Shixing.

Qinghua Noodles

A specialty rice noodle from the Qinghua area (now Aizi Town) of Shixing County with a long history. Made by traditional techniques, the vermicelli is as thin as silver wire, with a flexible texture and does not break when boiled for a long time. It is one of the representatives of Hakka food culture.

Sour Taro Stem

A traditional Hakka pickle in Shixing, made from the petiole of local taro. After pickling, it has a unique flavor, sour and crispy, which can be eaten directly or stir-fried with meat as a side dish. It is a common food on the Hakka dining table.

Huangtian Braised Pork

A characteristic dish of Huangtian Town in Shixing, made by steaming local pork belly with taro. The meat is fat but not greasy, and the taro is soft and sweet. It is a classic dish at Hakka banquets with strong local characteristics.

Travel Tips for Shixing County
Best Seasons
  • March-April: Rapeseed flowers bloom in Shixing, with beautiful pastoral scenery
  • May-June: Chebaling Forest is lush and green, suitable for summer escape
  • October-November: Clear autumn weather, suitable for outdoor activities and photography
  • During Spring Festival: Experience Hakka Spring Festival customs and feel the strong New Year flavor
Travel Suggestions
  • It is recommended to hire a local guide in Chebaling to learn more about animal and plant knowledge
  • There is Hakka food experience in Mantang Wei, you can taste authentic Hakka dishes
  • The hiking trail in Tongzhongzhai is relatively steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
  • Folk performances in Donghuping need to be booked in advance
Practical Information
  • Mobile phone signal is weak in Chebaling Reserve, pay attention to traveling with companions
  • Smoking is prohibited in forest areas, comply with forest fire prevention regulations
  • Most Hakka wei houses are wooden structures, pay attention to fire safety
  • Some ancient villages have limited infrastructure, it is recommended to bring daily necessities
Transportation Guide
  • Shixing County is about 60 kilometers from Shaoguan urban area, accessible by bus or self-driving
  • Self-driving or chartered car is recommended for attractions such as Mantang Wei and Chebaling
  • There are rural passenger buses from the county town to various attractions with few departures
  • High-speed rail from Guangzhou to Shaoguan takes about 1 hour, then transfer to bus to Shixing County

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Shaoguan City