Heyuan is located in the northeastern part of Guangdong Province, in the middle and upper reaches of the Dongjiang River, belonging to the Hakka region. It has a mild climate with abundant rainfall and distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature of around 21°C. The forest coverage rate is high, and the air quality is excellent, earning it the reputation of being the "Back Garden of the Pearl River Delta."
Heyuan has a long history, dating back to the Qin Dynasty when it was established as a county, and later became a prefecture in the Southern Qi Dynasty. It is one of the birthplaces of Lingnan culture. As a settlement for Hakka people, Heyuan preserves numerous Hakka fortified houses and ancient villages, such as Linzhai Ancient Village and Tuocheng, bearing witness to the migration and development of the Hakka ethnic group.
Heyuan's culture is predominantly Hakka, with vibrant folk activities such as Hakka folk songs, flower lanterns, dragon and lion dances. The cuisine is characterized by Hakka dishes, including stuffed tofu, salt-baked chicken, and Mei Cai Kou Rou (pork belly with preserved mustard greens), which are savory and made with natural ingredients. The fresh lake products from Wanlu Lake are also a highlight.
Modern Heyuan actively develops a green economy, with Wanlu Lake eco-tourism as the flagship, building the brand "Ancient Hakka City, Green Heyuan." At the same time, Heyuan boasts abundant hot spring resources and dinosaur fossil resources, making it a tourist destination integrating ecology, culture, and leisure.
The best time to visit 河源 is Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, with blooming flowers around Wanlu Lake, ideal for outings and flower viewing, and experiencing Hakka folk activities.
Autumn (September-November): Cool weather and clear skies, the best time to visit natural scenic spots like Wanlu Lake and Guishan, and abundant autumn fruits.
Summer (June-August): Although hot, suitable for water activities and rafting, such as Wanlu Lake cruises and Yequgou rafting; Winter (December-February) is mild, perfect for hot springs like Hakka World and Bavaria Hot Springs.
After Qin Shi Huang conquered Lingnan, Longchuan County was established in the Heyuan area, with Zhao Tuo as the first county magistrate, making it one of the earliest counties in Lingnan.
Heyuan County was abolished and Heyuan Prefecture-level City was established, governing Yuancheng District, Dongyuan County, Heping County, Longchuan County, Zijin County, and Lianping County.
Recommended places to visit
The largest artificial lake in South China, with a water area of 370 square kilometers and water quality consistently meeting national Class I standards. There are over 360 islands in the lake, offering scenery in all seasons, making it a paradise for eco-tourism and leisure.
National 4A scenic area, famous for its primeval forests, waterfalls, and streams, known as a 'natural oxygen bar.' Visitors can enjoy hiking, rafting, and forest bathing.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Heyuan Hakka mountain songs are a national intangible cultural heritage, sung in Hakka dialect with melodious tunes, often reflecting labor and love.
The traditional lantern-making craft of Zhongxin Town, Lianping County, Heyuan, is a national intangible cultural heritage. The lanterns are uniquely shaped, brightly colored, and symbolize good luck.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Heyuan East Station (Ganzhou-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway) connects Shenzhen, Ganzhou, etc. From Guangzhou South Station to Heyuan East takes about 1.5 hours.
Guangzhou to Heyuan second class about 100 yuan
Heyuan currently has no civil airport. You can fly to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport or Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus to downtown Heyuan.
Depends on flight
Public buses in Heyuan city cover major attractions, and there are also tourist shuttle buses. Long-distance coaches can directly reach Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Huizhou, etc.
City bus from 2 yuan, long-distance coach depends on distance
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A classic Hakka dish, where tofu is stuffed with meat filling and pan-fried until crispy outside and tender inside, savory and delicious.
A traditional Hakka dish, baked with coarse salt, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat, savory and flavorful.
The Xinfengjiang Reservoir (Wanlu Lake) was completed, the largest artificial lake in South China, serving functions such as power generation, flood control, and water supply, becoming the core of Heyuan's eco-tourism.
Houses over 20,000 dinosaur egg fossils, a Guinness World Record, making it the largest collection of dinosaur egg fossils in the world. It displays dinosaur egg fossils, dinosaur bone fossils, etc.
The seat of Longchuan County in the Qin Dynasty, one of the earliest ancient county towns in Lingnan. It features historical sites such as the King of Yue Well, Confucian Temple, and Examination Shed, known as the 'origin of Lingnan Hakka.'
The largest ancient building complex of square corner towers in China, with well-preserved Hakka enclosed houses, known as one of the 'first batch of traditional villages in China,' showcasing Hakka architectural culture.
A resort themed on German Bavarian style, integrating hot springs, amusement, and accommodation, suitable for family trips and leisure vacations.
A must-have dish at Hakka banquets, where pork belly is steamed with preserved mustard greens, fatty but not greasy, as the greens absorb the oil.
A soup made from fresh fish heads from Wanlu Lake, with a milky white broth and an incredibly fresh taste, a specialty of Heyuan lake cuisine.
A traditional Hakka snack, made by wrapping shredded radish and minced meat in glutinous rice flour and steaming, soft and savory.
A seasonal Hakka snack, made with mugwort juice and glutinous rice flour, with sweet or savory fillings, fragrant and delicious.