Dapu County

Dapu County is located in the northeastern part of Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, in the middle and upper reaches of the Han River. It borders Pinghe County of Fujian Province to the east, Raoping County of Chaozhou City to the south, Meixian District to the west, and Yongding County of Fujian Province to the north. The total area is 2,467 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 330,000 (2020 data). Dapu has a long history, belonging to Jieyang County in the Qin and Han dynasties, and was established as a county in the fifth year of Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty (1526), named after 'Dapu Village'. It is known as the 'Hometown of Culture, Hometown of Overseas Chinese, Hometown of Ceramics, and Hometown of Famous Tea'. This is a core area of Hakka culture, rich in Hakka architecture such as Weilong houses and tulou, and is one of 'China's Most Beautiful Small Towns'. Dapu is famous for eco-tourism and red tourism, with national-level cultural heritage sites like Tai'an Lou and Hua'e Lou, as well as red attractions like the Sanheba Battle Memorial Park. Its unique geographical location and profound cultural heritage make it an important tourist destination in eastern Guangdong.

I. Core Attractions

1. Tai'an Lou (National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit) Located in Huliao Town, Dapu County, about 70 km from Meizhou city center. This square tulou was built in the 28th year of Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1763), covering about 2,577 square meters, 11 meters high, with three floors. It is a model combining Hakka Weilong house and tulou architectural styles. Opening hours: 8:00-17:30, ticket 40 yuan. Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours, you can climb to overlook the city.

2. Hua'e Lou (National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit) Located in Lianfeng Village, Dadong Town, Dapu County, about 45 km from the county seat. Built in the 36th year of Wanli of the Ming Dynasty (1608), it is a circular tulou, about 50 meters in diameter, 12 meters high, with three floors. It is one of the most complete existing Hakka tulou in Guangdong. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, ticket 30 yuan. Nearby you can hike through terraced fields.

3. Sanheba Battle Memorial Park (Classic Red Tourism Scenic Spot) Located in Sanhe Town, about 20 km from the county seat. This is the site of the 1927 Sanheba Battle of the Nanchang Uprising Army, with a monument and memorial hall, free admission. Recommended visit time: 2 hours, can be combined with a tour of the Hanjiangyuan Water Conservancy Project.

4. Baihou Ancient Town (China's Famous Historical and Cultural Town) Located in Baihou Town, Dapu County, about 11 km from the county seat. The ancient town preserves over 120 Ming and Qing ancient residences, including Zhaoqing Hall and Haiyuan Building, ticket 50 yuan. You can experience Hakka folk performances and ceramic making.

5. Xiyan Mountain (Provincial Nature Reserve) Located in Fenglian Town, Dapu County, with the main peak at 1,256 meters. Known for its vast tea plantations and strange peaks and rocks, the summit offers views of Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Free admission, recommended to drive, hiking takes 3-4 hours.

II. Food Recommendations

Dapu's specialty cuisine is mainly Hakka dishes, including: - Dapu Stuffed Tofu: tender and smooth, recommended at 'Time-honored Stuffed Tofu Shop' in Huliao Town, about 30 yuan per person. - Meizhou Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables: rich but not greasy, authentic at 'Guzhen Restaurant' in Baihou Town. - Hakka Salt Baked Chicken: savory and fragrant, available at 'Hakka Restaurant' in the county seat. - Dapu Thin Pancake: crispy outside and soft inside, common at night market stalls in Huliao Town, about 10 yuan each. Specialties to buy: Dapu pomelo, Xiyan Mountain tea, blue-and-white porcelain crafts.

III. Transportation Guide

External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Meizhou West Station (about 50 km from Dapu county seat), then take a bus to Dapu Bus Station (about 1 hour, fare 20 yuan). - Self-driving: Exit at Dapu on Meilong Expressway (G25), about 1.5 hours from Meizhou city center to Dapu county seat. Internal Transportation: - Within the county, you can take buses or taxis; between attractions, self-driving or chartered car is recommended (chartered car about 300 yuan per day). - Major attractions have tourist shuttle buses, such as from Huliao to Tai'an Lou (2 yuan).

IV. Accommodation Recommendations

In Huliao Town, there are Ruijin Hotel (four-star, standard room about 300 yuan/night), Dapu Hotel (budget, about 150 yuan/night); in Baihou Ancient Town, there are characteristic guesthouses (e.g., 'Guzhen Inn', about 200 yuan/night).

V. Itinerary Suggestions

One-day tour: Visit Tai'an Lou and Hua'e Lou in the morning, and Sanheba Memorial Park in the afternoon. Two-day tour: Day 1: County seat, Tai'an Lou, Baihou Ancient Town; Day 2: Hua'e Lou, Xiyan Mountain.