Discover the Yuan Kui Pagoda: A Journey Through History and Cuisine

Discover the Yuan Kui Pagoda: A Journey Through History and Cuisine 🧳

The Yuan Kui Pagoda, a building with centuries of history, is not only a cultural symbol but also a great travel destination. Let's unveil its mysteries and explore its charm together!

Basic Information

📍 Address: Tongpa Village, eight miles east of Songkou Town, Meixian District, Meizhou City, on the north bank of the Meijiang River
🎫 Tickets: Free
⏰ Opening hours: Open all day

Best Time to Visit and Climate

Meixian District has a pleasant climate with an average annual temperature of 23.0°C, making it suitable for travel year-round. However, spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures, averaging between 20-25°C. Visiting during these seasons allows you to avoid the summer heat while enjoying warm sunshine and gentle breezes.

Transportation

- Public transportation: From downtown Meizhou, take a bus to Yuemei Station, then transfer to a minibus to Songkou Town. From the town, take a motorcycle to Yuan Kui Pagoda for about CNY 5.

- By car: Navigate directly to "Yuan Kui Pagoda." Free parking is available. 🚗

Attraction Introduction

Construction of the Yuan Kui Pagoda began in the 47th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1619) and took 10 years to complete. It is a seven-story, octagonal brick and stone pagoda in a pavilion style, over 40 meters high. The bottom layer is made of square granite, while the other layers are built with blue bricks. The top of the pagoda is embedded with a cast iron gourd, about 1.5 meters in diameter and weighing over 10,000kg. The main entrance at the bottom of the pagoda is inscribed with "Yuan Kui Pagoda," and features a couplet written by Li Shichun: "The waves return in front of the pavilion, a pillar serves as a mainstay in the middle of the stream; the peaks show their beauty beyond the sky, the light of Kui and Bi shines for ten thousand years." Ascend to the top of the pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of the Meijiang River, with fields, villages, bamboo groves, and green forests forming a picturesque landscape. 🌄

Nearby Food

- Hakka Stuffed Tofu: Tender tofu filled with savory meat filling, offering a rich flavor and representing one of Hakka cuisine's signature dishes.

- Mei Cai Kou Rou: Braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, a melt-in-your-mouth dish with a lingering aftertaste.

- Qi Lu Bing: A sweet, crispy, and traditional local pastry that is a must-try.

- Shatian Pomelo: Meixian's Shatian pomelos are known for their plump, juicy, and sweet flesh. Don't forget to take some home!

Surrounding Attractions

- Songkou Ancient Town: Known as the "Ancient South Sea Road · Thousand-Year-Old Town," it was once a major commercial hub in eastern Guangdong and the first stop for Hakka people emigrating to Southeast Asia. It retains many ancient buildings and streets, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and unique culture of this overseas Chinese hometown.

- Chinese Overseas Chinese Memorial Square: Embracing the concept of "Pioneering Spirit and Homeland Connection," the square highlights Songkou as the starting point for Hakka people's overseas expansion and their eventual return. The top of the monument features a globe, while the "Hakka Southward Migration Map" and "Wharf" reliefs on the monument reflect the Hakka people's pioneering spirit and patriotism.

Important Notes ⚠️

- Some stairs in the Yuan Kui Pagoda are narrow and steep. Please be careful when climbing and wear comfortable shoes.

- Space inside the pagoda is limited and can be crowded during peak seasons. Please take care of your belongings.

- Respect local customs and regulations, especially when visiting places like the Wenchang Pavilion.

- Protect cultural relics. Please do not scribble or carve on the walls inside the pagoda.