Songkou Ancient Town
松口
A century-old overseas Chinese town on the Mei River, the departure point from which Hakka people sailed south to the Nanyang region. It has an arcaded old street, a steamboat wharf, the China (Meizhou) Emigrants Memorial Square, and overseas Chinese houses.
Songkou Town lies on the banks of the Mei River, northeast of Meixian District. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has been an important wharf from which Hakka people sailed out through Shantou. It is known as the “original homeland of Hakka overseas Chinese.” The old town preserves Republican-era arcaded streets and the ruins of the steamboat wharf, along with the China (Meizhou) Emigrants Memorial Square, Songkou Middle School, and overseas Chinese houses such as the Shide Hall and Aichun Lou. Sun Yat-sen once visited Songkou. Admission is free. It is about 60 kilometers from central Meizhou. High-speed trains run from Meizhou West Station to Songkou Station, though not frequently. You can also drive. It is quiet and well suited to a relaxed half-day stroll.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lingguang Temple & Mount Yinna
- Ye Jianying Memorial Park
- Qiaoxi Ancient Village
- Yannanfei Tea Field
- Sanheba Battle Memorial Park
- Chayang Ancient Town
- Tai'an Lou
- Former Residence of Zhang Bishi (Guangludi)