Sujiawei Hakka Village

Heyuan City, a tourism city situated in the northeast of Guangdong, is best known for its beautiful natural scenery and Hakka culture.  Among the attractions there, Sujiawei Hakka Village is a must for tourists who are interested in the Hakka culture and customs. It is a picturesque village featuring Hakka culture and ancient dwellings. The village is also famous for the residence of the descendants of Su Dongpo, a great writer, calligrapher and painter of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

The enchanting rivers, lush bamboo trees, gigantic banyan trees, ancient buildings, fishing boats and distinctive waterwheels contribute to the beauty of the village, while the rich culture also adds charm to it. Sauntering in the enchanting village, you will easily drink in the centuries-old culture of the Sui Family, and the antiquity and simplicity of the Hakka people.

Yingqin Bridge

Yingqin (Welcoming Tourists) Bridge, a must seen spot of the village, represents the hospitality of the inhabitants towards their visitors. Standing on the bridge you can see the whole village, a group of square buildings in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties' (1644-1911) style. The perfect drainage system of the constructions made the village survive heavy rainfall.

Hakka Marital Customs

Teasing the bride on her wedding night is a typical marital custom of the Hakka Village. Showing the tradition of horseplay in the bridal chamber, it is a popular performance among the tourists. The Hakka matchmaker invites one of the tourists to act as the bridegroom while the others are amused by the interesting and funny performances.

Hakka Round-Dragon House

The Round-Dragon House is a typical Hakka residence with the architectural characteristics of Central China. The Round-Dragon Houses of Suijiawei Village resemble a grand circle. In the past, to withstand the unfriendly intruders, the Hakka people lived together and constructed their houses in the style of a castle.

Yongsi Memorial Hall

The oldest house, called the Yongsi Memorial Hall, was built in 1481 in memory of Su Dongshan, the eighth-generation descendant of Su Dongpo and as a place for the villagers to worship their ancestors and discuss important affairs.

Su Ancestral Memorial Hall

The Su Ancestral Memorial Hall, with a history of over 470 years, once had an array of significant cultural relics of the Su Family. The existing plaques, which were given by the emperors, provide an idea of the past glory and resplendence of the Sujiawei Village. More than 100 title deeds of the Ming and Qing Dynasties kept in the memorial hall witnessed the richness of the village. The burning of incense before the memorial tablets reflects the adoration of descendants of the Su Family towards their honorable ancestors.

After visiting the ancient houses, visitors can take a walk along the Dongjiang River and enjoy the Hakka folk music under the huge banyan trees at the riverside. They can also have a chance to experience traditional Hakka wedding customs in the Sujiawei wedding performance theater.

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