Hakka Tour

Explore our recommended one-day Hakka tour itinerary, curated by locals in Pingtung! Wondering how to spend a delightful autumn day in Pingtung? Immerse yourself in the enchanting Hakka towns spread across the region. Get up close to the farmlands and delve into the cultural richness of Jiadong Township, where you'll admire the profound Hakka heritage. Then, make your way to Wanluan to savor the renowned braised pork knuckle. In the afternoon, venture to Zhutian Township in Pingtung, recognized in 2019 as one of the top ten Hakka towns. Here, you can capture nostalgic moments at the old railway station and engage in authentic Hakka cultural activities, such as DIY indigo dyeing. Lastly, wander around Chaozhou Township's new cultural landmarks and explore the allure of Chaozhou Opera. Follow this itinerary to discover Pingtung in all its glory! Experience the warm hospitality of Pingtung's Hakka culture and uncover its unique local flavors!

Jiadong, a key part of Pingtung's Liudu Hakka settlements, is home to numerous old houses, cultural landmarks, and historic buildings, including the Yang Family Ancestral Hall, Xiao Family Ancestral Home, Zhang’s Commercial Building, Yang Ji-qin Ancestral Hall, West Gate, and the oblation furnace. These form a tightly-knit network of old Hakka communities. The old streets of Liugen Village in Jiadong have been transformed into the artistically vibrant Poet's Trail. Here, art, poetry, Hakka culture, local history, and historic buildings coexist, offering an immersive experience as you stroll or cycle through, guided by engaging and lively narrators that make your visit memorable and fulfilling!

To delve into Pingtung's Hakka culture, start your journey in Jiadong Township by visiting its historic sites. Begin with the county-designated third-class historic site, the Yang Family Ancestral Hall, and learn about its history.

This hall stands as one of Taiwan's most valuable representations of traditional Hakka architecture and is a precious cultural asset to the Hakka community.

The front yard of the Yang Family Ancestral Hall features a unique Tai Chi-style pond, the only one in Taiwan—a rare gem indeed!

This Feng Shui landscape faces Dawu Mountain, the highest mountain in Pingtung, directing energy flow towards the ancestral shrine and creating a positive Feng Shui setup.

With blooming lotus flowers, the lush green leaves and delicate pink flowers against the ancient architecture form a picturesque and romantic view, brimming with artistic charm.

The central courtyard, located between the front and rear halls, features two moon gates facing each other, showcasing an elegant classical design.

Chairman Yang led us through the red brick-paved courtyard, elaborating on the intricate architectural details. Plaques in the hall, couplets on the wooden shrines, columns, and the main door, and inscriptions hold a charm worth beholding.

The unique architectural features, including swallowtail ridges and horseback ridges on the roof, as well as the glazed cuttings, suggest the Yang family's official lineage. The Yang Family Ancestral Hall is rich in stories and the architectural features are incredibly rich, from Cochin ceramic, painted relief figures, four-dragon windows, to white snow longevity windows - all worthy of admiration.

Looking up, the distinctive pointed ridges are the unique swallowtail ridges, and nearby, a moon gate stands.

Every corner of this historic site serves as a fantastic backdrop for stunning photographs, allowing for atmospheric captures at every turn.

Chairman Yang detailed Jiadong's cultural essence, shedding light on the materials and structures of historical buildings, and infused the narrative with rich Hakka insights. He even shared phrases in authentic Hakka, making our experience lively and vivid, and clearly outlined the unique characteristics of Jiadong's villages.

Chairman Yang Jing-mou, from the Jiadong Cultural and Historical Association and renowned for his profound research on Hakka culture in Pingtung County, gave us a thorough guided tour, explaining the history of Jiadong's Hakka villages.

Liugen Village in Jiadong, Pingtung, overturns the conventional impression of a museum. With its high concentration of old houses and historical sites, walking through Liugen Village feels like strolling through a museum. Often referred to as the Poet's Trail, the old street integrates art, poetry, Hakka culture, and local history.

Heading down Donggen Road, opposite the Yang Family Ancestral Hall, we ventured into a living Jiadong museum.

Along the hundred-meter Poet's Trail, you'll find literary works by prominent poets from the Liudui region, including Zhong Lihe, Lin Sheng-xiang, Zhong Tiemin, and Zeng Guihai, most written in Hakka.

Chairman Yang's recitation of these poems in Hakka brought historical scenes to life. These literary works nourish the historical and cultural memories of Liugen Village. Reading them in Hakka allows for a deeper appreciation of the poets' profound feelings and care for the Liudui region.

As you walk along the Poet's Trail, you'll experience the beautiful interplay of art, poetry, Hakka culture, and local history.

In 2006, Dr. Zeng Guihai from Jiadong initiated the construction of the Liudui Hakka Literature Trail, marking the beginning of community development in Liugen Village.

The combination of artistic paintings and literary poems is a great charm possessed by Jiadong's Liugen Village, setting it apart from other painted villages, with themes that reflect a stronger local character. Combined with calligraphy, these elements enrich the poetic essence of many household walls, and the variety of artwork grows beyond the Western Gate.

Pass through the West Gate, also known as Baozhong Gate or Xizha Gate, a county-designated third-class historic site over 200 years old.

In earlier times, there were four gates, but today, only the West Gate retains its original form, serving as a valuable historical relic. The circular gun holes on either side of the Baozhong plaque above the gate were once used to mount firearms for defending the neighborhood.

Admiring this village, you will find various ways to experience its beauty, with historic buildings and red brick houses seen at every turn.

Peonies hold special significance in Hakka villages, symbolizing wealth and auspiciousness. Therefore, vibrant peony murals in diverse forms greet you along the Poet's Trail.

Most houses and warehouses in the village are weathered, but colorful decorative paintings add a fresh vibrancy to them.

It’s worth noting that the village's mural themes resonate with local culture, capturing unique rural life scenes, agricultural products, folk customs, and the essence of Hakka life. The Poet’s Trail, adorned with artistic creations, is truly a sight to behold.

The atmosphere here is serene and peaceful, free of excessive commercialization, and exudes a sense of Hakka simplicity and warmth.

Due to the high concentration of ancient houses and historical sites within Liugen Village, it feels like strolling through a museum. Therefore, this village has earned the title of "Living Jiadong Museum."

Several dilapidated old houses with crumbling walls stand as remnants of a nearly forgotten historical era. Jiadong is a township where Hakka and Minnan cultures coexist, with Liugen Village predominantly Hakka, typical of a Hakka farming village.

Turning a corner, you'll encounter "Jiadong's Most Beautiful Corner" - the Zhang’s Commercial Building.This building on Donggen Road has been renovated as an arts and exhibition space.

Built in 1910, the Zhang’s Commercial Building is the only two-story red brick building from that era in Jiadong Township.

This revitalized site now serves as an information station and is an essential cultural landmark where you can collect souvenirs or purchase postcards.

Passing through Jiadong Township, you'll find the Hakka Handcraft Patchwork Studio run by Mrs. Lee Jin-jiao, a skilled Hakka patchwork artisan.

The studio, locally referred to as the “Hakka LV” handmade floral fabric bag specialty store, showcases various handmade patchwork bags. Mrs. Li Jinjiao, dubbed the Hakka Handmade Patchwork Master, gained recognition for her craftsmanship, which was spotlighted by the media. After the 88 Typhoon, she took up handicraft classes at the reconstruction center, initially learning from a teacher before developing her own style and delving into various styles of handmade bags. Her unwavering dedication and innovation have led her to her current success.

She handcrafts patchwork bags using traditional Hakka floral fabrics in combination with various textiles.

She has created an assortment of Chinese-style bags and pleated floral fabric bags, offering an extensive variety for enthusiasts.

The Yang Ji-qin Ancestral Hall exemplifies the reconstruction of Taiwanese family lineages and has created a miracle in rebuilding Hakka culture.

Reconstructed in 2006 following its original style, the Yang Ji-qin Ancestral Hall was completed in 2008. It embodies the traditional Hakka ancestral hall in a quadrangle courtyard format.

In 1925, the ancestral hall underwent renovation into a quadrangle. Due to long-term disrepair, it had lost its original appearance. However, through the joint efforts of the Yang family descendants, who set aside their differences and raised funds on their own, the ancestral hall was restored to its former glory. During major festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival, Ghost Festival, and Chinese New Year, all members of the Yang family return for a lively reunion!

Even after reconstruction, the ancestral hall retains its original charm, showcasing the craftsmen's skills in fragmented ceramic art, Cochin ceramic, and painting.

The two openwork windows flanking the main entrance hall reflect Hakka characteristics, and the main hall, serving as a sacred ceremonial space, exudes a dignified atmosphere.

Mr. Yang, the guide, who grew up here, carries the collective cultural memories of the Yang family.

Since taking over the management of the ancestral hall in October 1998, Mr. Yang has been preparing for its reconstruction. The formerly dilapidated ancestral hall, which was on the verge of collapse, took Mr. Yang many years of effort to finally rebuild into its current form.

The Xiao Family Ancestral Home, with a history of over a hundred years and classified as a third-class historic site, is the only "Five Hall, Six Courtyard" mansion architecture in Taiwan.

Spanning over a century, the Xiao Family Ancestral Home offers visitors a glimpse into the family's prosperous past through historical displays and preserved artifacts. The nostalgic aura of this ancient architectural era provides a deep sense of reflection on the past.

Upon viewing the model displays, we were astonished by the extensive scope of the Xiao Family Ancestral Home. A thorough explanation and guided tour could easily take half a day!

The ancestral home retains its original layout and setting, evoking the feeling of walking through a time tunnel, unraveling the Xiao family's development.

Covering approximately 1500 ping and well-preserved in its original layout, it's also known as the Jiadong Xiao Residence or Xiao’s Old House. Constructed in 1860, this building exemplifies the traditional Hakka enclosed house design. The Xiao family, a prominent clan in the Jiadong area, initially established themselves in the brewing industry. They later expanded into dyeing cloth and grain trading, engaging in trade activities in Donggang and Jiadong. Their extensive business ventures led to considerable wealth. The ancestral home, built by craftsmen from Tangshan, reflects meticulous attention to detail and cultural depth in its layout, building materials, and carvings.

This unique Hakka mansion, the only one in Taiwan with five courtyards, covers over 4,000 square meters, comprising long corridors and over fifty rooms. It is said to have accommodated over a hundred people at one time.

In front of the Xiao Family Ancient Home is a crescent-shaped pond, believed to serve Feng Shui purposes, reflecting the family's attention to geomancy.

The facade of the house was remodeled in the Baroque style during the Japanese occupation, adding a distinctive character to the building.

Walking towards the back of the ancient house, you quickly come across the oblation furnace and Buyue House, both designated as third-level historic sites.

The Buyue House, previously the Xiao family's study room, reportedly still bears traces of bullets from the war with the Japanese.

Perhaps it's just an old house or a low wall adorned with seasonal blooms of bougainvillea, but such sights, witnessed by travelers on bicycles, form the beautiful landscapes found in the Hakka villages of Jiadong, exuding a sense of natural charm.

Cycling through these villages to visit ancient houses and historical sites is a wonderful experience, as the area is filled with old Hakka houses, each with its own story. Riding through these places feels like traveling through a time tunnel, where history seems to stand still.

Jiadong's rural streets and alleys are serene and tranquil, with a high density of ancient houses and historic sites. The strong cultural atmosphere, free from excessive commercialization, makes it a great place for leisurely strolls and photography.

The entrance sign "Welcome to Jiadong" invites more visitors to come and see the beauty of this Hakka community.

Guangzhiwei Creative Hakka Cuisine presents an antiquated facade, situated directly opposite the Wanluan PX Mart.

During peak dining hours, the restaurant bustles with customers at every table, a testament to the excellence of its cuisine.

While it may be less well-known compared to other establishments on Pork Knuckle Street, it garners strong support and love from locals. In 2010, the restaurant won the National Creative Pork Knuckle Championship, securing a solid reputation amidst the competitive Wanluan pork knuckle scene.

Recommended Hakka dishes include peanut tofu, pig intestines with ginger, stir-fried flat rice noodles, and pickled cabbage stomach soup.

The glossy stir-fried flat rice noodles are particularly notable, offering a perfect blend of color, fragrance, and taste. The soft and chewy noodles provide a delightful texture that is personally appealing.

This restaurant has not only gained recognition during the Pork Knuckle Festival but has also been featured in newspapers and magazines, underscoring its expertise in preparing pig's trotters.

The pork knuckles, marinated to perfection, are tender and flavorful with chewy skin. When dipped in sauce, they reach new heights of flavor, leaving one craving more. The taste is spot-on – not too heavy – and the sauce offers a mild, smooth balance.

Pingtung always brims with scorching weather. A stop at Wanluan’s Pork Knuckle Street for a refreshing cup of Aiyu Lemon Jelly is an excellent way to cool down.

Jiale Lemon Tea Shop, a popular beverage stop on Wanluan’s Pork Knuckle Street, is renowned for the quality of its drinks. The shop’s origin is rumored to be a heartwarming story about a young man returning home to assist his mother in selling lemons. My first experience trying their drinks was pleasantly surprising!

The shop’s signature drink, Aiyu Lemon Jelly, made with homegrown, non-toxic lemons, gets a big thumbs up from me!

The commitment to quality ingredients is evident here. The freshly squeezed lemon juice bursts with delightful natural acidity, making each sip a refreshing experience. Pairing an Aiyu Lemon Jelly with pork knuckles has become a trendy and cooling combination in Wanluan, offering the perfect remedy for the heat.

Our visit to Zhutian began with a guided tour by the curator of Dunwutang, Mr. Qiu Zhan-yu, showcasing the rural charm of Zhutian.

Stepping into Zhutian Township in Pingtung, selected as one of the top ten Hakka small towns in 2019, we started our afternoon at the Zhutian Station Cultural Park with a guided tour.

The over-six-decade-old Zhutian Station, along with its surrounding facilities, has been revitalized into the Zhutian Station Cultural Park.

This park preserves historical remnants such as the old well, bathhouse, oil storehouse, and railway employee dormitories, all radiating a nostalgic ambiance.

The main attraction, Zhutian Station, is a must-visit and photo-worthy landmark in Zhutian Township.

Originally named Dunwu Station, it was first built in 1919 and expanded in 1939 into the current wooden structure, which has remained unchanged since. As one of only three surviving wooden train stations in Taiwan, it showcases the traditional Japanese-style four-pillar architecture.

During our visit, the inside of Zhutian Station was closed for internal planning, but admiring the exterior of this historic wooden station was still fulfilling.

The preservation of this historic old station, with its simple and rustic wooden structure, makes it a must-visit destination for photography enthusiasts. We eagerly anticipate exploring the interior of Zhutian Station after the completion of its setup, including the preserved waiting seats, ticket counter, and gates.

The park's installation art adds an interactive and fun element to the simple, natural setting.

The Dr. IKEGAMI Ichiro Memorial Library inside the park is recognized as the southernmost Japanese library in Asia.

Adjacent to the ancient well, a water pipe directly leads to the bathhouse, showcasing the ingenuity of our ancestors in saving both manpower and bathing time for station employees.

Every corner of the park exudes a retro and nostalgic atmosphere, with each scene and object presenting a charming old-world elegance.

Also located within the park is Mr. Li Xiu-yun's Photography Memorial Hall, which sparked my interest as a photography enthusiast.

Originally an abandoned railway warehouse, this space has been repurposed into a photography-themed exhibition hall. The interior layout, creatively adorned with many Hakka elements, offers a delightful viewing experience.

Mr. Li Xiu-yun, born in 1919 in Toulun Village, Zhutian Township, has documented various aspects of rural landscapes, Hakka culture, old celebrations, and customs throughout his life. The old photographs displayed vividly capture rural life in the past, along with the artifacts and equipment used by Mr. Li Xiu-yun. They also chronicle significant milestones in his life, including his time at the agricultural college, his marriage, and work at the sugar factory, documenting his family life as well.

In front of the station, there's a renovated abandoned rice mill named Yamato Cafe, which quickly became Pingtung's most talked-about coffee shop upon opening. It's a fantastic spot for coffee and desserts.

When speaking of the revitalization of Hakka culture in Zhutian, this place immediately comes to mind. Both Mr. Qiu Zhan-yu, the curator, and his son, Qiu Yi-zheng, have made significant contributions to local development, adding a vibrant energy to Zhutian Township.

We continued our journey with a visit to the Dunwutang Cultural and Creative Lifestyle Store and Dunwu Relaxation Field, where we experienced Hakka fabric dyeing DIY and tasted the store's original tea-flavored ice cream.

Mr. Qiu Zhan-yu, the curator, discovered the tea art culture by chance a few years ago and quickly fell in love with it, leading him to learn the art of tea-making.

He transformed his home into the Dunwutang Cultural and Creative Lifestyle Store to promote tea culture. The store focuses on tea, tea sets, and tea ceremony teachings, hosting various tea-related seminars regularly.

The tea space, infused with local Hakka, Chinese, and Japanese influences, is rich in culture and arts, featuring elegant tea settings and a tranquil atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

The tea house offers a variety of premium teas, including Hongyu, Huangyu, Pinglin Oriental Beauty, and single-bush Pu'er tea, making it an ideal place for selecting fine tea.

It also showcases a beautiful array of tea sets, akin to a miniature exhibition of teacups and teapots, each piece worthy of close admiration.

Adjacent to Dunwutang is Dunwu Relaxation Field, a stylish ice cream store and the perfect spot to cool off in Zhutian Township.

Opened by Qiu Yi-zheng, Curator Qiu Zhan-yu’s son, who returned to the town with an artistic design background, he designed Dunwu Relaxation Field with a passion for promoting Zhutian’s development. While the most popular item is the tea-flavored ice cream, the store also offers cold-brewed tea, hand-brewed hot tea, and packaged tea bags. The cozy wooden seating area outside the shop is not only a great place to enjoy ice cream and tea but also a fantastic spot for photos.

The unique tea-flavored ice cream has become quite a topic of conversation. I tried the signature Hongyu tea-flavored ice cream, made using Yuchi black tea.

They poured cold-brewed tea over tea-infused ice cubes, added rich and creamy tea-flavored ice cream, and sprinkled some tea powder on top. This delightful treat, allowing you to enjoy both the coolness of ice and the rich taste of tea in one, has created quite a buzz in Pingtung's Zhutian, attracting visitors from far and wide. It strikes the perfect balance - not too sweet, not too heavy - with layers of flavor, offering a complete and enjoyable taste experience.

Continuing the journey at the Dunwutang Cultural and Creative Lifestyle Store, I engaged in an authentic Hakka cultural activity - Hakka indigo dyeing DIY.

Teacher Wu Mei-lan guided us through each step of the dyeing process, making me realize the fascinating intricacies of hand dyeing.

We used local materials like onion skins for the dye, with dried onion skins displayed nearby. The soaking process itself took about 30 minutes.

As we waited for the colors to set, we had the delightful opportunity to savor tea-flavored ice cream from Dunwu Relaxation Field - truly happiness in a scoop!

After a short drive, we headed to the Chaozhou Japanese Historical Architecture Cultural Park to explore this new cultural and tourism spotlight in Chaozhou Township.

This site preserves a group of restored Japanese-style buildings, which initially served as official residences during the Japanese colonial period and later as offices and residences for the highway construction agency after the war. Also known as the Gonglu New Residence Quarter, this area not only holds significant historical memories for Chaozhou Town but was also one of the main battlegrounds during the "Lin Shaomao Anti-Japanese Incident," representing the only remaining historical site that witnessed this event.

As part of Chaozhou's local old history, this site has been transformed into a space for tourist information, cultural and historical exhibitions, and art performances through meticulous preservation and integration with surrounding resources. When in Chaozhou, aside from strolling the old streets and relishing local snacks, the Chaozhou Japanese Historical Architecture Cultural Park near the roundabout is a must-visit attraction.

The park offers guided tours by appointment. On our visit, Mr. Lai Yu-wen, a volunteer guide from Chaozhou Town Hall, led us through.

The guided tour covered the interior structure and layout of the three open Japanese-style historical buildings, as well as the construction techniques and functions of their walls. A particularly interesting feature was an inconspicuous air-raid shelter built in May 1960, capable of accommodating 40 people. Over time, this shelter's function evolved from a wartime necessity into a playful hideout for children in the Gonglu New Residence Quarter.

Mr. Lai introduced us to the first Japanese building, the Tourist Information Center, refurbished to its original appearance.

Serving as a hub for visitors seeking information on local delicacies, attractions, and accommodations in Pingtung, the park is rich in historical significance. Inside, significant plaques from the past are displayed, and unique photo-op boards with catchy slogans provide fun photo opportunities for visitors. The building's wooden structure is not only photogenic but also exudes a unique texture and warmth, making simply being inside an enjoyable experience.

Next, we explored the Gonglu New Residential Quarter Dormitory, a Japanese-style house which served as living spaces for over 60 years.

As we took off our shoes and walked on the tatami mats to get a feel for the interior layout and structure, we could almost imagine what life inside these houses might have been like back then.

The revitalized duplex (housing two families), originally serving as a dormitory for lower-level staff members, has been restored to its original state.

There's much to learn about the building materials and structures here. Don't just skim through; a guided tour will help you feel a closer connection to this Japanese-style architecture, allowing you to experience its authentic charm. Among the wooden floors, there's a section with reinforced glass, designed to let visitors appreciate the unique craftsmanship of Japanese architecture.

The Chaozhou Japanese Historical Architecture Cultural Park offers a fantastic, free experience: the opportunity to rent and wear a kimono by simply showing your ID.

In the afternoon, wandering around the park is especially delightful. Two girls, clad in kimonos, drew attention from everyone. Here, you can enjoy the fun of wearing a Japanese kimono without the need to travel abroad.

With its rich Japanese ambiance, the park is an ideal setting for taking photos in traditional kimono attire. The quaint, vintage wooden houses serve as the perfect backdrop, providing a distinct Japanese flavor from every angle.

Formerly known as the Gonglu New Residence Quarter, the dormitory of the old Third Division of the Highway Bureau, the Chaozhou Japanese Historical Architecture Cultural Park has been designated as a historic building by the Pingtung County Government.

Currently, the park's open facilities include the Tourism Information Center, a Japanese-style house, and an exhibition hall.

Now developed as a new cultural highlight in downtown Chaozhou, the park currently features over a dozen historical buildings, with three fully restored and open to the public. Once the refurbishment of all the old buildings in the area is complete, there will undoubtedly be even more to explore and enjoy. I'll definitely return to share more then.

It's not just about admiring the historic Japanese-style wooden buildings; the park is also an excellent place to learn about the local history of Chaozhou Town. Hosting various events and exhibitions, the park offers free entry. Remember to rent a kimono for a unique experience, stroll around the park, and snap some photos to join in on the “pseudo-overseas travel” trend.

The Pingtung Opera Story House in Chaozhou Town, Pingtung, marked the final destination of our one-day Hakka tour.

The building itself is incredibly noteworthy. Constructed in 1916 by the Japanese during the Japanese Taisho period (Year 5), this Japanese-style bungalow with Baroque influences has a history of over a century. During the Japanese occupation, it served as an important official building (Township Office) in Chaozhou. After retrocession, it was used as a telegraph or telecommunications office until it became a post office in 1982. In 2006, it was declared a historical building by the Pingtung County Government, marking a significant chapter in the long history of the Chaozhou area.

Following its post office era, the building was refurbished to its original architectural style and transformed into the present Pingtung Opera Story House.

The venue regularly updates its exhibits, showcasing local traditional operatic arts like Taiwanese opera, shadow puppetry, and glove puppetry.

According to our guide Mr. Ni Shen-fa, the Pingtung Opera Story House holds special exhibitions and events related to traditional opera each year.

Chaozhou Town, recognized as a cultural cradle for the development of Taiwanese glove puppetry, Taiwanese opera, and shadow puppetry, continues to promote and preserve the history and development of these three major forms of opera. Even during the Japanese occupation, Chaozhou's convenient geographical location contributed to its bustling atmosphere, which in turn promoted the flourishing of local opera. Hence, Chaozhou is known as the "Hometown of Opera." Centered around this museum, the town has cultivated a distinctive opera town charm.

The exhibition hall displays works by highly revered puppet carvers – Master Su Ming-xiong and his apprentice, Master Lin Zhi-ming.

Master Su Ming-xiong has crafted over ten thousand puppet heads and puppets to date. The special exhibition displays around 70-80 puppet heads and puppets, illustrating the characteristics and stories of puppets from various eras. It provides a profound understanding of the craftsmanship and cultural spirit of glove puppetry.

The Pingtung Opera Story House, an ancient historical building, has been revitalized with the essence of traditional local puppetry, breathing new life into this historical site.

Opera arts have significantly contributed to the fame of Chaozhou town. The Ming Hwa Yuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe, representing one of the three major local operas, along with local glove puppetry and shadow puppetry troupes, shine brightly here, reinforcing Chaozhou's status as an origin of opera. Ending a tour at such a culturally rich site in Chaozhou is surely an enriching and intellectual experience.