How to get to Meizhou

Meizhou is a colourful city in the east of Guangdong province in China, widely renowned as the global capital of Hakka culture. If you are planning a visit to Meizhou to explore its unique architecture and picturesque mountain landscapes, it is worth planning your travel logistics in advance. Tourists have access to many convenient options for getting to Meizhou: the region is connected to other parts of the country by air, a rail network, and highways.

The most convenient and fastest way to reach the region is by direct flight. The city is served by its own Meixian Airport (Meixian Airport, MXZ), located just a few kilometres from the centre. Regular flights arrive here from many major metropolises in China, including Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai, allowing tourists to easily plan a route without unnecessary transfers.

If tickets for a direct flight are unavailable, you can consider flying into neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest alternative is the airport serving the city of Shantou (SWA), which is approximately 120 km from Meizhou. Travellers also frequently choose to fly into Xiamen (XMN) or Longyan (LCX). All these cities are connected to the destination by a developed network of roads and railways, so the transfer will not take much time.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to get to Meizhou. Thanks to the active development of the transport network, the city is now connected to the high-speed rail system of China. The modern Meizhou West Station receives high-speed trains, making the journey not only fast but also maximally comfortable.

Most often, tourists choose routes from the province's key metropolises—Guangzhou and Shenzhen. A trip on a high-speed train from these cities usually takes between 3 to 4 hours, which is significantly faster than by bus. Such a journey allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic views of southern China before arriving in the heart of Hakka culture.

Bus services connect Meizhou with neighbouring regions via a dense network of routes, offering travellers a budget-friendly and scenic alternative to trains. One of the most popular and fastest options is the trip from coastal Shantou: comfortable express buses cover the distance of approximately 140 kilometres in just two to two and a half hours.

Regular services are also established from the neighbouring Fujian province, which is convenient for tourists planning complex multi-stop itineraries. The road from the city of Longyan takes about three hours, while the journey from the more distant Xiamen, located 280 kilometres away, requires about four hours, allowing you to enjoy views of the hilly terrain of southern China along the way.

Travelling by car allows for flexible time planning and the chance to enjoy the picturesque views of Guangdong province on the way to Meizhou. The fastest route runs from the city of Shantou: the distance of 140 kilometres along the expressway can be comfortably covered in just two hours. The journey from neighbouring Longyan, which is about 170 kilometres, takes approximately three hours, and the cost of an intercity taxi for such distances usually starts from 400–500 RMB.

The route from coastal Xiamen is longer—about 280 kilometres, which takes up to four hours of driving. The road network in this region of China is of excellent quality, so a private transfer or a trip in a rented car with a driver will be a convenient choice for tourists who value comfort and privacy.

To ensure your trip to Meizhou is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations that will help you feel confident in the capital of Hakka culture.

1. Clothing and Climate. The region has a subtropical climate with humid, hot summers and mild winters. For trips from May to September, choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics and be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella. In winter, temperatures rarely drop to freezing, but due to high humidity, it can feel chilly, so a light jacket or windbreaker will be useful.
2. Transport. Public transport is reasonably developed, but bus routes can be difficult to understand without knowledge of the language. The most convenient way to get around is by taxi or using Chinese ride-hailing aggregators (via the Alipay app). Be sure to have the name of your hotel or destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finance and Payment. The national currency is the Yuan (RMB). International Visa and Mastercard cards are practically not accepted in regular shops and cafes in Meizhou. It is highly recommended to install Alipay or WeChat Pay on your smartphone in advance and link your card to them—this is the primary payment method in China. Keeping a small amount of cash is also helpful.
4. Health and Safety. The city is calm and safe for tourists, but basic precautions should be observed. Do not drink tap water; buy bottled water instead. Pharmacies are easily recognised by a green cross, but pharmacists rarely speak English, so it is better to have a photo of the necessary medicine or the translated name of the active ingredient.
5. Language Barrier. English is not widely spoken in Meizhou; locals speak Mandarin (Putonghua) and the Hakka dialect. Before your trip, be sure to download an offline translator to your phone with voice input and photo translation functions—this will become your main communication tool.
6. Local Etiquette. Residents of the region deeply respect traditions. When receiving or giving something (a business card, money, a gift), use both hands—this is a sign of respect. In temples and traditional Hakka homes, behave modestly and ask for permission before photographing locals, especially the elderly.
7. Digital Connectivity. Remember that familiar Western services (Google, WhatsApp, social networks) are blocked in China. To stay connected and use your usual apps, take care of purchasing a tourist eSIM or setting up roaming that bypasses local blocks in advance.
8. Culinary Advice. Being in the centre of Hakka culture, do not miss the opportunity to try authentic dishes. Unlike spicy Sichuan cuisine, natural flavours are valued here. Be sure to order "Salt Baked Chicken" and stuffed tofu—these are the gastronomic calling cards of the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the rich heritage and natural beauty of this amazing corner of China.