Heyuan (河源, Héyuán) is a city in Northern Guangdong, China, known for dinosaur fossils, Hakka culture, and natural scenery.

Understand

Television tower in Heyuan

History

Ancient History: The HeYuan region has a history dating back to ancient times. During the Qin Dynasty, it was part of the Nanhai Commandery, and later, it was established as a county during the Han Dynasty. Throughout history, the area underwent various changes in rule and governance under different dynasties, including the Southern Han, Southern Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

Modern History: In the late Qing Dynasty, the HeYuan region experienced significant peasant uprisings and social unrest. After the 1912 Xinhai Revolution, the HeYuan area became a part of Guangdong Province.

Contemporary History: HeYuan City was established in 1988 as a prefecture-level administrative unit under Guangdong Province. Subsequently, HeYuan City experienced rapid urbanization and economic development, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sector.

Economic and Social Development: In modern history, HeYuan City has evolved into a diversified economic entity known for its Hakka culture. It encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism. The region is renowned for its abundant agricultural products and resources, making it an attractive destination for investment and development.

People

Heyuang City is a multi-ethnic area with the Han ethnic group as the majority. The Hakka people, a distinctive subgroup of the Han, have a long history and rich cultural traditions in the Hepu area, and their cultural characteristics and dialect have a significant influence in this region.

Talk

Heyuan City is a multicultural city; the main dialects are Cantonese and Hakka. Furthermore, there are also local dialect variations within Heyuan City, such as Dongyuan dialect and Heping dialect. However, the primary languages of communication remain Cantonese and Hakka. Both Cantonese and Hakka play significant roles in the daily life and social interactions of the local population.

Get in

By train

• 1 Heyuan Station (河源站)
• 2 Longchuan Station (龙川站)

High-speed rail stations are under construction.

By bus

• 3 Heyuan Bus Station (河源汽车客运站，河源汽车总站), 6 Daqiao Road, Yuancheng District (源城区大桥路6号), ☏ +86 762 3332105, +86 762 3332106. (updated Feb 2020)
• 4 Heyuan Xincheng Bus Station (河源新城汽车站), 79 Heyuan Avenue North, Yuancheng District (源城区河源大道北79号), ☏ +86 762 3366751, +86 762 8919788. (updated Feb 2020)

Get around

1. Highways: Heyuan is located in the northeast of Guangdong province and has a well-developed network of highways, including the G35 Jiguang Expressway, G76 Fuqing Expressway, and national highways such as G205 and G324. These highways facilitate transportation between Heyuan and neighboring cities.
2. Railway: Heyuan East Railway Station (Heyuandong Railway Station) is located in Heyuan, Guangdong. It is a railway station under the jurisdiction of the Guangzhou Railway Group Corporation and serves as a key station on the Jinggang high-speed railway line, providing convenient rail transportation options.
3. Road Transport: Heyuan has a network of national roads, provincial roads, and county roads, creating a dense road network that serves both urban and rural areas.
4. Urban Public Transportation: Heyuan has a well-developed urban public transportation system, including bus services, to meet the travel needs of residents and tourists within the city.
5. Water Transport: Heyuan's proximity to the Dong River (Dongjiang) provides favorable conditions for water transportation. The Dong River water system can be used for freight transport and tourism, offering an alternative mode of transportation.

Overall, Heyuan's transportation infrastructure includes roadways, railways, public buses, and water routes, ensuring efficient connectivity within the city and with neighboring regions.

See

• 1 Heyuan Dinosaur Museum (河源恐龙博物馆), Nanti Road, Yuancheng District (源城区南提路) (near Guifeng Mountain 龟峰山. Bus routes 10, 113 and 118), ☏ +86 762 3333595. 09:00-17:30, no tickets sold after 17:00, no entry after 17:05, closed on Mondays. A small museum with a lot of dinosaur eggs. ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (children). 
• 2 Guifeng Pagoda (龟峰塔), 8-2-40 Nanti Road, Xiajiao, Yuancheng District (源城区下角南堤路40-2-8号) (Between Heyuan Museum and the Heyuan Dinosaur Museum), ☏ +86 762 3618008. 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. On Guifeng Mountain. ¥5. 
• 3 First High Fountain in Asia (亚洲第一高喷泉), Yuancheng District (源城区) (In the middle of the Xinfeng River, south of Chashan Park (茶山公园) and the intersection of Datong Road and Yanjiang Road. Take bus no. 10 or 13 to get to Chashan Park), ☏ +86 762 3310383. Musical fountain located in the urban area of Heyuan. Fountain show at 20:00 daily. Free. 

Do

• 1 Guishan Mountain (桂山 Guìshān), Xinfeng River Reservoir, Dongyuan County (东源县新丰江水库内) (About 20km from the city. There are special buses to the scenic area operating from Heyuan Railway Station. You can also catch a boat here from Wanlü Lake), ☏ +86 762 8782222, +86 762 8771088, gs@guishan.net.cn. 08:00-18:00. ¥45. 
• 2 Wanlü Lake (万绿湖 Wànlǜ Hú), 17 Gangzhong Road, Xingang Town, Dongyuan County (东源县新港镇港中路17号) (Bus routes 107 and 109. You can catch bus no. 107 from the Heyuan Bus Station), ☏ +86 762 8780002. 09:00-14:00. There is one boat every hour. The last boat departs at 14:00. A huge artificial lake which provides drinking water for Heyuan and parts of the Pearl River Delta. You can take boat tours, go swimming, or go for a walk. The area is green all year long. The standard charge is ¥192, which includes both the entrance fee and the boat tour. 
• 3 Huoshan Mountain (霍山 Huòshān), Dongjiang Village, Tianxin Town, Longchuan County (龙川县田心镇东江村) (Special buses to Huoshan Mountain are available from the Longchuan Railway Station), ☏ +86 762 6481602. 07:00-19:00. ¥88 (standard entry fee), ¥115 (entry fee + glass bridge access fee). 

Buy

• Longchuan Lotus Root: Longchuan County in Heyuan is renowned for its tender and delicious lotus roots. It is often referred to as the "King of Lotus Roots" due to its quality. Lotus roots from this region are used to make various dishes like candied lotus roots, lotus root cake, and lotus root soup.
• Heyuan Pomelo: Heyuan is known for its high-quality pomelos, which have a delightful texture and unique aroma. These pomelos are widely sold and can be used to make various products like pomelo tea and pomelo sauce.
• Heyuan Beef: Heyuan's well-developed livestock industry results in tender and flavorful beef. Heyuan beef is a local specialty used in various delicious dishes.
• Heyuan Bamboo Crafts: Heyuan has a tradition of crafting with bamboo, producing highly artistic and practical bamboo products. These items include baskets, chairs, hats, and various decorative pieces.
• Hakka Rice Wine: Hakka rice wine is a traditional Hakka delicacy made primarily from locally produced rice. This rice wine has a unique flavor and is popular among locals and visitors alike.

Eat

Dishes

• Hakka stuffed tofu (客家酿豆腐): This is a classic Hakka dish where fresh tofu is stuffed with minced meat and then steamed with various seasonings. It has a tender texture and is full of the savory flavors of meat and sauce.
• Heyuan beef congee (河源牛肉粥): This is a delicious porridge made with He Yuan's specialty, beef. Thinly sliced beef is cooked together with the porridge, allowing the beef's deliciousness to blend into the porridge, making it a hearty delicacy.
• Hakka marinated duck (客家卤水鸭): Braised duck is a representative Hakka dish. The duck meat is flavorful and tender, and it is marinated in a rich soy-based sauce, making it a great accompaniment to rice.
• Bamboo rice (竹筒饭): This is a traditional Hakka dish where rice is steamed in a bamboo tube along with various ingredients. The bamboo imparts a unique flavor to the rice.

Drink

• 河源白茶: White tea produced in the Heyuan region is known for its delicate flavor and tender tea buds and leaves. Varieties of white tea produced here include Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) and White Peony (Bai Mu Dan).
• 河源乌龙茶: Heyuan region also produces oolong tea, with Hakka Water Fairy Oolong Tea (客家水仙乌龙茶) being a notable variety. This oolong tea has a unique floral aroma and rich taste.

Sleep

• Wanda Realm Heyuan Hotel: A high-end hotel offering luxurious rooms, multiple restaurants, and leisure facilities.
• East River Hua Yang Nian Hua Resort: Located in the East River Scenic Area, it provides a pleasant mountain and water environment with various resort facilities.
• Heyuan Yongle Guesthouse: A cozy mid-range hotel located in the city center, offering convenient accommodation and dining.
• Heyuan Century Sunshine Hotel: A mid-range hotel featuring modern rooms and conference facilities.
• Home Inn Heyuan: An economy hotel suitable for budget-conscious travelers, offering basic accommodation facilities.