Meizhou City, in south China's Guangdong Province, made its first appearance at the Feria Internacional de Turismo de Madrid (FITUR 2026), one of the world's leading tourism exhibitions, showcasing its rich Hakka heritage and distinctive eco-tourism resources to the global tourism industry from January 21 to 25.
Displayed within the national tourism image exhibition zone themed "Nihao! China," Meizhou presented highlights such as Hakka Weilong Houses (a unique circular communal dwelling) and its wellness-focused ecological environment. The exhibition drew strong interest from international tourism professionals, particularly Spanish travel agencies, with several expressing enthusiasm for Hakka cultural tours and wellness-themed travel routes, leading to preliminary cooperation intentions.
Representatives of the Spanish travel agency Descubrir China noted that the architectural ingenuity of Hakka Weilong Houses—which integrate clan living with defensive functions—not only left a deep impression but also underscored their value as a remarkable example of human cultural heritage, prompting plans to organize the first Spanish cultural inspection delegation to Meizhou.
According to the Meizhou delegation, participation in FITUR marked an important step in the city's expansion into the European tourism market. As the "Hakka Capital of the World," Meizhou will leverage this opportunity to develop customized tourism products for European travelers and extend an open invitation to visitors worldwide to experience its distinctive Hakka culture and enduring Lingnan charm.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
