Shipi Village

石屏村

A ancient Hakka village built on a peninsula with traditional stone houses, a moat-like waterway, and historical temples dating back centuries. Offers an intimate look at Hakka settlement patterns and architecture in a smaller, less-visited setting than major tourist sites.

Things to do

• Stone House Tours — Walk through centuries-old Hakka stone residences with distinctive granite walls, timber frames, and interior courtyards that reveal traditional family living arrangements.
• Moat Waterway Walk — Follow the village's protective water channel that circles the peninsula, offering views of reflections of ancestral homes and a sense of the settlement's defensive design.
• Ancestral Temple Visits — Explore multi-generational clan temples with intricate wood carvings, ancestral tablets, and historical plaques documenting Hakka lineages dating back 400+ years.
• Stone Carving Workshops — Observe or participate in traditional stone carving techniques still practiced by local artisans who create decorative elements for homes and temples.
• Village Photography Walk — Document narrow stone lanes, traditional roof tiles, window lattice patterns, and seasonal agricultural activities against authentic Hakka architecture backdrops.
• Local Museum or Archive — Visit the village's small heritage center or elder's house to view historical documents, photographs, and artifacts explaining Hakka migration patterns to the region.

Food to try

• Hakka Pounded Tea (擂茶) — A traditional herbal tea blended with roasted grains and herbs, ground in a mortar and served with crispy crackers, reflecting Hakka resourcefulness and hospitality.
• Stone Pot Rice (石锅饭) — Fragrant rice cooked in a heated clay or stone pot with vegetables, preserved vegetables, and small portions of meat, creating a crispy bottom layer sought by locals.
• Hakka Glutinous Rice Balls (汤圆) — Sticky rice flour dumplings filled with sesame or peanut paste, typically served in sweet broth during festivals and representing family reunion traditions.
• Preserved Mustard Green Dishes (咸菜) — Pickled and salted vegetables, especially mustard greens, that accompany rice and reflect traditional Hakka food preservation methods for mountain village survival.
• Hakka Tofu (豆腐) — Homemade tofu prepared fresh in the village, often braised with local herbs or fried until golden, representing a protein staple of Hakka cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Family Spaces During Visits — Many stone houses remain private residences; always ask permission before entering courtyards or photographing interiors, as families maintain these ancestral spaces with deep reverence.
• Festival Timing Enhances Experience — Visit during Lunar New Year or autumn clan ancestor festivals to witness ritual activities, temple gatherings, and traditional food preparations that animate the village's cultural identity.
• Hire a Local Guide or Elder — Village histories and architectural details are best explained by longtime residents or guides who can translate clan names on plaques and explain construction techniques passed down through generations.
• Modest Dress and Quiet Demeanor — Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid loud behavior; the village is a living community, not a theme park, and respectful presence honors the residents' daily lives and spiritual spaces.