Hepu

合浦

An ancient port town on the maritime Silk Road famous for its pearl production and archaeological heritage. It offers historical sites and traditional pearl diving culture.

Things to do

• Hepu Pearl Museum — Explore the history of pearl diving and cultivation with displays of ancient pearl artifacts, traditional diving techniques, and the evolution of pearl processing in this maritime Silk Road hub.
• Han Tombs Archaeological Site — Visit the well-preserved underground Han Dynasty tombs that reveal the wealth and cultural connections of this ancient port, with pottery, bronzes, and artifacts on display.
• Hepu Ancient Port Ruins — Walk through the remnants of the original maritime trading post where merchants exchanged goods along the Silk Road, with restored dock areas and interpretive signage.
• Traditional Pearl Diving Experience — Participate in guided pearl diving lessons or observe local divers harvesting pearls from oyster beds using techniques passed down through generations.
• Hepu County Museum — Survey comprehensive collections of maritime artifacts, trade goods, and cultural relics that document the town's importance as a Silk Road trading center.
• Beihai Silver Beach Day Trip — Take a short journey to the nearby pristine beach at Beihai to experience the coastal landscape that shaped Hepu's maritime heritage.

Food to try

• Pearl Bream (珍珠斑鱼) Steamed with Ginger — A signature local fish preparation where fresh pearl bream caught in local waters is steamed delicately with ginger, soy sauce, and scallions to highlight its delicate flavor.
• Hepu Shrimp Paste Noodles (虾酱面) — Wheat noodles dressed in a savory shrimp paste sauce made from fermented local shrimp, often topped with vegetables and a poached egg.
• Oyster and Pearl Barley Congee (牡蛎珍珠大麦粥) — A creamy rice congee featuring local oysters and pearl barley, symbolizing the region's dual heritage of pearl and seafood production.
• Grilled Squid with Salt and Pepper (椒盐鱿鱼) — Fresh squid grilled over charcoal and seasoned with sea salt and white pepper, a simple preparation that showcases the quality of local catch.
• Hepu Fish Balls (合浦鱼丸) — Handmade fish balls crafted from minced local white fish, served in a light broth or with dipping sauce, representing centuries of traditional fishing community recipes.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Pearl Diving Heritage — When visiting diving sites or museums, show respect for the dangerous traditions of pearl diving by listening to guides and avoiding disruptive photography of working divers.
• Bargain Respectfully at Pearl Markets — While pearl shopping is expected in Hepu, negotiate prices politely and understand that authentic cultured pearls are premium products with real value, not commodities to aggressive barter over.
• Learn Basic Cantonese Phrases — Though Mandarin is understood, Hepu residents in older generations speak Cantonese and Yue dialect; learning a few greetings shows cultural appreciation and aids communication with locals.
• Observe Temple Etiquette — When visiting temples related to maritime trade and fishing traditions, dress modestly, remove shoes when instructed, and avoid touching ritual objects without permission.