Jieyang Travel Guide: The Confucian Temple, Old Gates and Chaoshan Kitchens
Jieyang is one of the three cities of the Chaoshan region in eastern Guangdong, alongside Chaozhou and Shantou, and many travellers pass through without noticing: the region's airport and its main high-speed station both sit inside Jieyang's borders. It's worth a day for the Confucian Temple, the old gate and Chaoshan cooking, and a second day if you can reach Puning for the yingge dance or a Qing mansion. Don't come expecting beaches; this stretch of coast is better reached from Shanwei.
Jieyang Confucian Temple (Xuegong)
The temple was founded in 1140, under the Southern Song, and the buildings you see follow Qing-era designs; it's the largest and most complete complex of its kind in Lingnan. Zhou Enlai used it as an office during the Eastern Expeditions of 1925, and Nanchang Uprising commanders met here in 1927. Walk the central axis through the Lingxing Gate, the half-moon pool and the Dacheng Hall, and look closely at the carved stone and wood and the coloured roof ridges typical of Chaoshan craftsmanship. Allow an hour or so. The old school buildings around the temple sometimes house exhibitions on local history. Check current opening hours on the official notice.
Jinxian Gate and the old city
A short walk away, Jinxian Gate is a restored gate tower from the old city walls, lit up at night. The lanes around it, near the Rongjiang River, have shophouses, ancestral halls, a City God temple and small eateries; they're best in the late afternoon and evening, when snack stalls open.
Puning and the counties
- Yingge dance: Puning is the heartland of yingge, a vigorous folk dance in which teams with painted faces, inspired by the heroes of Water Margin, strike short sticks together as they parade. It's performed mainly around the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival, and has drawn huge crowds since it went viral online in 2023. Ask locally for parade dates and places.
- De'an Li: in Puning's Hongyang town, a walled family compound built from 1871 to 1891 by Fang Yao, commander of the Guangdong navy, and his brothers, with dozens of interconnected courtyard houses and halls.
- Yangmei jade village: in Jiedong district, a village of jade workshops and markets. It's fascinating to watch carving; buy only what you understand, and get a certificate for expensive pieces.
When to come to Jieyang
October to April is most comfortable: mild and drier. Late January to February adds the Lunar New Year festivities and yingge parades, though trains and hotels fill up. Summer is hot and humid, with typhoon rain possible from July to September.
Getting in and where to stay
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, opened in 2011, serves the whole Chaoshan region. Chaoshan station, on the Xiamen–Shenzhen high-speed line, is in Jieyang's Jiedong district, with fast trains to Shenzhen and Guangzhou; Jieyang station is on the line to Meizhou. Taxis and ride-hailing are the easiest way to reach the old city. Check which station your ticket uses.
Stay near the old city and the Rongjiang for walking, or near the airport only for early flights. Many visitors base themselves in Chaozhou or Shantou and visit Jieyang as a day trip.
Eating in Jieyang
Chaoshan food is the reason many come to the region: beef hotpot with freshly cut beef, beef balls, oyster omelettes, rice rolls (cheong fun), braised goose, and sweet desserts. Gongfu tea follows every meal. Jieyang is also known for its own snacks; follow the crowds to busy, simple places. Ask prices for goose and seafood by weight.
How to arrange the route
Day 1: Confucian Temple in the morning; old city and Jinxian Gate in the afternoon; Chaoshan dinner.
Day 2: Puning for De'an Li (or yingge, in season), or Yangmei jade village; onward to Chaozhou or Shantou.
What to cut if short on time
As a half day from Chaozhou or Shantou, see the Confucian Temple and the gate and eat lunch there. Skip the county trips.
Things to confirm before you go
- Opening hours at the Confucian Temple and De'an Li; no 2026 prices are quoted here.
- Yingge parade dates and locations around the Lunar New Year.
- Which station your train uses: Chaoshan, Jieyang or another.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jieyang worth visiting if I'm going to Chaozhou?
As a half-day or day trip, yes: the Confucian Temple is one of the finest in Guangdong, and the food is just as good.
When can I see yingge dance in Jieyang?
Mainly around the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival, especially in Puning.
Which airport serves Jieyang?
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, which also serves Shantou and Chaozhou.
Sources
The facts in this article were checked against the following Wikipedia and encyclopedia entries, retrieved September 19, 2026, and rechecked on October 17, 2026.
- Jieyang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jieyang
- Jieyang Confucian Temple / Xuegong summaries (cross-checked)
- Chaoshan cultural overviews
- Jieyang municipal government: main scenic sites http://www.jieyang.gov.cn/zjjy/lygg/mljy/content/post_114431.html
- Puning government: De'an Li http://www.puning.gov.cn/zjpn/lytd/lyjd/content/post_601978.html
Tickets change; this article does not invent yuan amounts.
All photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under CC licenses; re-use requires attribution.
- jieyang-xuegong.jpg from File:Jieyang Xuegong 2013.10.27 15-12-27.jpg, by Zhangzhugang, CC BY-SA 3.0
- jieyang-gate.jpg from File:Jieyang Gate Tower.jpg, by 13yxzou, CC BY-SA 4.0
- jieyang-oldtown.jpg from File:揭阳古城.jpg, by CundiP, CC0