Yong-an Street is said to be the first street when the town of Meinong took shape, and hence has preserved the town’s invaluable history. It did not come into being until Hakka settlers first built 24 Huo-Fangs (traditional Hakka 3-sided house) for permanent residence north of Meinong River. A walking tour can begin with Jhuang-tou Bo-Gong-Tan, which will quell a tourist’s curiosity about the traditional architecture. 　　Jhuang-tou Bo-Gong-Tan was completed much early on when the Hakka immigrants settled down in Meinong. As the most well-known shrine dedicated to the Earth God (Bo Gong as referred to in Hakka), it stands out for its stone structure. The Earth God’s sculpture is placed on a stone slab, in front of which is a table for offerings. Next to the building is an old banyan.

Mr. Chun-Yu Lin, a tobacco tycoon, owned nearly 16 hectares of tobacco farms and ten tobacco barns. Back then, undoubtedly, he was the wealthiest man in Meinong. The colors of the bricks and tiles on the arch over the gateway to his mansion have faded away, but the façade remains reminiscent of this family’s prosperity.

There are four Oblation Furnaces specifically dedicated to written paper, in Meinong. The one at the intersection of Yong-an Rd. and Jhongshan Rd. has been listed as a third grade historic site. It was built around 300 years ago. As a tribute to literacy, residents sorted out disposed paper with texts on it and gathered it all for burning at this furnace. On a stone plaque at its bottom are inscribed names of deities considered to be in charge of intelligence and education. Such disposal process well indicates the residents in Meinong think highly of literacy and education.

Back in the Cing Dynasty, landowners in Meinong hired tutors to educate their children. The Song family, the wealthiest in town, even built a two-storied white building for the family members’ private education. Locals also call the Songs the "White Horse Family", and there’s a story behind it. The Songs now have some 400 descendants scattered around the island, and only rituals on major festivals bring the big family back together to pay homage to ancestors. Such family reunion and mountains of offerings made to their ancestors are quite a spectacle in the small town, which is another indicator of the Song’s prominence.

The traditional Hakka women’s clothing in Meinong is the blue shirt. For the convenience of work on the farm, these shirts are made loose and big. The simplistic style and color of the blue shirt are rather unique. The cuff of the sleeve and the collar both have a special design called “crossing lapel”. What really catches the eye is the brightly colored piping on the sleeve. 　　The only blue shirt maker left is Jinsing on Yong-an Old Street. Mr. Sie, Jing-Lai, in his 90s, opens the shop and does some cleaning every morning, more than ready to pass down the craft.

Early during the settlement, walls and gates were built around the town to hold out attacks. This watchtower was built in 1755. A plaque on its eaves said “Open to the Culture” had inscribed by a Meinong native, Huang, Siang-Yun, when he made his glorious return after becoming an official at the Cing Court. This watchtower stands out for its historic significance in the town of Meinong. Climbing to its top, a visitor is able to imagine the life during the settlement.

The Jhong Jheng Lake next to Meinong Hakka Culture Museum is the second largest lake in Kaohsiung County. It was man-made for the purpose of irrigation. However, its beauty has proven irresistible to tourists. Couples like to take a walk around the lake and enjoy the romance in the air. 　　There are seven bike routes in Meinong. The 5.4 kilometer-long yellow line goes around the Jhong Jheng Lake. The route starts where cyclists find three 7-meter tall statues. Riding on the route, they can take in many impressive views of Meinong. If they like, they can take a rest at the pavilion on the bank of the lake, enjoying the serenity in the area.

The museum looks like a tobacco barn from outside. Inside it, there are real objects, molds, music, picture, movies and textual descriptions in display to introduce the history, natural environment, traditions and customs in Meinong. Visitors further their understanding of the Hakka culture by learning of its history, architecture, agriculture, and handicrafts.

Jhong, Li-He, born in 1915, was a literary writing enthusiast confronted with poverty and uncountable hardships almost throughout his life. His struggle with harsh reality persisted until he won an award with “Li Shan Farm” in 1956. Sadly, a few years later, he passed away in illness. However, Jhong, Li-He and his works held an importance place in the history of Hakka literature. Besides, a well-acclaimed movie “My Native Land”

was made based on his own life. 　　The memorial hall has collected a wealth of Jhong’s manuscripts and materials related to his life. Visitors can imagine what he went through in his life and career as a writer after reading his journals, correspondences, and manuscripts. The memorial hall also has other Taiwanese writers’ manuscripts in collection.

The Yellow Butterfly Festival in Meinong takes place in July and August every year. During this period, numerous yellow butterflies swarm out and surround visitors in the Yellow Butterfly Valley. Visitors can take part in both indoor and outdoor activities. Outdoor activities include a guided tour in the valley and butterfly watching; indoor activities include an exhibition and watching movies.

Visitors should never leave Meinong without trying the authentic Hakka food. It is known for its salty taste, grease and lingering smell. The Hakka food’s features actually reflect the Hakka people’s hardworking nature. It is salty because they sweat a lot on the farm and demand a high sodium intake, greasy so that it is more filling, and it smells good to open the

appetite. The traditional Hakka food, heavy in taste, suggests the Hakka people’s virtues. 　　However, dietary habits have changed a lot in recent years for health concerns. Even the Hakka have made some changes. The food is no longer salty and greasy. Hakka restaurants and traditional noodle stands line the major streets in Meinong. Some of them are uniquely renovated to appeal to customers. Come and enjoy the Hakka food!

The legend has it that the Hakka Tea was critical to the foray into Wuling led by Jhang, Fei, a general during the Three-Kingdoms Period. A plague brought down his soldiers and disrupted the attack. The Chinese medicine practitioner gave them an effective cure—now known as the Hakka Tea, by grinding tealeaves, gingers, peanuts and sesame seeds, adding water and bringing it to boil. 　　The Hakka Tea has been a special treat for honorable guests. All the ingredients are first ground in a ceramic pot, brought to boil, and mixed with grains (having been soaked, steamed, dried and fried). Try making your own Hakka Tea to add the personal flavor to it when you visit Meinong!

Visitors to Meinong bring home oil paper umbrellas as souvenirs. They come in all sizes and different patterns, such as classic beauties, Meinong landscape, mascots, etc. These umbrellas cab also be custom made, having whatever patterns as you wish. Oil paper umbrellas as a household decoration create an artistic and classic feel.

Taiwan has two hubs of ceramic arts, Yingge in the north and Meinong in the south. For some time in the past, the ceramic industry was in recession in Meinong. Fortunately, it is now once again booming in this town. Pottery studios of unique styles are here and there. Before you leave Meinong, pick a nice pot! 　　Pottery studios in Meinong also offer tourists great DIY opportunities. You can enjoy the fun, making your own wheel-thrown or hand-built pottery. The studio will have your artwork glazed, colored, and enhanced by the flame. Your masterpiece is then ready to be delivered to your doorsteps with a small shipment fee.

Meinong is a haven for cyclists. The Kaohsiung County government has had seven brand-new bike routes up and running. The 5.1km-long red line, from Guangsing Elementary School to Jhumen Power Plant, takes you on a visit to different historic sites. The 5.4km-long orange line runs from Minongjhuang Oblation Furnace, through Meinong Kiln, to Cimei Yimin Temple. The 5.4km-long yellow line goes around the Jhong Jheng Lake. The 4.1km-long green line starts from the big banyan tree in Guangsing Village and ends in the Yellow Butterfly Valley. The 9km-long blue line connects Yong-An Old Street to

Jhumen Power Plant, a national historic site. A ride on the 6.4km-long indigo line, extending from the Meinong Hakka Culture Museum along the Moonlight Mountain foot to Cimei Yimin Temple, enables you to catch a glimpse of religious activities in Meinong. The purple line runs 4.7 km from the entrance of the Jhong Jheng Lake through Minong East Gate, Minongjhuang Oblation Furnace to Guang-Shan-Tang.