1st Hakka museum in China opens

The Hakkas are thought to be among the earliest Han settlers in China. They were originally active around the Yellow River area. Tuesday, the first Hakka museum officially opened in Meizhou city, South China's Guangdong Province. The city is considered the capital of the world's Hakka people.

Hakka people are noted for their preservation of certain cultural characteristics tracing to the pre-Qin period about 2200 years ago. These characteristics are expressed in their foods, language, and observances. Their long migration history from the north to the south is regarded as a significant part of the South China culture.

It took three years to establish the museum. Contained here are Hakka histories, tributes to celebrities, folk customs, architecture and civilization. Four exhibition halls showcase many relics. There are pictures and other materials of each period of the Hakka history.

It is the only Hakka museum among the more than 2400 museums in China. Government officials hope to develop the museum as an international center for researching and spreading the Hakka spirit.