Day 1 Various places → [Train → Chaozhou ☆ Gathering day (9th day of the Lunar New Year)
All day
Tourists from all over the country can book flights to Chaoshan Jieyang Airport or trains to Chaoshan High-speed Railway Station on their own, and then check into hotels in Chaozhou city.
Meet at Chaozhou Ancient City at approximately 7:00 PM and head to the Republic of China Teahouse to enjoy Chaoshan Kung Fu tea! Enjoy a Chaozhou music performance and enjoy the leisurely pace of the ancient city. (This is a complimentary activity; no refunds will be given if you do not participate.)
After the teahouse activities, everyone can continue to move freely in the ancient city, enjoy the night view of the ancient city during the Spring Festival, and then return to the hotel to rest.
Day 2 Chaoshan → Jieyang → Qiaolin Fire Dragon Burning (10th day of the Lunar New Year)
All day
After checking out in the morning, head to Jieyang Jinxianmen
In ancient times, Jieyang had four city gates: east, south, west, and north. Since the Song Dynasty, more than 100 Jinshi scholars have passed the imperial examinations in Jieyang. In order to keep the literary fortune long-lasting, a city gate was added between the east gate and the north gate during the Ming Dynasty. This is the Jinxian Gate.
Then we walked to Jieyang Academy, where the vermilion building is magnificent and enjoys the reputation of being the Little Forbidden City of Guangdong.
For lunch, you can explore the local cuisine at Zhongshan Road, Jieyang's old street, and then take a short break at the hotel.
In the afternoon, check in at Jieyang Hotel.
It is suitable to travel light to the fire dragon burning site and arrive early to wait for the fire dragon burning event tonight (please bring a hat, mask, earplugs, and glasses for the event)
The Qiaolin Fireworks and Fire Dragon is a grand folk art activity in Jieyang. It originated in the Ming Dynasty and has been passed down continuously in Jieyang's Dongshan District, boasting a history of over 600 years. In 2008, the Qiaolin Fireworks and Fire Dragon was inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The fireworks and fire dragon event officially begins at 8 pm (you need to enter the venue at least 2 hours in advance and wait, as there will be a lot of people on site). Accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums and torches leading the way, the dragon dance team appears on stage holding auspicious dragons, phoenixes and koi. After the fire line is lit, the auspicious dragons filled with fireworks instantly shoot out and rush straight into the sky. The giant dragon spews flames and the phoenixes and koi dance through the clouds. The Jieyang Qiaolin fireworks and fire dragon are put on a shocking show!
Day 3 Jieyang → Shantou (11th day of the Lunar New Year)
All day
After breakfast, we checked out and departed for Shantou's Chaoyang District. It was during the local folk custom activities, and we watched the local folk parade welcoming the gods, which included performances such as Yingge dance, gong and drum troupes, and flag-raising troupes. (Traditional activities emphasize an auspicious start time, and the parade route varies from year to year. The tour leader will arrange the tour based on the actual situation in the village. There will be temporary traffic restrictions in the surrounding area, and there will be many people on site, so there is no fixed viewing area. Please take care of your belongings.)
After lunch at the local restaurant, we will gather in the afternoon to go to Shantou
We went to a local old shop and experienced making the traditional Chaoshan delicacy - red peach cake.
Red peach cake is a traditional snack from the Chaoshan region. During the eight major festivals of the year, nearly every household makes red peach cakes to worship the gods and pray for the health and well-being of their families. We'll learn about the history of red peach cakes, the molds used, and the fillings. Then, we'll get to experience making and kneading the dough for the cakes and savor the fruits of our labor.
Afterward, we explored the Chaoshan cuisine of Shantou's Xiaogong Park, a bustling commercial and residential area with architectural features dating back to the 1930s. Enjoy the delights of time-honored eateries like Piaoxiang Snack Shop, Laoma Palace Zongqiu (rice dumplings), Aixi Dry Noodles, and Xiaogongyuan Egg Tarts.
After dinner we gathered and went to Shantou Hotel to check in.
Day 4 Chaozhou → Chen Cihong's Former Residence → Chaoshan Jieyang Airport → Chaoshan High-Speed Railway Station (12th day of the Lunar New Year)
All day
After checking out in the morning, we headed to the former residence of Chen Cihong, the first overseas Chinese residence in Lingnan, Shantou.
It was first built in the second year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty and took nearly half a century to complete. It is the result of the hard work of several generations of the Chen family. It is a typical modern residential building and is known as the Little Forbidden City of Chaoshan and the Lingnan Overseas Chinese House. It is also the filming location for the Chaoshan residential buildings in the film and television work "Storm".
After the tour, we will first send you to Chaoshan Jieyang Airport and then to Chaoshan High-speed Railway Station.
Arrive at Chaoshan Jieyang Airport around 13:30~14:00. Tourists taking a plane should book their flight after 15:30.
Arrive at Chaoshan High-Speed Railway Station between 14:00 and 14:30. Tourists taking the high-speed rail are advised to book a train after 15:00.
