Chaozhou Travel Guide｜Soak in the Fireworks in the Millennium Porcelain Capital

Chaozhou Travel Guide｜Soak in the Fireworks in the Millennium Porcelain Capital

"Going to Guangzhou but not to Chaozhou is a wasted trip" — For the older generation, Chaozhou is a vibrant and fragrant treasure hidden in the mountains and waters of eastern Guangdong. The bluestone paths seem to breathe, the ancient bridges and flowing water seem to speak, and even the air is filled with the honey fragrance of Phoenix Dancong tea and the rich aroma of marinated delicacies. Stepping in feels like falling into a long, nostalgic dream.

🌿 Must-Visit Time Landmarks

- Guangji Bridge: 20 RMB entrance fee, "the world's earliest movable bridge." Early morning on the bridge, watch the mist roll over the Han River and the eighteen shuttle boats; at dusk, when the floating bridge retracts, the sunset dyes the bridge piers a honey color. At night, when the lights come on, the bridge looks like a string of lanterns, warming the river water with its glow.
- Kaiyuan Temple: Free admission, a Tang Dynasty ancient temple hidden deep in the bustling city. Red walls and bamboo shadows filter mottled light, the inscriptions on the Song Dynasty stone sutra pillar have been polished smooth by time, and listening to the wind chimes at the eaves while strolling the corridors brings sudden peace to the heart.
- Paifang Street: Free to explore, 23 Ming and Qing dynasty paifangs form a ten-mile-long street. Plaques like "Four Scholars" and "Top Scholar" shine under the sun, wooden carvings on the arcade columns tell stories of flowers and birds, and on rainy days, walking with an umbrella, the stone pavement reflects lantern shadows, like stepping into an ink painting.
- Phoenix Mountain: Free entry, a tea farmer’s paradise. Following the winding mountain road upward, clouds and mist suddenly roll in, covering tea gardens and bamboo forests. Watch the sunrise from Wudong Peak; when the sea of clouds surges, the whole mountain seems to float in the sky. On the way down, bring home a pot of Dancong tea, carrying the mountain breeze and tea fragrance with you.
- Longhu Ancient Village: Free, a "model of Chaozhou residence." The old alleys inside the village gate twist and turn like a maze, the stone drums in front of the ancestral hall are polished shiny from being touched, and the bougainvillea peeking through the cracks in the walls contrasts stunningly with the mottled gray walls in bright red.

🍜 Chaozhou Flavors to Savor

- Beef Hot Pot: Look for "Xinghua Wuji," where freshly sliced hanging tenderloin glows pink. Dip it in beef bone broth for 8 seconds, then into satay sauce—so fresh it makes your tongue tremble.
- Rice Noodle Soup: The old stalls in the alleys are more authentic, with a clear and sweet pork offal broth, sprinkled with coriander, paired with a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fried radish ball—it's a breakfast ritual.
- Fermented Bean Curd Cake: Crispy and crumbly on the outside, with a filling of salty fermented bean curd and rich sesame. The old brand "Hu Rongquan" is the most authentic, perfectly paired with Dancong tea to cut the greasiness.
- Yamu Nian: Chaozhou-style glutinous rice balls filled with peanut or sesame paste, served in ginger-flavored sweet soup. On cold days, a bowl warms you from the stomach to the heart.
- Licorice Fruit: Green mango, starfruit, and wampee dipped in licorice juice and southern ginger plum powder, offering a unique Chaozhou-Shantou flavor with a mix of sour, crisp, and a hint of spiciness.

🏡 Stay with Ancient City Charm

- Ancient City Inn: Choose "Fucheng Yijing," a homestay converted from a traditional courtyard house, with orchids planted in the courtyard and old furniture in the rooms. At night, you can hear the night bell from Guangji Bridge.
- River View Hotel: "Hanjiang Hotel" offers great value, with high-floor rooms overlooking Guangji Bridge and the Han River. Both morning mist and night views can be privately enjoyed.

💡 Local Insider Tips

- Go to Xihu Park at 7 a.m. to watch elders practicing Tai Chi and singing Chaozhou opera, sit by the lake and enjoy a bowl of Xie Huailiang’s fermented bean curd cake, and experience the most vibrant local life.
- When buying souvenirs, don’t just focus on beef balls. Fengxi’s ceramic tea sets are both beautiful and practical, and the "Pottery Artist" shops on Paifang Street offer original designs.
- Check the schedule for Chaozhou opera performances at the "Chaozhou Theater." Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, watching the flowing water sleeves and the rhythmic gongs and drums is a pleasure.

No need to rush in Chaozhou; it’s best to stay three to five days. Early morning, follow tea farmers to the tea mountains; in the afternoon, listen to Chaozhou tunes in old teahouses; at dusk, watch fishing boats return on the Han River. Let the slowed-down time slowly ferment into poetry amidst the fireworks of daily life✨