A super detailed guide to a five-day trip to Chaoshan

Itinerary Overview
Features: Cultural Ancient City (Chaozhou) + Island Scenery (Nan'ao Island) + Gourmet Exploration (Shantou) + Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience (Jieyang)
Budget Recommendation: 1,000–1,500 RMB per person (including accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and sea-hunting activities)

🗺️ Daily Itinerary
Day 1: The Lively Life of Shantou's Old Town
Morning: Arrive at Jieyang Chaoshan Airport/High-Speed Railway Station; transfer by private car and check into a hotel near MixC (recommended: Shantou International Hotel).
Afternoon:
Luoshi Scenic Area: Take the cable car to Piaoran Pavilion for a panoramic view of Shantou.
Square Ferry: 1 RMB for a sunset cruise, photograph the seaside promenade and fishing boats returning to the harbor.
Dinner:
Zhenbang Food Street: Braised Lion's Head Goose, Oyster Omelette, and Sugared Scallion Pancakes.
Late Night Snack: Longyan South Road Pickled Vegetables (Rui Jiao Mama: Crab Roe and Blood Clam with White Congee). Day 2: Shantou's Arcades and Overseas Chinese Culture
Morning:
Shantou Small Park: Check out the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion and the General Post Office Building (photograph the Nanyang Arcades).
Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center: Learn about Chaoshan immigration history and intangible cultural heritage.
Noon:
Chen Cihong's Former Residence: Lingnan's premier overseas Chinese residence, featuring a Chaoshan song and dance performance. Lunch: Puning dried tofu and rice noodle soup.
Afternoon: Free time for dining. Recommended:
Xinghua Wuji Beef Hotpot (Dragon Bean Curd with Hand-made Beef Balls) or Lao Zi Niang Night Rice (Claypot Porridge with Mixed Salted Vegetables).
Day 3: Nan'ao Island Sea Hunting and Snorkeling
Full-Day: Nan'ao Island Tour (Chartered Car/Group Tour)
Nan'ao Bridge: Photograph Rainbow Sea and Windmill Hill while crossing the bridge.
Sea Hunting Experience (Highlights):
Location: Zhuqidu Bay (private sea hunting site with few crowds and abundant products) or Qing'ao Bay (beginner-friendly). Time: Choose a high tide season (three days before and after the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month), arriving two hours before low tide.
Activities: Crab fishing, clams (salted and removed from their holes), sea urchin and shellfish collection. Your catch can be processed.
Fee: Adults 128 yuan (equipment and instructor included), children half price.
Island Tour: Sancongya Lighthouse → Swimming in Qing'ao Bay → Tropic of Cancer Square (Natural Gate).
Lunch: Qing'ao Bay Seafood Food Stall (steamed grouper and boiled shrimp).
Day 4: Chaozhou Ancient City Journey
Morning:
Han Wenggong Shrine: Ascend to overlook the Han River and Guangji Bridge.
Kaiyuan Temple: An ancient Tang Dynasty temple with red walls and wood carvings for photo opportunities.
Noon:
Guantang Yipin Braised Goose Restaurant: Braised goose platter (the foie gras is a must).
Afternoon:
Paifang Street: Enjoy fermented bean curd chicken wings and salted rice cakes beneath the 23 Ming and Qing Dynasty memorial archways. Zaiyang Teahouse: Enjoy Gongfu tea and listen to Chaozhou opera (reserve a seat in advance).
Evening:
Guangji Bridge Light Show (8:00 PM/9:30 PM): A millennium-long dialogue between light and shadow and the ancient bridge.
Day 5: Jieyang Intangible Cultural Heritage + Return Trip
Morning:
Huangmanzhai Waterfalls: "The First Waterfall in Lingnan," with three tiers dropping nearly 100 meters.
De'anli Ancient Village: The Qing Dynasty Navy Commander's Residence, featuring the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" architectural layout.
Lunch: Longjiang Pork Knuckle Rice (an intangible cultural heritage delicacy and a Jieyang specialty). Afternoon: Souvenir shopping (Lao Chao Xing rice cakes, shacha sauce), return by private car.

Food Guide
Must-Try List:
Beef Hotpot: Xinghua Wu Ji (Shantou), Guantang Brothers (Chaozhou)
Raw and Pickled Food: Ruijiao Mama (Longyan South Road), Jin Ershun (Night Porridge Stall)
Rice Cakes: Lao Chao Xing (Red Peach Rice Cake), Xima Road (Salted Water Rice Cake)
Desserts: Twelve Middle School Strawberry Ice Cream, Licorice Fruit