Highlights of a Chaozhou-Shantou 3-Stop Tour

Can't get enough of the Chaozhou-Shantou trip? Here's a curated list of must-visit hidden gems across three destinations—follow this guide and you won't go wrong! 🌆【Shantou: Where Old Meets New】 ✅ Xiaogongyuan Historical and Cultural District The arcade buildings here are incredibly photogenic! Walk along the stone-paved streets near the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion, surrounded by retro signs and alleys that feel like stepping into a 90s Hong Kong movie. The atmosphere becomes even more enchanting when the lights come on in the evening. Don't forget to grab a Lao Ma Gong Zong Ball—a savory sticky rice dumpling stuffed with chunks of pork belly that's so delicious you'll want to stomp your feet in delight! ✅ Queshi Scenic Area Take a cable car ride for a panoramic view of Shantou Bay! From the mountaintop Piaoran Pavilion, you can see the mountains, sea, and city all at once—it's a breathtaking sight. On your way down, stroll along the boardwalk and listen to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks—pure therapy! ✅ Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center Want a quick dive into Chaoshan's history? This is the place to be! The museum houses precious artifacts from ancient to modern times, with a special section on the culture of overseas Chinese from Chaoshan. Admission is free, but remember to book in advance. ✅ Seaside Promenade An ideal spot for an evening stroll! Feel the sea breeze as you watch the lighthouse across the water twinkle. Fishing boats occasionally glide by, and locals can be seen chatting under the trees over tea. When you're tired, sit on a bench and enjoy a romantic sunset. 🏝️【Nan'ao Island: A Romantic Island Getaway】 ✅ Qing'ao Bay Known as the "face" of Nan'ao Island, Qing'ao Bay is often called the "Hawaii of the East." This crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by lush green hills, with powdery soft sand that feels like stepping on clouds. The water transitions from emerald green near the shore to deep blue further out, so clear you can see the sandy bottom and swimming fish. It's the perfect spot to catch a sunrise—watch as the morning sun leaps out of the sea, painting the sky in shades of orange. Rent an electric scooter and cruise along the coastal road with the sea breeze in your hair—pure bliss. ✅ Changshanwei Lighthouse A "must-visit" landmark of Nan'ao Island, this red-and-white lighthouse stands strikingly against the backdrop of mountains and sea. It's the starting point of the Nan'ao Bridge and a popular photo spot. During the day, the lighthouse contrasts beautifully with the blue sea and sky, while at sunset, it glows warmly in the golden light, creating a romantic scene. Standing by the lighthouse, listening to the waves crash against the rocks, you'll feel the island's tranquility and charm. ✅ Tropic of Cancer Marker: The Gate of Nature A distinctive landmark of Nan'ao Island and the 11th Tropic of Cancer marker built in China. Its "gate" design symbolizes the Tropic of Cancer crossing the island, dividing the tropics and temperate zones. The geometric structure of the giant sphere and pillars is visually striking. Take a photo under the gate, and it feels like you're stepping between two worlds. Located near Qing'ao Bay, you can visit after enjoying the beach. At sunrise, sunlight streams through the center of the "gate," creating a unique light-and-shadow spectacle—a perfect spot to appreciate the wonders of geography. 🏯【Chaozhou: A Timeless Ancient City】 ✅ Guangji Bridge Witness the "disassembling bridge" spectacle during the day (a daily bridge-opening performance in the afternoon) and be mesmerized by the illuminated bridge at night! Standing on the bridge, you can admire the Han River's nightscape, with the ancient bridge's reflection shimmering in the water, as if transported back a thousand years. ✅ Paifang Street A historic street lined with 23 ancient archways! Strolling and snacking here is pure joy: freshly made oyster omelets dipped in fish sauce, crispy on the outside and tender inside; fragrant spring rolls paired with licorice-infused fruit to cleanse the palate. Walk all the way to Kaiyuan Temple to soak in the lively atmosphere of the ancient city. ✅ Kaiyuan Temple One of Chaozhou's oldest temples! Its red walls and yellow tiles make for stunning photos, and the stone lions at the entrance are both majestic and adorable. Inside, the incense burner is always surrounded by worshippers, and there's a thousand-year-old bodhi tree with lush branches. It's said that touching it brings good luck. ✅ Han Wen Gong Temple Built to honor Han Yu, this temple is nestled on a hillside by the Han River. Climb the stone steps to see a statue of Han Yu and learn about his life. From the platform in front of the temple, you can overlook the Han River and Guangji Bridge—an incredible view. History buffs will love exploring the stories of Han Yu's governance in Chaozhou. 💡Tips: Driving from Shantou to Nan'ao Island takes 1.5 hours. Chaozhou's ancient city is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace—wearing traditional Hanfu for photos adds an extra touch of charm.

Post by 广东立阳国旅（广东旅游推荐官） | Aug 11, 2025