Nanao Island Island Loop Self-Drive: A Non-Influencer Travel Guide from the Lighthouse to the Ancient Well
by RiinaKivim?ki
Aug 22, 2025
1. Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Shantou Station โ ๐ Nan'ao Bridge โ ๐ผ Changshanwei Lighthouse โ ๐ฃ๏ธ Island Ring Road Self-Drive โ ๐
Qing'ao Bay Sunset โ ๐ข Seafood BBQ
Day 2
๐ Qing'ao Bay Sunrise โ ๐ Gate of Nature โ ๐ดโ ๏ธ Treasure Island โ ๐ข Yun'ao Fishing Port โ Return
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๐ 2. Pre-Trip Essentials
1. Tickets
The entire island is free to enter ๐ซ Some small attractions charge 10-20 RMB, cheaper if bought online ๐ฐ
2. Transportation
๐ Public Transport:
High-speed train to Shantou Station โ 10 min taxi to "Shantou Passenger Transport Center" โ Bus 161 for 1 hour direct to Houzhai Town (15 RMB)
๐ Self-Drive:
Navigate to "Nan'ao Bridge" (ETC 96 RMB), you can stop for 5 minutes on the bridge to take photos ๐ธ Speed limit 60 km/h
3. Best Season
๐ May to October: Suitable for swimming
๐ท September to November: Fewer people + more sunny days = perfect photography season
4. Must-Bring List
โ๏ธ Sun Protection Battle: SPF50+ sunscreen
๐ Beach Essentials: Swimsuit + slippers
๐ Power Backup: Power bank (photos on the island consume a lot of power)
๐ธ Photography Gear: Wide-angle lens (for landscapes) + telephoto lens (for scenery)
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๐จ 3. Accommodation Recommendations
1. ใTop Scenic SpotใHaiquan Bay Resort Hotel
๐ Location: Qing'ao Bay
โจ Highlight: Balcony bathtub with a direct view of the jellyfish sea
๐ฐ Price Reference: 700+ RMB
2. ใBest ValueใHuazhu ยท Lushui Lanwan
๐ Location: Houzhai Town
โจ Highlight: 21st floor unbeatable sea view + attentive butler service
๐ฐ Price Reference: 350+ RMB
3. ใAffordable Qing'ao BayใWeilan Bay Inn
๐ Location: Next to the beach
โจ Highlight: 2-minute walk to the seawater bathing beach
๐ฐ Price Reference: 200+ RMB
๐ก Tips:
Prices increase by 50% during holidaysโผ๏ธ Book 2 weeks in advance
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Family-friendly: Houzhai Town (full facilities)
๐ Couplesโ first choice: Qing'ao Bay (fewer people, beautiful scenery)
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๐ธ 4. 9 Must-Photograph Spots
1. Nan'ao Bridge
๐ Address: Shantou City, Guangdong Province
๐ Open: All day
๐ท Photo Tips: Stunning at dusk during the blue hour
2. Changshanwei Lighthouse
๐จ Colors: White tower + red collision protection base
๐ Aerial shot effect: Postcard perfect
3. Island Ring Road S336
๐ Nickname: Guangdongโs Little Kenting
๐บ๏ธ Highlights: Windmill Hill + jellyfish sea, stop and shoot anytime along the way
4. Qing'ao Bay
๐ Water Quality: Like the Eastern Hawaii
๐๏ธ Entertainment: Jet ski 120 RMB/10 min
5. Gate of Nature
๐ Summer Solstice Exclusive: Pole shadowless wonder
๐ญ Best Time: Noon at 12 PM
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๐ฆ 5. Taste of Nan'ao
1. Seaweed Fried Rice โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ Aliu Seafood Stir-fry
๐ฐ 25 RMB ๐ Houzhai Town
๐ฅ Fresh seaweed crispy to the max
2. Cuttlefish Balls โญโญโญโญ
๐ก Qing'ao Bay Street Stall
๐ฐ 15 RMB/skewer
๐ฅ Freshly made, chewy and juicy
3. Steamed Grouper โญโญโญโญโญ
๐ Haichao Flavor Restaurant
๐ฐ Market price 88 RMB/jin
๐ฆ So fresh itโll make your eyebrows drop
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๐ Hidden Activities Revealed
1. Qing'ao Bay Sunrise
โฐ Best Time: 6:30 AM
๐ธ Photo Spot: "Shadowless Foot" reef foreground
2. Night Squid Fishing
๐ฃ Yun'ao Pier, boat departs at 8:00 PM
๐ฐ 150 RMB/person
๐บ Freshly caught, grilled with beer, unbeatable
3. Windmill Hill Starry Sky
๐ Navigate to "Qizipeng No.42 Windmill"
โจ Milky Way visible to the naked eye
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๐ฐ Budget Reference (Per Person)
- Transportation: 30-100 RMB
- Accommodation: 200-700 RMB
- Food: 150-250 RMB
- Entertainment: 150 RMB (optional)
๐ธ Total: 600-1200 RMB
Post by AQV. Ida 2136 | Oct 2, 2025














