Nanao Island Ecotourism Area | Encounter a Stunning Island Journey

Hey guys 🥳, today I have to share with you the breathtaking trip to Nanao Island Ecotourism Area! This place is truly a hidden gem on earth ✨.

Nanao Island is located in Nanao County, Shantou City, Guangdong Province. It is the only island county in Guangdong and has been rated as a "National Ecotourism Demonstration Area" 👍.

🌊 The bay scenery here is absolutely stunning. Qing'ao Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in Guangdong. The sand is as fine as flour, soft underfoot, and the water is crystal clear. Here, you can experience thrilling jet skiing or go snorkeling for an intimate encounter with the sea 🤿. There is also the Changshanwei Lighthouse, where the red lighthouse and Nanao Bridge frame each other. At sunset, the evening glow reflects on the sea, creating an incredibly healing scene 🌅. The Sancongya Lighthouse is also gorgeous; it serves as an important navigation mark for the north-south channel of Nanao Island, backed by cliffs and facing the sea. The aerial view is absolutely stunning 📷.

🏛️ The historical and cultural sites on Nanao Island are not to be missed. The General’s Mansion is a Ming and Qing dynasty coastal defense site where you can learn about Nanao Island’s important military role. The Song Well was dug during the Southern Song dynasty royal escape; its water is sweet and not salty, full of mystery 🧐.

🐟 Food is another highlight of Nanao Island. The cuisine mainly features Chaoshan flavors and seafood, with squid, grouper, and oysters all freshly caught and cooked. Be sure to try oyster omelet (hae-lao jian), seaweed fried rice, and fish ball soup. The street-side dessert shops’ grass jelly (xian cao jelly) and mung bean dessert are also fantastic, letting your taste buds fully enjoy the gifts of the sea 😋.

🚗 Transportation is very convenient too. If driving, you can reach the island directly via the "Nanao Bridge," which is 11 kilometers long with a toll of 96 yuan per vehicle, offering stunning sea views along the way. By bus, you can take routes 161 or 105 from downtown Shantou directly to the Nanao Tourist Center, about a 1.5-hour ride. Visitors from other cities can first arrive at Shantou Station or Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, then transfer to a bus or rent a car 🚕.

Here’s a suggested itinerary 📋: start from Nanao Bridge—Changshanwei Lighthouse—Qian'ao Bay—Yun'ao Fishing Port—Qing'ao Bay—Jinyin Island—Shen'ao Ancient Town. The whole route is 68 kilometers with viewing platforms along the way, perfect for capturing cinematic photos anytime.

But please note ⚠, the UV rays are strong in summer, so be sure to use sun protection; in winter, the sea breeze is strong, so bring a windproof jacket. The Nanao Bridge tends to get congested during holidays, so it’s recommended to travel off-peak or arrive before 8 a.m.

Guys, Nanao Island Ecotourism Area is really worth a visit, so hurry up and go 💕!

Post by ELLIE GREENE | Oct 26, 2025