Complete Guide to Touring Nan'ao Island, Shantou

Nan'ao Island in Shantou boasts enchanting coastal scenery. The island road connects lighthouses, beaches, windmills, and fishing ports. Whether you want to relax or find perfect photo spots, this place has it all. Below is a detailed Nan'ao Island tour guide to help you create a perfect island trip. ✨ Highlights · Mountain and sea wonders with coastal charm: Praised by "Chinese National Geography" as the "Blue Tears on the Tropic of Cancer," it features a unique landscape where mountains meet the sea. · Lighthouse pilgrimage: The island has more than 20 distinctive lighthouses, with Changshanwei Lighthouse, Sancongya Lighthouse, and Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse being must-visit popular check-in spots. · Seafood delicacies and Chaoshan flavors: Enjoy freshly caught and cooked seafood and authentic Chaoshan cuisine, experiencing the "taste of Nan'ao." 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Recommended duration: 2 days 1 night (or 3 days 2 nights for a deeper tour) Best season: Suitable all year round; spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable climate Transportation: Recommended to rent an electric scooter (about 80 RMB/day) or self-drive 🏞️ Day 1: East Line Natural Scenery 1. Morning: Enter the island via Nan'ao Bridge, toll 96 RMB (round trip). Upon arrival, first visit Changshanwei Lighthouse, the first scenic spot after arriving on the island. The red and white tower contrasts sharply with the blue sea, and you can capture the classic shot of the lighthouse and Nan'ao Bridge in one frame. 2. Noon: Follow the island road to Qian'ao Bay, where a pier extends to the reefs, a popular spot for wedding photography. Then head to Houzhai Town (center of Nan'ao County) for lunch. Recommended local specialty: Chaoshan marinated goose from "Xie E Ji." 3. Afternoon: Go to Qizipeng Windmill Hill, ride an electric scooter to Windmill Viewing Platform No. 42, overlooking the magnificent scenery of windmills and the emerald bay. Arrive at Qing'ao Bay by evening, featuring a beach recognized as an excellent example of beautiful bays nationwide, perfect for sunset viewing. 4. Night: Stay overnight at Qing'ao Bay, with options for sea view rooms. Enjoy a barbecue on the beach at night, and if the weather is good, stargazing is possible. 🏛️ Day 2: West Line Cultural Experience 1. Morning: Watch the sunrise at Qing'ao Bay, then visit the Tropic of Cancer Marker Tower "Gate of Nature," where the Tropic of Cancer passes through. Next, go to Sancongya Lighthouse, a red and white twin tower. Walk the wooden boardwalk on the west side to the viewing platform and use a telephoto lens to capture the lighthouse, windmills, and waves in one frame. 2. Noon: Head to Yun'ao Fishing Port, a great place to experience fishing village life. You can buy fresh seafood at the market or have it cooked at a food stall, tasting the freshest ocean flavors. 3. Afternoon: Visit Shen'ao Town and tour the General's Mansion (ticket 12 RMB), the only island general's mansion in the country, to learn about Nan'ao Island's coastal defense history. Then explore Song Well (ticket about 15 RMB), an ancient well from the Southern Song Dynasty located on the beach with sweet spring water. 4. Evening: Visit Zoumapu Village to see the "Lonely Tree," then return. If time permits, watch the sunset at Changshanwei Pier before leaving the island. 💰 Budget Reference Item Economy (RMB) Comfortable (RMB) Transportation (electric scooter/day) 80 100 Accommodation (per night) 150/person 300+/person Meals (daily) 100-150 200+ Attraction tickets 30-50 (most free) 30-50 Total (2 days 1 night) About 400-500/person About 700+/person 💡 Practical Tips 1. Transportation advice: · Nan'ao Bridge tends to be congested on weekends or holidays; it’s best to cross before 7 AM or during off-peak weekdays. · Renting an electric scooter on the island is very convenient; the range is about 60 km, enough for a full island tour. 2. Avoid pitfalls: · Be cautious with "market price" seafood; restaurants with clear pricing are recommended. · Buying seafood yourself at Yun'ao/Houzhai markets and having it cooked at food stalls (10-20 RMB per dish) is more cost-effective. 3. Photography tips: · Changshanwei Lighthouse has good lighting in the afternoon; Sancongya Lighthouse is less crowded in the morning. · Wear light-colored clothes for aerial shots at Windmill Hill; use time-lapse photography for Qing'ao Bay sunrise. 4. Special experiences: · From May to August, you can catch small squid (transparent little squids) at night and eat them fresh as sashimi. · At low tide, try beachcombing, digging for green mussels or sea urchins with a bucket. Nan'ao Island’s charm goes far beyond this; every visit brings new discoveries. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable island tour and experience the unique allure of this island. If you have special interests like photography, food, or history and culture, I can provide more detailed suggestions.