Shantou’s Hidden Island Complete Guide

Nan'ao Island is located in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, and is the only island in China designated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Here, mountains meet the sea with picturesque scenery, rich historical heritage, and vibrant fishing village culture, making it an excellent choice for vacation and relaxation. 1. Transportation Guide 1. Ways to get to the island: · Self-driving: Cross the Nan'ao Bridge (approximately 11 kilometers long). Be aware of possible congestion during holidays. The bridge toll is about 96 yuan (holiday free policies are subject to official announcements). · Bus: From downtown Shantou, take bus routes 105, 161, or others directly to Nan'ao Island Tourist Center or Qing'ao Bay. · Car rental/shared ride: Vehicles can be booked from Shantou Railway Station, airport, and other locations to the island. · Ferry (less commonly used): Take a ferry from Laiwu Ferry Terminal to Changshanwei Pier, suitable for visitors wanting to experience sea travel. Service is limited, so check schedules in advance. 2. On-island transportation: · Rent a car/self-drive: The most recommended way, flexible and convenient for island tours. Electric scooters are also available for short trips. · Bus: The island has circular bus routes 601 and 602 covering major attractions, but wait times may be long. · Chartered car: Hire a local vehicle with a driver-guide for a hassle-free experience. 2. Main Attractions (in order of the island circuit) 1. Changshanwei Lighthouse (Qihang Square): The first landmark after crossing the bridge, a red lighthouse framed with Nan'ao Bridge, a must-visit photo spot. 2. Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse: White tower with green glass windows, fresh and charming style, complemented by boardwalks and reefs, very photogenic. 3. Rear Garden Ecotourism Village: Overlooks Shen'ao Bay and the fishing village, with vast sea and sky views. 4. General’s Mansion: Historical site of Ming and Qing coastal defense, a great place to learn about Nan'ao’s history. 5. Qing'ao Bay: The island’s main beach with fine sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and watching the sunrise. The Tropic of Cancer marker tower “Gate of Nature” is located here. 6. Jin Yin Island: Legendary pirate treasure island, surrounded by sea on three sides with rocky reefs, offering magnificent scenery. 7. Sanchongya Lighthouse: The largest lighthouse on the island, red and white striped, standing on a cliff edge, one of the best spots to watch the sunset. 8. Wind Farm Viewing Area: Spectacular wind turbine array with mountain and sea backdrop, perfect for stunning photos. 9. Yun'ao Fishing Harbor: Experience fishing port life, watch fishing boats return, and enjoy the lively seafood market. 10. Song Well: A unique well carved during the Song Dynasty, surprisingly sweet water despite proximity to the sea, combining history and natural wonder. 11. Huanghuashan National Forest Park: A forest oxygen bar on the island, hike up for panoramic views and check in at the Tropic of Cancer marker line. 3. Food Recommendations 1. Seafood: A must-try on the island! At stalls or restaurants in Yun'ao, Houzhai, and Qing'ao Bay, taste fresh sea fish, crab, shrimp, seaweed, oysters, and more. Recommended dishes include “Seaweed Fried Rice” and “Dragon Beard Seaweed Fish Ball Soup.” 2. Specialty Snacks: · Nan'ao Oysters: Prepared in various ways—grilled, fried with eggs, or cooked in porridge. · Dragon Beard Seaweed (Haifa Cai): Local specialty with a crisp texture, often used in soups. · Fish balls, fish dumplings, fish noodles: Made from fresh sea fish, chewy and delicious. · Chaozhou snacks like sugar scallion pancakes, oyster omelets, and rice-free cakes are also widely available. 3. Dining Locations: Houzhai Town (county seat) is a local residential area with many restaurants and relatively affordable prices; Qing'ao Bay tourist area has concentrated dining options, convenient but possibly pricier. 4. Classic Itinerary Suggestions · One-day tour (tight schedule): Nan'ao Bridge - Changshanwei Lighthouse - Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse - Rear Garden Village - Qing'ao Bay (lunch, swimming) - Gate of Nature - Sanchongya Lighthouse (sunset) - return. · Two-day tour (recommended): · Day 1: Arrive on the island - Changshanwei Lighthouse - Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse - lunch in Houzhai Town - General’s Mansion/Song Well - Yun'ao Fishing Harbor - stay near Qing'ao Bay - stroll on Qing'ao Bay beach. · Day 2: Watch sunrise at Qing'ao Bay - Wind Farm Viewing Area - Sanchongya Lighthouse - Jin Yin Island - Rear Garden Village - stop and take photos along the island road - depart. · Three-day tour (in-depth): Based on the two-day tour, add hiking in Huanghuashan National Forest Park, sea fishing or angling experience, and deeper exploration of lesser-known villages and beaches. 5. Accommodation Options · Near Qing'ao Bay: Preferred area with many sea view hotels and apartments, steps from the beach, convenient for sunrise watching, with mature dining and entertainment facilities. · Houzhai Town (county seat): Strong local life atmosphere, many dining and shopping options, relatively affordable, suitable for experiencing local life. · Yun'ao Town/Shen'ao Town: Closer to fishing village culture, quiet but with fewer facilities. · Unique homestays: Many exquisite homestays converted from old houses scattered in Houlancun, Xipan Village, and other areas, ideal for those seeking a distinctive experience. 6. Practical Tips 1. Best travel time: April to November, with May to October being ideal for water activities. Avoid the extreme peak season and typhoon season in July and August (though the scenery before typhoons is unique, closely monitor weather and safety). 2. Sun and mosquito protection: The island has strong UV rays, so be sure to apply sunscreen; mosquitoes are common in summer, bring repellents. 3. Seafood prices: Always ask about prices before ordering (especially market-priced seafood) to avoid disputes. 4. Island road: Beautiful scenery along the way with multiple viewing platforms; do not park randomly on curves, pay attention to safety. 5. Environmental protection: Please do not litter to protect the beautiful ocean and beaches. Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable mountain and sea journey on Nan'ao Island!