Chaozhou-Shantou Four Days Three Nights Travel Guide, Have Fun with a 2000 Yuan Budget!
Chaozhou-Shantou Four Days Three Nights Travel Guide, Have Fun with a 2000 Yuan Budget!
Preparation Before the Trip
1. Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn have pleasant weather, suitable for travel. In late September, the weather in Chaozhou-Shantou is still quite comfortable, perfect for sightseeing.
2. Transportation: From Baise to Chaozhou-Shantou, it is recommended to check high-speed train tickets in advance; booking early is usually more cost-effective. After arriving in Chaozhou-Shantou, local travel mainly relies on buses and shared bikes, occasionally taking taxis to control transportation costs.
3. Accommodation: There are various accommodation options in Chaozhou-Shantou. You can book budget hotels or unique homestays on major platforms in advance. If on a budget, places like "Zaiyang Inn" inside Chaozhou Ancient City and "Qiaobang Inn" near Shantou Xiaogongyuan area cost about 100 yuan per person, offering great value.
4. Essentials: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, umbrella, mosquito repellent, and stomach medicine.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Shantou and City Tour
● Morning: After arriving in Shantou, check in at a hotel near Xiaogongyuan that you booked in advance.
● Noon: Taste authentic Chaozhou-Shantou snacks around Xiaogongyuan, such as Chaozhou rice noodles, which come in many varieties. Both dry and soup rice noodles are delicious, with a fresh broth and chewy, smooth noodles.
● Afternoon: Visit Xiaogongyuan, the core area of old Shantou city, full of arcade buildings with a Republic of China era style. Stroll through to feel the passage of time and the tranquility of the old city. Then visit the Post Office Building, a European-style structure that tells the story of Shantou’s opening as a port. You can also explore Laomagong and Shengping Road, old streets full of charm.
● Evening: Enjoy a seafood feast nearby. The oyster omelet is crispy outside and tender inside, fresh and tasty, especially with fish sauce. Also try claypot congee, slow-cooked in a clay pot with soft rice grains and nutritious seafood, both delicious and healthy.
Day 2: Nanao Island Trip
● Morning: Take a bus to Nanao Island to start your island adventure. Drive along the island ring road, enjoying the beautiful blue sea, sky, green mountains, and trees. Arrive at Qihang Square to admire the full view of Nanao Bridge and take photos.
● Noon: Find a seafood stall on the island to taste freshly caught seafood. Don’t miss the Chaozhou braised goose, crispy skin and tender meat with rich braised flavor.
● Afternoon: Head to Qing'ao Bay, where the soft sandy beach and clear water are enchanting. You can try water activities like jet skiing and sea fishing to experience the island’s vitality and excitement.
● Evening: Stay overnight at a homestay on the island and enjoy the peaceful island night.
Day 3: Exploring Chaozhou Ancient City
● Morning: Take a bus to Chaozhou Ancient City. First, climb the East Gate Tower to overlook the entire ancient city and feel its historical depth. Then visit Guangji Bridge, the world’s earliest movable bridge, with exquisitely carved stone lions on the piers and spanning the Han River, full of antique charm. Next, stroll along Paifang Street, where ancient archways tell stories of past glory, and browse numerous shops selling Chaozhou specialties. Try local snacks like beef balls and duck meatballs.
● Noon: Have lunch near Paifang Street. A must-try in Chaozhou-Shantou is beef hotpot, with fresh beef sliced and cooked on the spot, tender meat paired with satay sauce—a heavenly taste.
● Afternoon: Visit Han Wen Gong Ancestral Hall, dedicated to the Tang dynasty writer Han Yu, an important symbol of Chaozhou culture. Admire the ancient architecture, exquisite stone carvings, and woodwork inside, feeling the respect Chaozhou people have for culture.
● Evening: Find a restaurant inside the ancient city to continue tasting Chaozhou cuisine, then enjoy a stroll to see the ancient city’s night scenery.
Day 4: Jieyang and Return
● Morning: Head to Jieyang Confucian Temple, one of the best-preserved Confucian temples in Guangdong. Enter the temple with red walls and yellow tiles, simple and solemn. The Dacheng Hall and Chongsheng Shrine are magnificent with exquisite carvings, showcasing ancient architectural craftsmanship.
● Noon: Have lunch near Jieyang Confucian Temple and try local specialty snacks.
● Afternoon: Pack up and return home, ending a pleasant Chaozhou-Shantou trip.
Budget Arrangement
1. Transportation: High-speed train tickets from Baise to Chaozhou-Shantou may cost about 500 - 800 yuan if booked early. Local bus, shared bike, and occasional taxi expenses are about 200 yuan per person.
2. Accommodation: Choose budget hotels or homestays at about 100 yuan per night per person, totaling around 300 yuan for three nights.
3. Meals: Chaozhou-Shantou cuisine is rich, with daily meal expenses around 100 - 150 yuan, totaling 400 - 600 yuan for four days.
4. Tickets: Attractions like Guangji Bridge require tickets, costing about 100 yuan per person.
Overall, the total cost per person is about 1500 - 2000 yuan, fitting the budget.
Notes
1. The Chaozhou-Shantou area has a strong local dialect; learning some simple Chaozhou words in advance will help communication.
2. The sun in Chaozhou-Shantou is strong; take good sun protection measures to avoid sunburn.
3. Respect local customs and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.