Nanao on the Sea · Ecological Island

Nanao County, Shantou — the only island county in Guangdong Province, boasts clear bays and rich historical relics. This 2-day 1-night itinerary allows you to walk on the waves, watch the sea, visit ancient sites and explore seclusion, and experience the natural and cultural charm of this pearl on the sea.

Qing'ao Bay
The Oriental Hawaii
Nanao Bridge
Cross-sea Wonder
Zongbing Mansion
Coastal Defense Town
Wind Power Plant
Green Energy
Scenery of Qing'ao Bay, Nanao County, Shantou
Panoramic View of Qing'ao Bay, Nanao County
The golden beach of Qing'ao Bay contrasts with the clear blue sea, showing the natural scenery of the island

2-Day 1-Night Island Resort Tour of Nanao County

Blue Sea Beach + Historical Relics + Ecological Wonders, Experience the Island Customs in an All-round Way

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Qing'ao Bay, Nanao Bridge, Songjing Well, Zongbing Mansion, Jinyin Island, Wind Power Plant, Huanghuashan National Forest Park
Suitable for
Family with kids, Couples on vacation, Photography enthusiasts, Seafood lovers, Outdoor explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1200
01
Bay and Ancient Well Tour
Blue Sea Beach and Millennium Wonders
Itinerary Highlights

Morning: Play in the waves and water, Afternoon: Explore historical relics

Attraction Arrangement
Qing'ao Bay
Known as "The Oriental Hawaii", it has a crescent-shaped bay about 2.4 kilometers long with white and delicate sand and clear seawater. It is one of the most beautiful bays in Guangdong Province, suitable for swimming, playing in the sand and watching the sunrise.
Songjing Well
An ancient well dug at the end of the Southern Song Dynasty. Although it is located on the beach, the well water is sweet and delicious, which is extremely magical. There are three ancient wells: "Dragon Well", "Tiger Well" and "Horse Well", which are famous historical relics of Nanao Island.
Sancongya Lighthouse
A landmark lighthouse of Nanao Island, standing on the seaside cliff. The red and white tower body sets off against the blue sea and sky, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts and an important navigation mark for ship navigation.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Pay attention to safety when swimming in Qing'ao Bay and follow the guidance of lifeguards
  • There are many pebbles on the beach around Songjing Well, it is recommended to wear beach shoes
  • UV rays are strong in summer, take sun protection measures
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Qing'ao Bay Sea View Homestay
  • Yun'ao Town Fisherman's Inn
  • County Town Hotel
02
History and Ecology Tour
Coastal Defense Culture and Natural Wonders
Itinerary Highlights

Morning: Trace the history of coastal defense, Afternoon: Explore the beauty of ecology

Attraction Arrangement
Zongbing Mansion
The military command center of Nanao Island during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is the only island Zongbing Mansion in the country. It preserves historical relics such as the former site of Zongbing Mansion, Zheng Chenggong's Recruitment Tree, and inscriptions of the Ming and Qing dynasties, showing Nanao's historical status as a coastal defense town.
Jinyin Island
It is said to be the place where Wu Ping hid his treasures. The island is covered with strange rocks and dense vegetation, with landscapes such as "treasure map" stone carvings and Wu Ping's statue. Climbing the island, you can overlook the sea and experience the island scenery.
Nanao Wind Power Plant
The largest island wind farm in Asia, dozens of tall wind turbines stand on the mountain top, setting off against the blue sky, white clouds, sea and green mountains. It is a model of the perfect combination of green energy and natural scenery.
Practical Information
Featured Experiences
  • Learn about the island's military history at Zongbing Mansion
  • Listen to the treasure-hiding legend at Jinyin Island
  • Take photos of the spectacular wind turbine group at the wind power plant
  • Buy local specialties such as Nanao laver and Zhai squid
Return Suggestions
  • You can buy dried seafood at the county market before returning
  • The return trip via Nanao Bridge may be congested, it is recommended to avoid the evening peak
  • It is necessary to book ferries in advance or pay attention to the bridge traffic during peak seasons
  • Check personal belongings to avoid leaving them in the homestay

Must-Try Food in Nanao County

Nanao Seafood

The sea area of Nanao Island is pure, with rich varieties of seafood and delicious meat. Featured seafood includes lobster, grouper, squid, sea urchin, etc. It is recommended to order and cook on the spot at seafood stalls in Houzhai Town or Yun'ao Town.

Nanao Laver

A specialty of Nanao, grown in pure sea areas, it has a tender taste and rich nutrition. It can be made into laver soup, laver fried rice, etc. It is a must-try food on the island and a high-quality souvenir.

Zhai Squid

Dried squid, a specialty of Shen'ao Town, Nanao, is made by traditional drying techniques. It has tender meat and delicious taste. It can be eaten directly or stir-fried, and is a famous dried seafood in Nanao.

Gracilaria Soup

A featured soup in Nanao, made with locally abundant gracilaria as the main ingredient, cooked with shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, etc. It has a smooth taste and delicious flavor, and has the effect of clearing heat and relieving summer heat.

Travel Tips for Nanao County
Best Season
  • May-June: Pleasant climate, clear seawater, suitable for swimming
  • September-October: Avoid the summer typhoon season, seafood is plump and delicious
  • April-May: Flowers are in full bloom on the island, the scenery is beautiful
  • Winter: Few people and quiet, suitable for photography
Travel Suggestions
  • The sunrise time at Qing'ao Bay is early, it is recommended to check in advance and get up early to watch
  • Island attractions are scattered, it is recommended to drive by yourself or rent an electric car
  • You can ask a commentator at Zongbing Mansion to learn more about historical stories
  • Pay attention to safety for water activities such as swimming and going out to sea
Practical Information
  • Pay attention to typhoon prevention in summer, check the weather forecast before traveling
  • Confirm the price and processing fee before consuming seafood
  • The signal in some areas of the island is weak, download offline maps in advance
  • Respect the customs of local fishermen and protect the marine ecological environment
Transportation Guide
  • You can drive into the island via Nanao Bridge (toll fee required)
  • You can also take a ferry from Laiwu Wharf (30-minute voyage)
  • Transportation on the island can be by self-driving, car rental or bus
  • It is recommended to set out early to avoid congestion during peak seasons (weekends and holidays)