Taking the kids to Nan'ao Island! Beachcombing, watching pink dolphins, staying in a starry sky guesthouse— the ultimate family trip!

Nan'ao Island travel guide is all set for you! This is Guangdong’s only island county, attracting many visitors with its clear blue sea and sky, fishing port charm, and Chaoshan cuisine. Below are detailed itinerary suggestions, must-visit attractions, food recommendations, and tips to avoid pitfalls, helping you easily plan a perfect island trip. --- 1. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Qing'ao Bay - The most beautiful crescent-shaped beach in eastern Guangdong, with fine sand and clear water. - Recommended to watch the sunrise at 5:30 AM at the "Gate of Nature" (Tropic of Cancer marker tower). - New "Underwater Sightseeing Boat" (120 RMB/person), great for family trips. 2. Sancong Cliff Lighthouse - Twin red-and-white lighthouses, perfect for sunrise and sunset photography. - In 2025, a wooden boardwalk and viewing platform will be added; camping available at night (80 RMB/night). 3. Island Ring Road - 68 km coastline connecting 30 attractions, recommended for self-driving or cycling. - Passes popular photo spots like "Golden Chair Wind Farm" and "Lonely Tree." 4. Jin Yin Island - Legend says it hides pirate treasure, with jagged rocks; boat tours around the island available (20 RMB/person). - Seafood stalls by the island recommend salt and pepper mantis shrimp and steamed grouper. 5. Yun'ao Fishing Port - "Fishing Port Night Tour" opens in 2025 (100 RMB/person), experience squid fishing with light lures. - Visit the seafood market during the day, buy fresh and have it steamed on the spot; "Fishing Port Kitchen" is recommended for rice noodle soup. 6. Back Garden Village - Mountain fishing village, launching "Tea Garden Cycling" in 2025 (30 RMB/hour). - The guesthouse "Zhiqing Lou" offers views of the bay and wind turbines. 7. Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse - Japanese-style fresh aesthetic, great for photos; "Cape Coffee" is recommended for sunset views. 8. General’s Mansion - Ming and Qing dynasty coastal defense site; a new "Coastal Defense Culture Exhibition" opens in 2025, ticket 20 RMB. --- 2. Transportation Guide - Getting to the Island - Self-driving: via Nan'ao Bridge (96 RMB toll), the ring road is suitable for driving. - Bus: Take routes 161 or 105 from Shantou Station (about 1 hour, fare 10 RMB). - Charter/shared car: Off-season about 150 RMB/person, including toll. - On the Island - Electric scooters: flexible and convenient but limited range (about 50 RMB/day). - Bus: fewer trips, suitable for budget travelers. - Self-driving: most recommended; avoid peak congestion times (before 8 AM or after 6 PM). --- 3. Food Recommendations 1. Alai Stir-fry (Qing'ao Bay) - Must-try: boiled fresh shrimp, Nan'ao sea urchin steamed egg, seafood claypot porridge. 2. Sister Xu’s Dishes (Houzhai Town) - Recommended oyster omelet, salted vegetable stir-fried snail slices; 168 RMB seafood set for two offers great value. 3. Chengfa Beef Hotpot (Houzhai Town) - Chaoshan beef hotpot, fresh cuts of hanging tenderloin and pork belly, about 80 RMB per person. 4. Veteran Fish Farm · Fish Racks - Freshly caught seafood, 600 RMB per table includes abalone, oysters, red crab, etc. 5. Xiangyuan Rice Noodles (Houzhai Town) - Braised rice rolls + fish ball soup, starting at 10 RMB, a local breakfast favorite. 6. Ranji Dessert Shop - 30-year-old shop, recommended seaweed jelly, duck mother dumplings, and sandy taro. --- 4. Accommodation Suggestions - Qing'ao Bay: great for sunrise views, many sea view rooms, but prices are higher in peak season. - Houzhai Town: cost-effective, rich dining options, suitable for budget travelers. - Yun'ao Town: recommended by locals, experience fishing village life. Recommended guesthouses: - Shuyejia Guesthouse (forest-style beautiful stay, 270° starry sky glass house). - Seaview Apartment (cream-style design, great for photos). --- 5. Pitfall Avoidance Tips 1. Weather: Avoid cloudy or windy days; seawater gets murky and Nan'ao Bridge may be restricted. 2. Seafood prices: Clarify if prices are per jin (500g) or kilogram to avoid being overcharged. 3. Illegal sea tours: Officially banned unlicensed boats for snorkeling, sea fishing, etc.; avoid participating. 4. Peak season timing: Arrive before 8 AM or after 6 PM to avoid traffic jams. 5. Renting electric scooters: Confirm charging method; some brands charge high fees (60 RMB per half hour). --- 6. Itinerary Recommendations - One-day tour: Changshanwei Lighthouse → Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse → Sancong Cliff Lighthouse → Qing'ao Bay → Rainbow Sea. - Two-day tour: Day 1 self-drive around the island + sunset; Day 2 Qing'ao Bay sunrise + Yun'ao Fishing Port night tour. --- Nan'ao Island has added experiences like fishing port night tours and underwater sightseeing boats. Combined with Chaoshan cuisine and stunning sea views, it’s an excellent choice for a short getaway! Plan ahead, avoid peak season crowds, and enjoy a leisurely island trip!