4-Day Chaoshan Itinerary: City + Ancient Town + Island

Short answer: Four days adds a full Nan'ao Island day to the classic route: Day 1 Shantou, Day 2 Chaozhou, Day 3 Nan'ao Island, Day 4 slow morning and departure. This is the itinerary shape we recommend for most first-time visitors.

Day 1 — Shantou

Arrive, old-town walk around Xiaogongyuan, beef hotpot dinner. Details in the 3-day itinerary.

Day 2 — Chaozhou

Ancient city day: Kaiyuan Temple, Paifang Street, braised goose lunch, gongfu tea, Guangji Bridge at dusk. Sleep in Chaozhou old town tonight — the evening atmosphere is worth it.

Day 3 — Nan'ao Island

• Morning — Drive to the Nan'ao Bridge (~1h from Shantou), first stop at Changshanwei Lighthouse
• Midday — Ring road viewpoints; fishing-village seafood lunch
• Afternoon — Qing'ao Bay: beach time, swim in season
• Late afternoon — Sancongya Lighthouse, wind-farm viewpoints
• Evening — Back to Shantou; claypot congee supper

Day 4 — Slow morning, departure

Market walk, tea shopping (Fenghuang Dancong), airport/station transfer.

Variations

• Summer trips: make Day 3 an overnight on the island — sunset and sunrise on the beach
• No beach people: replace the island with a Jieyang day (Jieyang Palace, old town, jade market)
• Families with small kids: island day becomes beach + lighthouse only, skip the full ring

FAQ

Is the island day rushed?

It is a full but comfortable day with a private car. Rushed only if you try it by public bus — don't.

Which day can I drop if I only have 3 days?

The island. Do the 3-day itinerary and save Nan'ao for next time.