Nan'ao Island (南澳岛) is in Guangdong Province, China.
Understand
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Nan'ao Island (南澳岛) is an inhabited island off the coast of Shantou in eastern Guangdong. It is a popular side trip for beaches, sunrise viewpoints (especially around Qing'ao Bay), coastal drives, and seafood. Most visitor services (banks, supermarkets, many hotels and restaurants) are concentrated in Houzhai Town, with smaller villages and coves scattered around the ring road.
It is administered as part of Nan'ao County in Shantou City. It is the only island in Nan'ao County with residents.
Climate
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Nan'ao Island lies on the Tropic of Cancer and has a subtropical monsoon marine climate. Summers are long, hot, humid and very sunny, with most of the island’s heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons arriving from April to September. Winters are short and mild, and daytime temperatures usually stay well above 10°C, though damp northeasterly winds can make it feel cooler. Thanks to the surrounding sea, temperatures are a little cooler than inland Shantou in summer and slightly warmer in winter. The most pleasant seasons for outdoor activities are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is generally warm, dry and clear.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]Most visitors arrive via the Nan'ao Bridge. The bridge is tolled: for small passenger cars (Class 1) the fee is ¥48 per crossing, collected as a round-trip charge when entering the island. Have cash or ETC available, and expect slower traffic on weekends and holidays.
By boat
[edit]Passenger ferries between the mainland and the island still operate on some routes, but schedules can be limited and may change with weather. Check locally or through official notices before planning around the ferry.
A passenger ferry operates between Laiwu (mainland) and Changshanwei (on the island). Service can be limited on ordinary days, but extra sailings are sometimes added during major holidays (weather permitting). For the latest schedule and ticketing rules, call the ferry information line (+86 754 8550 0214) before you go.
By bus
[edit]Direct buses connect Shantou with Nan'ao. Route 161 runs between Shantou (Qishan Coach Station) and Nan'ao County Town (Houzhai), with the first buses typically around 06:30–07:00 and later last buses in summer than winter. The full fare is about ¥14 (cash), with cheaper short-hop segments.
Get around
[edit]On foot
[edit]Due to the considerable distances between the main attractions, it is not recommended to explore the entire island entirely on foot. Some hiking trails and mountaintop viewpoints still require other means of transportation to reach.
By car
[edit]Driving is the easiest way to cover the island, especially for remote coves and viewpoints. Car rentals are available in Houzhai Town, but options can be limited in peak season, so booking ahead is recommended.
By bus
[edit]Local buses run in loops around the island:
- Route 601 runs counterclockwise from Houzhai Town (Gongqian Dayuan Station) past major towns and some sights including Yun'ao and Qing'ao Bay.
- Route 602 runs the same loop clockwise (the reverse of 601).
Ask at the stop for the current timetable, as service frequency varies by season.
See
[edit]1 Qing'ao Bay (at the eastern end of the island). Nan'ao Island's beach, shaped like a crescent. Its "Natural Gate," a landmark tower marking the Tropic of Cancer, is a popular sunrise viewing spot. 
2 Song Well (Located by the beach in Ao Qian Village). An old well traditionally associated with the Southern Song period. Despite being close to the sea, it is known locally for its fresh-tasting water.
3 General's Mansion (Shen'ao Town). A well-preserved coastal defence headquarters from the Ming and Qing periods, with displays on local maritime history.The "recruiting tree" in front of the mansion is said to be related to Zheng Chenggong. 
4 Treasure Island. A rocky headland linked to local pirate-treasure folklore, with short walks and sea views.
5 Wind Farm Tourist Area (Qizai Peng, Guolao Shan area). A large onshore wind farm on the island's central hills, with open coastal views; popular around sunset in clear weather.
Do
[edit]1 Qing'ao Bay sunrise and beach activities, Provincial Highway 336 in Nanao County. Qing'ao Bay is a crescent-shaped beach and a popular spot on the island for sunrise.Come before dawn to watch the sun rise over the sea, then spend the day swimming, paddling in the gentle surf or joining small-boat and sea-fishing trips from the bay.
2 Hike in Huanghua Mountain National Forest Park. Huanghua Mountain is an island national forest park with coastal forest, signed hiking trails and viewpoints，cliff carvings, wartime tunnels and memorials. Allow half a day to a full day for hiking.
Buy
[edit]1 Danji Nan'ao Specialty Products Store(丹记南澳特产行), First floor of the Science and Technology Building, Haibin Road, Houzhai Town. 8:00–22:00. An established local specialty store selling dried seafood, seaweed, honey and snacks.
2 Trendy Goods Collection Creative Store (Nan'ao Houzhai Store)（潮物集文创商店）, No. 03, Building B, Houzhai Waterfront Plaza, opposite the Starfish Hotel.. 9:30–22:30. This cultural and creative products store combines traditional crafts with local specialties, offering Chaozhou-style souvenirs such as postcards, fridge magnets, mugs, and canvas bags. It also sells cookies, Chaozhou snacks, and some dried seafood.
3 Nan'ao Souvenirs (Specialty Products)（南澳手信（土特产专卖））, No. 03, Building B, Houzhai Waterfront Plaza, opposite the Starfish Hotel.. 9:00–21:00. A large specialty shop selling Nan'ao snacks and souvenirs such as dried squid, dried shrimp, seaweed, biscuits and boxed gift sets.
Eat
[edit]1 Happy Island seafood stalls (幸福岛海鲜大排档), Shop 103, Building B (Huating on the south bank of Haibin Road), ☏ +86 754-89806999. 10:00–14:30; 16:30–21:00. Casual seafood stalls; prices vary by seasonal catch.
2 Mong Kok Seafood Restaurant (旺角海鲜餐厅), Shop No. 111, Nanxin Maritime Oriental Plaza (Qing'ao Bay), ☏ +86 13410078379. 10:00–22:00. Seafood restaurant near Qing'ao Bay.
Drink
[edit]Most places focus on food rather than nightlife. For a wider range of bars and cafés, consider spending an evening in Shantou.
Sleep
[edit]1 Nan'ao Grand YunTian Hotel, Beisha Bay (south of the Ring Road in Houzhai Town). Check-in: 14:00, check-out: noon. $60.
2 Yorman Resort, Qing'ao Bay, ☏ +86 754 8686 8282. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel faces the sea. $57.
Connect
[edit]Mobile coverage is generally good in towns and around major beaches, but it can be patchy in remote coves and on mountain roads. Many hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi.
Camping
[edit]Camping is permitted in designated areas of beaches like Qing'ao Bay, where you can pitch your own or a rented tent. Always check weather and tide forecasts beforehand, set up camp well above the high-tide line, and follow strict leave-no-trace camping principles.
For wilderness hiking in areas like Huanghuashan Forest Park or remote coves, it is strongly advised to travel with a partner, carry sufficient water and communication devices, and inform others of your planned route.
Stay safe
[edit]- Swim only in designated areas and heed tide warnings.
- The ring road is narrow and winding. E-scooter riders must wear helmets, and all vehicles should yield to pedestrians.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 110; Ambulance: 120; Fire: 119.
Go next
[edit]- Shantou city: Approximately a 1.5-hour drive, where you can sample local specialties like Chaoshan beef hotpot and raw marinated seafood, and visit the Little Park historic district.
- Chaozhou: About 2 hours away, this national historical and cultural city offers attractions like Guangji Bridge and Paifang Street, along with authentic Chaozhou culture and Kung Fu tea.
- Zhangzhou/Xiamen: A 2.5-3 hour drive south, accessible via the G15 Shenhai Expressway, offering visits to famous spots like Gulangyu Island and Zhangzhou Volcanic Island.