Explore Nan'ao County: A Fantastic Journey to a Niche Island

Located in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, Nan'ao County is China's only island county, consisting of the main island, Nan'ao Island, and numerous surrounding islets. With its blue sea and sky, quaint fishing villages, and rich history and culture, it attracts tourists from all directions. Here's a travel guide to Nan'ao Island to help you plan your trip: 🌟Must-See Attractions Qing'ao Bay - Highlights: Known as the "Oriental Hawaii," it boasts fine sand, crystal-clear water, and is the most popular beach on Nan'ao Island. - Check-in Spots: The Tropic of Cancer Marker Tower, "Gate of Nature," is a great spot for photos at sunrise and sunset. - Activities: Swimming, jet skiing, beach volleyball, and bonfires on summer nights. Jinyin Island (Gold and Silver Island) - Features: Legend has it that this was where the Ming Dynasty pirate Wu Ping hid his treasure. The island is dotted with strange rocks, surrounded by plank roads, and offers stunning sea views. - Tickets: Approx. CNY 6, perfect for a short exploration. Song Well - History: An ancient well dug by the last emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty during his escape. The well water is sweet and remains unaffected by seawater despite its proximity to the ocean, a true wonder. - Nearby: The ruins of the Crown Prince's Mansion are nearby, a must-see for history buffs. Wind Farm Scenic Area - Highlights: This is Asia's largest island wind farm. The white wind turbines against the backdrop of the mountains and sea create a picturesque scene, perfect for photography. - Recommended: Wind Turbine No. 42 offers excellent views, including a distant view of the Nan'ao Bridge. Zongbingfu (General's Mansion) - Culture: The station of the naval commander of the two provinces of Fujian and Guangdong during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Learn about Nan'ao's military history, and see the statue of Zheng Chenggong and ancient cannons. Houhuayuan Ecological Tourism Village - Experience: Hike through the mountains and forests, overlooking the sea and sky. The azaleas bloom in spring, and the village offers local farmhouse cuisine. 🚗Transportation Guide - Getting to the Island - Self-driving: Via Nan'ao Bridge (toll CNY 96, free on holidays), approx. 40 mins. - Public Bus: Take Bus No. 161/105 from downtown Shantou to the Nan'ao Island Tourist Center (approx. CNY 15), then transfer to the No. 601/602 circular island bus. - Chartered Car/Ride-sharing: More cost-effective for groups, approx. CNY 200-300/car. - Island Transportation - Electric Scooter Rental: CNY 60-100/day, convenient for getting around the island, but be mindful of the battery. - Shared Bikes: Available in some areas, suitable for short trips. - Chartered Car Tour: Approx. CNY 300/day, the driver can also act as a guide, suitable for families or groups. 🍤Food Guide - Must-Try Specialties - Seafood Stalls: Those in Qing'ao Bay or Yun'ao Fishing Port are good, with fresh seafood cooked to order, averaging CNY 80-150 per person. - Laver Fried Rice: Nan'ao laver is famous, paired with dried shrimp and eggs, it's incredibly fragrant. - Oyster Omelet: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, even more delicious with fish sauce. - Longxu Cai (Gracilaria) Soup: A local seaweed, refreshing and palate-cleansing. - Sugar Onion Pancake: A street snack, sweet but not greasy. - Recommended Restaurants - Xu Dajie's Dishes (Qing'ao Bay): A reputable seafood stall with clearly marked prices. - Jixin Milk Dessert House: Offers double skin milk, ginger milk curd, and other Cantonese desserts. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations - High-end Sea View: Hotels near Qing'ao Bay (e.g., Hotspring Hotel), CNY 500-1,000/night, with private beaches. - Characteristic B&Bs: Fisherman's B&Bs in Houzhai Town or Yun'ao Town, CNY 200-400/night, offering a taste of fishing village life. - Budget-friendly Options: Budget hotels in Nan'ao County (Houzhai Town), conveniently located, approx. CNY 150-300/night. - Tips: Book in advance during peak season (July-August/National Day Holiday), prices are negotiable by around 30% in the off-season. 📅Best Time to Visit - May-October: Suitable for seaside activities, July-August sees the most tourists, avoid typhoon season. - November-April: Fewer crowds, delicious seafood, but the water is too cold for swimming. 💡Travel Tips Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent: The island has strong UV rays, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito repellent. Island Route: Recommended counterclockwise route (Nan'ao Bridge → Changshanwei Lighthouse → Qian'ao Bay → Houzhai Town → Yun'ao Fishing Port → Qing'ao Bay), approx. 68 km in total. Cultural Experiences: You might encounter the "You Shen Sai Hui" (folk parade) during the Lunar New Year, and the Fisherman's Culture Festival in the summer. Eco-friendly Travel: Don't litter, protect the marine ecosystem. Nan'ao Island is perfect for a leisurely trip, 2-3 days are enough for in-depth exploration. Whether you're chasing the sunrise, exploring ancient sites, or indulging in a seafood feast, this island will give you a perfect vacation! 🌊✨