Just returned from Nan'ao Island, really don't recommend going in June-July

**Nan'ao Island Travel Guide** (Shantou, Guangdong) Nan'ao Island is Guangdong's only island county, hailed as the "Oriental Hawaii," featuring azure seas, sky, windmill mountains, lighthouses, fishing villages, and delicious cuisine. It's a perfect destination for road trips, cycling, photography, and vacations. **1. Transportation Guide** *How to get to Nan'ao Island?* 🚗 **By car (recommended)**: - Via **Nan'ao Bridge** (approx. 11 km long, toll fee 96 RMB per vehicle, free on holidays). - Note: Many one-way roads on the island, speed limit 40-60 km/h on the ring road. - **By bus**: - Take **Bus 161/105** from Shantou city to Nan'ao County (approx. 1.5 hours, fare 15 RMB). - 🚅 **High-speed rail + taxi**: - Arrive at **Shantou Station**, then take a taxi to Nan'ao Island (approx. 1 hour, 150-200 RMB). *Transportation on the island* - **E-bike rental**: 50-80 RMB/day, ideal for short trips. - **Private car/self-drive**: Recommended, as attractions are scattered (island loop ~70 km). - **🚌 Bus**: Routes 601/602 reach some spots, but frequency is low. **2. Must-Visit Attractions** *Classic spots* ✅ **Changshanwei Lighthouse (Qihang Square)** - Red lighthouse at the entrance of Nan'ao Bridge, stunning sunset views, great for photos. - 📍 Navigation: Changshanwei Ferry Parking Lot ✅ **Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse** - White + mint-green lighthouse, perfect for portrait shots. - 📍 Navigation: Qian'ao Bay Resort ✅ **Sancony Cliff Lighthouse (Twin Lighthouses)** - Largest lighthouse on the island, red-and-white stripes, breathtaking cliffside sea views. - 📍 Navigation: Sancony Cliff Lighthouse Viewing Deck ✅ **Qing'ao Bay (Oriental Hawaii)** - Nan'ao's most beautiful beach, crystal-clear water, great for swimming and sunrise (Tropic of Cancer Square located here). - 📍 Navigation: Qing'ao Bay Tourist Area ✅ **Qizai Peng Windmill Mountain** - Dozens of giant windmills, offering panoramic island views, spectacular for photos. - 📍 Navigation: Qizai Peng (Best view at Windmill No. 42 platform) ✅ **Golden & Silver Island (Marine Secret)** - Legendary pirate treasure site, rocky coastline ideal for exploration. - 📍 Navigation: Golden & Silver Island Scenic Area ✅ **Hougongyuan Eco-Tourism Village** - Hilltop sea-view platform overlooking the entire island, perfect for drone shots. - 📍 Navigation: Hougongyuan Village *Hidden gems* 🌊 **Yun'ao Fishing Port**: Authentic fishing village vibe, great for boat and sunset photography. 🌊 **Song Well**: Ancient well from the Song Dynasty, where saltwater and freshwater coexist, rich in history. 🌊 **Admiral's Mansion**: Ming-Qing coastal defense relic, ideal for history buffs. **3. Itinerary Suggestions** *1-day trip (compact version)* - Morning: Changshanwei Lighthouse → Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse → Sancony Cliff Lighthouse - Afternoon: Swim at Qing'ao Bay → Qizai Peng Windmill Mountain → Golden & Silver Island - Evening: Sunset at Yun'ao Fishing Port *2-day trip (in-depth)* - **Day1**: East Island Loop (Lighthouses + Qing'ao Bay + Windmill Mountain) - **Day2**: Hougongyuan Village → Admiral's Mansion → Song Well → Leisurely fishing village stroll **4. Food Recommendations** 🍤 **Must-try seafood**: - Seaweed fried rice, oysters, squid, grouper, sea urchin steamed egg - Recommended restaurants: - **Sister Xu's Kitchen** (Qing'ao Bay, great value) - **Haichao Flavor** (Yun'ao Town, fresh steamed seafood) 🍜 **Chaoshan specialties**: - Beef hotpot, kway teow soup, oyster omelet, Nan'ao seaweed 🍹 **Drinks & snacks**: - Grass jelly, sea moss jelly (refreshing dessert) **5. Accommodation Recommendations** 🏡 **Near Qing'ao Bay** (convenient for sunrise): - **Peninsula Yijing Hotel** (sea-view rooms ~300-500 RMB) - **Xianghu Bay Resort Hotel** (luxury, 600+ RMB) 🏘 **Houzhai Town (county center)** (food hub, great value): - **Nan'ao Century Seaview Hotel** (200-400 RMB) ⛺ **Unique stays**: - **Komi Island** (Nordic style, photogenic) - **Rongsheng Guicuo** (retro fishing village vibe) **6. Tips** 1. **Best season**: April-November (swimming in summer, windy after October). 2. **Sun & bug protection**: Strong UV, bring sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent. 3. **Tide safety**: Swim cautiously at Qing'ao Bay, avoid undeveloped areas. 4. **Avoid holidays**: Crowded during National Day/Labor Day, visit off-peak. **7. Nearby Extensions** - **Shantou city** (1-hour drive): Xiaogongyuan arcades, Nan'ao Bridge night views, Shantou beef hotpot. - **Dongshan Island** (3-hour drive): Another stunning island in Fujian, great for combo trips. Nan'ao Island is best enjoyed slowly—rent a car or e-bike to loop the island, stopping for photos, and soak in the sea breeze and freedom! 🌊🚗