Chaoshan 潮汕
A food-and-heritage region shaped by tea, trade, and family traditions.
Why visit
Chaoshan rewards travelers who slow down for old streets, ancestral culture, gongfu tea, markets, seafood, and carefully timed meals.
How to plan your time
Give Chaozhou and Shantou their own days. Add Nan’ao Island only when the weather suits, and leave room for tea and family-origin visits.
Good route pairings
Connect by high-speed rail with Xiamen, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou for a southern food and coast route.
How to Get There
Chaoshan Railway Station and Jieyang Chaoshan Airport serve the region. Private transfer is useful between Chaozhou, Shantou, and Nan’ao.
Don't Miss
- Chaozhou Ancient City
- Guangji Bridge
- Shantou old quarter
Must-See Attractions
Chaozhou Ancient City
Arcades, temples, paifang gates, and riverfront heritage.
Tip: Stay into the evening for the lit-up streets.
Guangji Bridge
A landmark bridge with a movable central section.
Tip: Check opening and crossing times locally.
Shantou old quarter
Commercial heritage and food-focused streets.
Tip: Plan stops around meals and tea.
Where to Eat
Beef hotpot
Fresh sliced beef cooked briefly at the table.
Gongfu tea
A small-pot ritual central to local hospitality.
Where to Stay
Chaozhou old city
Best for evening walks and local food.
Central Shantou
Convenient base for markets and the waterfront.
Tips & Practical Information
Getting around
Use metro or rail inside major cities and a private car for outlying heritage or nature sites. Keep station names and addresses saved in Chinese.
Book ahead
Reserve headline attractions and intercity trains early, especially for weekends, school holidays, and the May and October holiday periods.
Avoid the traps
Avoid overloading arrival and departure days. Allow time for security checks, station transfers, weather changes, and the walking level of your group.
What to pack
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a portable battery, a light rain layer, and clothing suited to the season and local elevation.