Plan at a glance
Entrances and costs
Cuoshi Scenic Area is in Queshi Subdistrict of Haojiang District, across the Inner Bay from the old city; use the Tashan Scenic Area north gate or the area by Jinshan Middle School for the cable car, while Yanshan and eastern approaches suit walking routes. The main scenic area is free and normally open 08:00–17:00 with last entry at 17:15; the cable car runs roughly 08:00–17:00, and the cable car and slide have separate charges.
How much time to allow
Choose either a low-effort cable-car route or a 3–4 hour hike according to your fitness; reaching the main viewpoints alone takes around 2 hours. The listed cable-car fare is CNY 22–25 one way or CNY 40 return, while the slide is listed at CNY 60 for one rider and CNY 80 for two; operation is subject to the arrangements in place that day.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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Around 2 hours: easier viewpoints
From Guangchang Ferry pier, cross to Queshi and transfer to the cable-car entrance near Jinshan Middle School, then take the cable car to Piaoran Pavilion for views over the Inner Bay before returning by slide or cable car. This option works for families, visitors with limited walking ability or anyone mainly seeking the mountain-and-bay view.
3–4 hours: the classic hike
Enter at Tashan Scenic Area north gate, then walk through Taohuajian, Chuihong Cave, the Xianglu Mountain trail and Piaoran Pavilion before choosing the cable car or walking downhill. The cave and stone-step sections require non-slip footwear, and you should not begin too late if you rely on the cable car for the descent.
Photography and slower loop
Enter near Su’ai Ecological Garden, walk to Xianyuan Pavilion and the viewing platforms, then descend toward Jinshan Middle School and return by Queshi Ferry for sunset. This route is more spread out than the core visit, so carry enough water and leave sufficient time for the return journey.
Build your day
Uphill: caves and mountain paths
Hikers begin at Taohuajian, then pass through Chuihong Cave, a linked cave system more than 1,200 metres long, before climbing the Xianglu Mountain trail. Follow signs, do not hurry across damp stone, and switch the upper climb to the cable car if your energy is running low.
Views and descent: Piaoran Pavilion to the ferry
Piaoran Pavilion is around 198 metres above sea level and looks over Shantou’s Inner Bay, the meeting point of three waterways and the city; starting uphill around 15:00–16:00 can combine the summit with the bay sunset. Arrive earlier if you want the slide because it may sell out later in the afternoon, then return to the city from Queshi Ferry pier.
Get there
Crossing from the city
The most direct experience is Guangchang Ferry to Queshi Ferry pier, with a listed one-way fare of CNY 1, a reference frequency of every 20 minutes and a reference service period of 06:30–20:00; Tashan north gate is a 10–15 minute walk from the pier. Routes 11, 37 and 703 stop at Cuoshi Scenic Area, followed by a walk of around 800 metres to Tashan north gate.
Navigation when driving
For the cable car, set navigation to Tashan Scenic Area north gate or the Jinshan Middle School area; searching only for the scenic area can send you to a hiking entrance. The Queshi east-gate greenway car park has relatively more spaces, while Tashan north gate and the ferry area are closer to different entrances.
Know before you go
Activity times and safety
The slide’s reference hours are 09:30–11:30 and 12:30–17:00, while the cable car stops at 17:00, so do not depend on either activity for a descent when it is already near closing. The woods have mosquitoes, caves and steps can be slippery, and ridge areas are exposed; bring insect repellent, sun protection and non-slip trainers, and long trousers are more comfortable for the cable car.
Crowds and weather
It is usually quieter before 09:00, while public-holiday afternoons bring longer cable-car and slide queues. There is limited shade at the summit and wind can be strong by the sea, so carry water and a light layer, and adjust a high-viewpoint plan in thunderstorms or poor visibility.