Plan at a glance
Small-island scope and ticketing
Jinyin Island is on the southeast beach of Aoqian Village, Yun'ao Town, in the northeast of Nan'ao Island and around 3–6 km from Qing'ao Bay; enter from the scenic area’s main gate. Adult entry is CNY 6 and concessions are half price, no reservation is required, reference hours are 08:00–17:30 with last entry at 17:00, and the small site normally takes 20–30 minutes.
How to use it in your route
This is best used as an eastern-island stop, with the Treasure Guardian Lady statue, rock boardwalk, small caves and bay as its focus. Do not expect a large adventure attraction from pirate-treasure stories; the practical value is a short rock walk, aquaculture-net views and a quiet coastal pause.
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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30 minutes: rock boardwalk and sea views
Enter through the main gate, see the Treasure Guardian Lady statue, follow the rock boardwalk to the coastal viewpoint and return the same way. Rocks and algae can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and do not leave the marked path for a closer angle.
Around 2 hours: eastern-island short combination
Continue from Jinyin Island to Song Well, then use Yun'ao Fishing Harbour for coloured boats and a meal, combining folklore, history and the harbour. The distances are short, but both Song Well and Jinyin Island are short stops, not places to compress all of the day’s bays, lighthouses and historic sites.
Island-circuit finishing route
After Changshanwei, Qian'ao Bay, Sancong Cliff, Qing'ao Bay and the Natural Gate, choose Jinyin Island, the General’s Office and dinner in Houzhai Town as your closing sequence. Near sunset, use closing hours to decide whether to enter rather than waiting at the roadside for better light.
Build your day
Start with the statue and story context
The Treasure Guardian Lady statue, interior rock caves and stories about Wu Ping’s treasure provide the site’s context, including the saying that the treasure is not flooded at high tide but is covered three feet at low tide. Treat this as background, not a reason to explore: all walking must remain on open boardwalks and viewpoints.
Continue along the boardwalk to the bay
The rock boardwalk looks over green water, red-and-blue aquaculture nets and the coast, with clearer colour in sunshine; light around 16:00–17:00 is softer. A quiet weekday may allow a slower sunset view, but finish the interior route before the 17:00 last-entry time.
Get there
Driving and parking
Drive directly to Jinyin Island, where the gate has a free car park and works well as a circuit stop. After high-speed rail to Shantou Railway Station, you can also use bus 161 or 105 to Nan'ao Island Visitor Centre and rent an e-bike for a listed CNY 50 per day, but long bus intervals mean self-drive is still more flexible for the full island route.
Links with Song Well and Yun'ao
Jinyin Island, Song Well and Yun'ao Fishing Harbour are close enough for short driving connections; do not stop on narrow shoulders for photographs or use ticket handling offered by pier solicitors. Follow official markings for parking and coastal access.
Know before you go
Sun, insects and rock safety
There is little shade and mosquitoes are common, so bring sun protection, insect repellent, water and non-slip shoes; algae-covered rocks are uneven and sandals are unsuitable. Clear days and softer afternoon light are good for sea views, but never leave the boardwalk or approach wet edges for a photograph.
Time and spending expectations
The CNY 6 ticket is for a small, convenient stop, and travellers who only want sea views can find free coast elsewhere on the island; it makes most sense inside an eastern route. For seafood and gifts, use clearly priced businesses in Yun'ao Town or Houzhai Town rather than accepting an expensive last-minute recommendation at the gate.