Plan at a glance
Bridge scope and crossing rules
Nan'ao Bridge connects Laiwu Peninsula with Nan'ao Island and is about 11.08 km long; enter from the Laiwu side on the mainland and leave from the Nan'ao toll station on the island. There is no admission charge and the bridge is normally open 24 hours, except in severe weather or traffic controls; cars with nine seats or fewer pay the CNY 96 round-trip bridge charge when entering the island and leave free, while statutory expressway-free holidays normally waive the charge.
How to use it in your itinerary
The bridge is an access segment rather than a standalone walk, so make it the opening of a 6–8 hour first-time self-drive island route. Cross between 06:00–08:00 for lighter traffic, then photograph the bridge and bay from Changshanwei Lighthouse, Qihang Square or another authorised viewpoint rather than treating the bridge deck as a photo stop.
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Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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6–8 hours: first island circuit
After crossing, continue in order to Changshanwei Lighthouse, Tianzai Geological Park, Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse, Houzhai Town for lunch, Sancong Cliff Lighthouse, Qing'ao Bay, the Natural Gate, Windmill Mountain and No. 2 Road. The stops are far apart, so decide on the final coastal stop before evening and include the bridge return in your timing.
Bus entry: a slower route with fewer targets
After reaching Shantou Railway Station or Shantou South Railway Station by high-speed rail, take bus 161 or 105 to the island; the listed journey takes about 1.5 hours. This suits a stop at Changshanwei Lighthouse followed by a rental vehicle or only a few island sights, not a same-day attempt at remote lighthouses, mountain roads and several bays.
Ferry and e-bike alternatives
The Lai-Chang ferry from Laiwu Ferry Pier to Changshanwei Ferry Pier runs two fixed services daily, takes about 45 minutes and costs CNY 10 one way for pedestrians; use it only when its timetable fits, not as a walk-up replacement for the bridge. Rent an e-bike only after leaving the bridge at a legitimate rental point, move slowly along the island road and retain battery for climbing roads.
Build your day
Begin with the bridge and red lighthouse
After crossing, go first to Changshanwei Lighthouse and use an authorised parking area to frame the red tower, white bridge and sea, then continue to the sea-eroded rocks and boardwalk at Tianzai Geological Park. Stopping, getting out and driving against traffic on the bridge are prohibited; passengers may photograph through the window only when it does not affect driving safety.
Replenish in the centre, then continue east
Use Houzhai Town for lunch and supplies, then continue to Sancong Cliff Lighthouse, Qing'ao Bay and the Natural Gate; if time is short, keep one lighthouse and one bay. If Windmill Mountain and No. 2 Road are also included, shorten bay stops and finish mountain roads before dark.
Get there
Driving and tolls
Self-driving is the most flexible option, but the bridge speed limit is 60 km/h and overtaking, driving against traffic and illegal stopping are prohibited; the S336 and G539 island roads are also tightly controlled. Traffic builds on weekends and holidays, so cross before 07:00 where possible and watch for possible one-way controls or island-entry limits.
Parking for bridge views and the return trip
Changshanwei Square and Tianzai Geological Park are suitable legal places to park after the bridge, while some scenic-spot car parks list CNY 10–30 per visit. Confirm whether a shared ride or taxi quote includes the CNY 96 entry charge, and allow for the usual 15:00–21:00 outbound congestion.
Know before you go
Island weather and driving preparation
The bridge and island roads have little shade, strong UV exposure and sea winds, so bring high-factor sun protection, a sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and water. In strong wind, heavy rain, low visibility or traffic controls, do not force the planned photographs or mountain-road route.
Do not photograph from the bridge deck
For a full bridge image, use a viewpoint after leaving the bridge, Qihang Square or Changshanwei Lighthouse rather than any claim that it is safe to stop on the deck. Weekdays are generally steadier; on holidays allow extra time for island-entry queues, parking and the outbound bridge bottleneck.
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