Plan at a glance
Island entry, scope and transport choice
Nan'ao Island is an island county connected to the mainland by Nan'ao Bridge, with the bridgehead and visitor service centre as common starting points. The listed bridge charge for a small car is CNY 96, charged only when entering the island; the island loop is about 70 km and sights are spread out, so self-driving is the most flexible option, while public transport and e-bikes suit a slower visit with fewer targets.
How to arrange your time
For a first visit with limited time, allow 6–8 hours for a one-day island highlights route; stay one night and use two days if you want to include lighthouses, bays, Windmill Mountain, No. 2 Road and the forest park. Most coastal points can be entered all day, but plan outdoor activity for 08:00–18:00 and include bridge congestion and the sunset route in your total timing.
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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: island highlights route
After entering via Nan'ao Bridge, visit Changshanwei Lighthouse, Tianzai Geological Park, Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse, Houzhai Town, Sancong Cliff Lighthouse, Qing'ao Bay and the Natural Gate in sequence. There are many stops and long driving distances, so have lunch in Houzhai Town and decide on the final coastal stop before evening.
Two days: a more relaxed first visit
On day one, visit Changshanwei Lighthouse, Tianzai Geological Park, Houzhai Town, Sancong Cliff Lighthouse and Qing'ao Bay for sunset; on day two, add Tropic of Cancer Square, Windmill Mountain, No. 2 Road, Rainbow Sea and the Island National Forest Park. This separates the western lighthouse section from the eastern and northern nature routes and reduces repeated backtracking.
Family bay route
Make Qing'ao Bay beach, the Natural Gate, Haiquan Bay and Houzhai Town seafood the day’s key stops. Children’s time playing in the sand and wading will take longer, so do not also add distant lighthouses and mountain-road viewpoints.
Build your day
After entering the island: bridgehead to the central lighthouses
After crossing the bridge, first go to Changshanwei Lighthouse, then Tianzai Geological Park and Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse, with sea-eroded rocks, boardwalks and differently coloured lighthouses along the way. Stopping or getting out for photographs on Nan'ao Bridge is strictly prohibited, so use authorised parking points for views of the bridge and bay.
Afternoon: Houzhai, east route and bay sunset
After lunch and supplies in Houzhai Town, continue to Sancong Cliff Lighthouse, Qing'ao Bay and the Natural Gate; if time is short, keep one lighthouse and one bay as priorities. Stay near Qing'ao Bay if sunrise matters, or choose Houzhai Town for easier dining and supplies, then adjust day two’s direction to your accommodation.
Get there
Reaching the island
Self-driving via Nan'ao Bridge is the most flexible option; after arriving by high-speed rail at Shantou Railway Station or Shantou South Railway Station, take bus 161 or 105 to the island, with a listed journey of about 1.5 hours and fare of CNY 14, or choose a taxi or shared ride. The bridge becomes congested on weekends and public holidays, so reach the island before 07:00 or avoid peak periods.
Island transport and parking
E-bikes can be rented for a listed CNY 50–80 per day, but check the brakes and battery first and keep a reserve for mountain-road consumption; circular buses 601 and 602 have long intervals. Scenic-spot parking is listed at CNY 10–30 per visit, and the areas around Houzhai and Qing'ao Bay are commonly used for parking and supplies.
Know before you go
Costs, driving and coastal safety
Confirm whether the shared-ride or taxi quotation includes the island-entry bridge charge, so you do not pay twice; you cannot stop on the bridge, and photographs should be taken from safe parking points. Coastal sun is strong, and tides and rock conditions change quickly, so check the tide and remain within safe areas before shore foraging or entering the intertidal zone.
Crowds, accommodation and food
April–June and September–November are usually more comfortable, while July–August usually bring higher crowds and prices; before 08:00 and after 16:00 are easier for avoiding midday sun and congestion. For seafood, choose clearly priced businesses in Houzhai Town; choose Qing'ao Bay for sunrise priority or Houzhai Town for easier food and supplies.