Plan at a glance
Road-access island
Qi'ao Island is reached over Qi'ao Bridge from Tangjiawan, with no ferry needed. Most areas are free and open all day; the mangrove reserve needs booking and is generally best visited from 9am to 5pm.
Nanteng Archway, the mangrove car park and Baishi Street are the main access points. Allow 3-4 hours for a half-day, or 6-8 hours for a full island route.
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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A 3-4 hour route
Start at Baishi Street for the old street and tofu pudding, then rent an e-bike or bicycle to circle the island. Continue to Qisha Bay for the lighthouse and beach, then finish at Nanmang Bay Park for sunset.
A 6-8 hour route
Visit the mangrove reserve and boardwalk in the morning, then see Baishi Street, Su Zhaozheng's former residence and the anti-opium fortifications. Spend the afternoon cycling to Qisha Bay Lighthouse and Nanmang Bay Park.
Tidal-flat route
Use Nanmang Bay Park in the afternoon, and only enter rocky tidal areas with suitable conditions, non-slip water shoes and enough time to leave before the water rises.
Build your day
Wetland, old street and coast
The mangrove reserve has about 2 km of boardwalk. From November to March it is useful for birdwatching; at low tide, mudskippers and fiddler crabs can be seen.
Baishi Street has stone paving, Lingnan houses, Su Zhaozheng's former residence and anti-opium fortifications. Continue by bicycle or e-bike to Qisha Bay and Nanmang Bay Park.
Sunset at Nanmang Bay
Nanmang Bay Park has lawns, sea views, toilets and foot-washing facilities, making it a practical last stop. Qisha Bay's white lighthouse and rocky shore are useful for the earlier afternoon.
Get there
Bus, driving and island transport
Drive over Qi'ao Bridge with no toll; several island car parks are free. Qi'ao Community Party-Masses Service Centre is useful for Baishi Street, while mangrove and Nanmang Bay car parks are also free.
Bus 85 goes directly to Qi'ao North. Rent an e-bike or bicycle for the longer sections, but leave it outside Baishi Street because the old street is pedestrian-only.
Know before you go
Mangroves, parking and rentals
Do not make the mangrove reserve your only plan because it needs booking and may close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Use a staffed rental point, and confirm price, deposit and return zone before taking an e-bike.
Parking opposite Baishi Street costs about CNY 10 per hour; the community service-centre car park is more practical. Weekdays are calmer, while weekends are best started before 9am.
Tides, sun and food
Bring sun protection, insect repellent, water and snacks. Tidal rocks are sharp and slippery, so leave immediately if water rises or waves become stronger.
Convenience stores are limited and some older shops may accept cash only. Baishi Street tofu pudding and island seafood restaurants are practical food stops.