【Guangdong】Nan'ao Island

Nan'ao Island, Shantou's only island county, boasts a 77km coastline crowned by Qing'ao Bay—dubbed the "Oriental Hawaii." The Song Well's freshwater spring emerges steps from the sea, reflecting ancient geological marvels. At Commander’s Fort, Zheng Chenggong's recruitment tree and Qing-era cannons narrate anti-pirate history, while Asia's largest offshore wind farm (240 MW) spins atop Windmill Mountain. In 2025, a new glass walkway extends over the Pacific, with pressure-sensitive LEDs creating glowing ripples underfoot—spot Chinese white dolphins breaching waves.

For immersive experiences: charter boats for sea fishing (grouper, yellowfin seabream), learn net-casting from Tanka fishermen, or cook your catch at Yun'ao market. During the Fishermen’s Festival (lunar June 24), drumbeats accompany fire-dragon dances on the beach. Birdwatchers must visit November-March: Wu Islet sanctuary hosts endangered black-faced spoonbills, a spectacle named "China's Top 10 Wetland Wonders" by Chinese National Geography.

· Nan'ao Island implements an "industry-free island" policy, hosting Guangdong's only coastal migratory bird sanctuary (120 bird species), with negative oxygen ion concentrations reaching 4,000 ions/cm³ .

· The Fishermen's Festival (lunar June 24) features Mazu worship rituals, colorful boat parades, and salty-water folk songs. In 2024, Yun'ao Town was awarded "Guangdong Provincial Cultural Tourism Characteristic Town" for preserving this heritage.

· The Nan'ao Bridge toll is waived on public holidays. Island Loop Buses 601/602 connect key sites including Qing'ao Bay, Song Well, and Three Chimney Cliff Lighthouse.

📍Location: Nan'ao County, Shantou City

💰Ticket: Free entry (some sites: ¥20 Qing'ao Bay, ¥10 Commander's Fort)

⛴️Transport: Ferry from Laiwu Pier to Changshanwei Pier (40min, ¥20); Self-drive via Nan'ao Bridge (¥96 toll)

🏄New Activity: Coral snorkeling at Zhuqidu Bay (underwater photography provided)