Nan'ao Island (南澳岛) is in Guangdong Province, China.
Understand
[edit]
It is a bedrocky continental island and an important habitat for Chinese white dolphins, known as the "Hawaii of the East".
Nan'ao Island is the only entire island that is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction in China. Nan'ao Island has always been a necessary berthing and transit point for trade along China's southeast coast, and it is also the main channel for Chinese mainland's trade with Taiwan and maritime trade, and an important node of the "Maritime Silk Road".
It is administered as part of Nan'ao County in Shantou City. It is the only island in Nan'ao County with residents.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]The most convenient way to get to the island is via the Nan'ao Bridge.
By boat
[edit]The ferry from Laiwu Ferry to Changshanwei Ferry is still in operation, but the frequency is small, so you need to check in advance.
By bus
[edit]From Shantou city, you can take bus No. 161 directly to Nan'ao.
Get around
[edit]On foot
[edit]Due to the considerable distances between the main attractions, it is not recommended to explore the entire island entirely on foot. Some hiking trails and mountaintop viewpoints still require other means of transportation to reach.
By car
[edit]There are a small number of local car rental companies in Houzhai Town on the island, but there are fewer options, so it is recommended to book in advance on online platforms.
By bus
[edit]No. 601: Counterclockwise roundabout route. Departing from Houzhai Town (Gongqian Dayuan Station), passing through major towns and some scenic spots such as Yun'ao, Qing'ao Bay, and Shen'ao Town.
No. 602: Clockwise roundabout. The route is the opposite of route 601.
See
[edit]1 Qing'ao Bay (at the eastern end of the island). Nan'ao Island's beach, shaped like a crescent. Its "Natural Gate," a landmark tower marking the Tropic of Cancer, is a nice spot for watching the sunrise. 
2 Song well (Located by the beach in Ao Qian Village). An ancient well of the Southern Song Dynasty with sweet water quality.
3 General's Mansion (Shen'ao Town). China's only relatively well-preserved island general's mansion has witnessed the history of coastal defense in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The "recruiting tree" in front of the mansion is said to be related to Zheng Chenggong.
4 Treasure Island. 一A small peninsula closely linked to the legend of pirate treasure. The island is rocky and photogenic.
5 Wind Farm Tourist Area (Qizai Peng, Guolao Shan area). Asia's largest island wind farm, also a popular place to watch the sunset.
Do
[edit]Nan'ao Island offers a variety of activities for visitors. Qing'ao Bay offers opportunities for sightseeing and fishing. You can also enjoy swimming and various water sports at the main beaches.
Buy
[edit]For souvenirs, consider dried seafood like shrimp, scallops, and the local specialty, Nan'ao seaweed. Nan'ao golden potatoes are another distinctive local product. The best place to find these items and other handicrafts are the shops and markets in Houzhai Town, the island's main commercial area.
Eat
[edit]1 Happy Island seafood stalls (幸福岛海鲜大排档), Shop 103, Building B (Huating on the south bank of Haibin Road), ☏ +86 754-89806999. 1000-14:30; 16:30-21:00.
2 Mong Kok Seafood Restaurant (旺角海鲜餐厅), Shop No. 111, Nanxin Maritime Oriental Plaza (Qing'ao Bay), ☏ +86 13410078379. 10:22:00.
Sleep
[edit]1 Nan'ao Grand YunTian Hotel, Beisha Bay (south of the Ring Road in Houzhai Town). Check-in: 14:00, check-out: noon. $60.
2 Yorman Resort, Qing'ao Bay, ☏ +86 754 8686 8282. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel faces the sea. $57.
Camping
[edit]Camping is permitted in designated areas of beaches like Qing'ao Bay, where you can pitch your own or a rented tent. Always check weather and tide forecasts beforehand, set up camp well above the high-tide line, and follow strict leave-no-trace camping principles.
For wilderness hiking in areas like Huanghuashan Forest Park or remote coves, it is strongly advised to travel with a partner, carry sufficient water and communication devices, and inform others of your planned route.
Stay safe
[edit]- Swim only in designated areas and heed tide warnings.
- The ring road is narrow and winding. E-scooter riders must wear helmets, and all vehicles should yield to pedestrians.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 110; Ambulance: 120; Fire: 119.
Go next
[edit]- Shantou city: Approximately a 1.5-hour drive, where you can sample local specialties like Chaoshan beef hotpot and raw marinated seafood, and visit the Little Park historic district.
- Chaozhou: About 2 hours away, this national historical and cultural city offers attractions like Guangji Bridge and Paifang Street, along with authentic Chaozhou culture and Kung Fu tea.
- Zhangzhou/Xiamen: A 2.5-3 hour drive south, accessible via the G15 Shenhai Expressway, offering visits to famous spots like Gulangyu Island and Zhangzhou Volcanic Island.