Tailored Travel
Chaoshan · The Duet of Coast and Culture
About This Journey
Over four days, you move through three worlds. First, Chaozhou, an ancient city where temple incense still rises alongside the scent of freshly brewed tea, and a thousand-year-old bridge still opens its floating pontoons each evening. From there, you turn to Shantou, where the grand arcades of the old town tell stories of overseas Chinese who built a city from afar. And finally, Nan'ao Island, where the Tropic of Cancer cuts through the sea, and a winding coastal road leads you past lighthouses, fishing villages, and beaches that face the open ocean.
Why This Journey
Walk through a living museum of ancient Chaozhou, where temple incense meets the scent of Gongfu tea, and a Song Dynasty bridge still opens its floating pontoons each evening — as if time itself moves at its own pace.
Discover the stories of overseas Chinese in Shantou's arcaded streets, where grand old buildings still echo with tales of those who built a city from across the sea — stories of leaving, longing, and returning.
Taste the flavors that define Chaoshan, the sizzle of beef hotpot, the freshness of raw seafood, the sweetness of island seaweed, and the tangy bite of preserved fruit.
Follow the coastal road around Nan'ao Island, where lighthouses, fishing villages, and quiet beaches unfold around every bend — and the Tropic of Cancer passes through the sea, as if the island itself sits at the edge of something larger.
Itinerary
Morning finds you crossing Guangji Bridge, climbing the stone steps of Hanwengong Ci. Han Yu, a Tang Dynasty scholar-official exiled here for speaking truth to power, spent just eight months in Chaozhou, yet the city has honored him for over a thousand years. From the hilltop, enjoy panoramic views of the Han River curving around the ancient city and Guangji Bridge stretching across the water.
Later, you walk through Paifang Street, where 22 Ming and Qing stone arches line the old town center. Step into Kaiyuan Temple, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple with incense that has burned for over a thousand years. Here, you can walk beneath ancient red walls and Tang-dynasty eaves, explore woodcarvings that have survived over a thousand years, and find a moment of quiet in the soft incense smoke drifting through the courtyard.
In the evening, head back to Guangji Bridge to witness the "floating bridge" being dismantled — a daily ritual where pontoons are untied to allow boats to pass. After dark, the bridge lights up, casting reflections across the Han River. Stand on the east bank for the best view of the light show. Chaozhou doesn't reveal itself to the eye alone. You have to walk its streets and taste its food before it begins to speak.
Hotels
Huayijinxin Hotel
Nestled on the main Chaofeng Road, the hotel places you moments from Chaozhou's historic Old Town, West Lake, Kaiyuan Temple, and vibrant shopping hubs like RT-Mart and Nanfengli Mall.
1 night (Day 1)
Longhu Hotel
Centrally located in Shantou's prime Longhu business district, Longhu Hotel places you just steps from MIXC Mall and Longyan South Road Food Street, while offering easy 10-minute access to the old town, railway station, airport express, and expressway.
1 night (Day 2)
Yorman Resort
Yorman Resort boasts an unrivaled beachfront location with golden sandy shores and breathtaking sea views, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and refined comfort. Featuring elegant guest rooms, exclusive tea pavilions, sea-view dining, kids' club, gym, and shared kitchen.
1 night (Day 3)
Photo Gallery
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- 3 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast included
- English-speaking guide for 4 days
- Local transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private chauffeur service to/from airport or railway station at the start and end of your trip
- Travel insurance for 4 days
- 24/7 online travel assistance throughout the trip
What's Excluded
- All admission fees and activity costs not explicitly included in the itinerary
- Any optional, recommended, or self-funded items listed in the itinerary
- All meals, snacks, and beverages other than breakfast
- Gratuities for driver and guide (at guest's discretion)
- Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, and other items of a personal nature
Booking & Payment
How do I book this tour?
Ready to start your China journey? Click "Start Your Journey" in the upper right corner to fill out the inquiry form, or send an email to hello@localechina.com and include your travel preferences. One of our travel designers will get in touch with you promptly to craft a one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored just for you.
What is the payment schedule?
A. Deposit: To begin reserving your arrangements, we ask for a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost per person. Don't worry, this deposit goes directly toward your trip and will be deducted from your final payment.
B. Full payment: Final payment for your trip is due 30 days before departure. If you book within 30 days of your travel date, full payment will be required at the time of booking. We accept credit card, international bank transfer, WeChat, and Alipay.
What is your cancellation policy?
See our full booking conditions here.
Why LocaleChina
Because great journeys are built on local knowledge. Unlike large international operators, we're based right here in China — meaning faster response, deeper connections, and authentic experiences you can't book online.
- Insider access · Skip-the-line VIP entry, hidden viewpoints, and private cultural encounters
- Full service, no hidden costs · Private GL8 transport, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodations — all arranged
- Real-time support · 24/7 local assistance before and during your trip