Nan'ao Island (南澳岛)

Nan'ao Island (南澳岛, Nán'ào Dǎo) is Guangdong's best-kept island secret — a 40km island connected to the mainland by a dramatic bridge, with seafood restaurants, fishing villages, and empty beaches. Unlike the crowded beaches of Hainan, Nan'ao is quiet, authentic, and refreshingly undeveloped.

What to See & Do

Nan'ao Bridge (南澳大桥) — A 11km bridge connecting the island to the mainland. The drive across is spectacular — ocean on both sides.

Qing'ao Bay (青澳湾) — The island's best beach, a crescent of white sand with clear water. Good for swimming and sunbathing.

Fishing Village Seafood — The villages along the coast have seafood restaurants where you can eat what the fishermen catch that morning.

Rizhao Rock (日光岩) — A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.

Getting There

By car/bus — From Shantou, take the Nan'ao Bridge (about 1 hour). Buses run from Shantou bus station.

By scooter — Rent a scooter on the island for the best experience. ¥50-80 ($7-11) per day.

Practical Tips

• Best visited on a weekday — weekends get crowded with Guangdong families
• The seafood is freshest near the bridge, not in the tourist areas
• Bring sunscreen and water — the island is sunny and has few convenience stores
• A full day is enough for the highlights; 2 days for a relaxed visit