Things To Do
in Chaoshan
Chaoshan is a cultural region in eastern Guangdong province centered on the cities of Chaozhou, Shantou and Jieyang, known for its distinct Teochew language, craftsmanship and seafood-rich cuisine. The area blends well-preserved old-town architecture, riverside bridges and lively market streets with nearby islands and coastal scenery. Chaoshan has a strong overseas diaspora which has influenced local business, food and festivals, making it both traditional and outward-facing.
Visitors will find a slower, hospitality-focused pace, abundant food markets and many photography opportunities tied to the region’s temples, bridges and coastal landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Kaiyuan Temple, where the tranquil atmosphere and exquisite architecture will captivate your senses. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, taking in the lush greenery and the sounds of nature, as you move towards the historic heart of Chaozhou. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of Teochew dumplings at a local vendor, embracing the rich flavors of the region.
After lunch, delve into the history of the area by visiting the Chaozhou Ancient City Wall, a magnificent structure that speaks volumes of the city's past. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, discovering traditional courtyard houses and local artisans at work. Stop by the famous Dongmen Bridge for stunning views and a chance to reflect on the local culture.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a riverside restaurant, sampling Chaozhou's renowned seafood dishes. The vibrant atmosphere comes alive with local music and laughter, creating a perfect backdrop for your meal. Conclude your day with a walk along the river, soaking in the illuminated views of the historic buildings.
Start your morning with a visit to a local market, where the sights and sounds of fresh produce and seafood will awaken your senses. Engage with friendly vendors and sample some fresh fruits, while learning about the local ingredients used in traditional Chaozhou cuisine. Afterward, attend a cooking class to learn the art of making classic Teochew dishes like oyster omelettes.
Following your culinary adventure, take a tea-tasting session at a local tea house, where you can savor the delicate flavors of Chaozhou tea, particularly the famous Phoenix Dan Cong. Discover the intricate process of tea preparation and the cultural significance it holds in the community. Engage with the tea masters and gain insights into the rich traditions that surround tea drinking in Chaoshan.
For dinner, visit a traditional Teochew restaurant to indulge in an array of local dishes, including the iconic braised goose and fresh fish. As you dine, enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who take pride in their culinary traditions. After dinner, stroll through the lively night markets, where you can sample street snacks and immerse yourself in the vibrant night scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant for two | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, distinctive food culture and tea traditions
- Well-preserved old towns and photogenic bridges and temples
- Close access to coastal scenery and islands
- Warm local hospitality and strong cultural identity
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in season
- Fewer English speakers outside major hotels and tourist spots
- Limited nightlife variety compared with larger Chinese cities
- Some attractions and menus may be oriented toward local tastes only
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 / 谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "請問洗手間在哪裡? (Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "潮州話 (Teochew greeting: “Li ho bo?”)" - Are you well? (Teochew dialect informal greeting)
Places to Visit in Chaoshan
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic ancient cross-river bridge in Chaozhou with pontoon sections and classical pavilions—beautiful at sunrise and sunset for reflections and architectural details.
Historic temple complex with ornate halls, stone carvings and courtyards; good for capturing religious life and traditional architecture.
Narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, old shops and street vendors—excellent for street photography and candid cultural shots.
Rocky headlands, sandy coves and a lighthouse provide dramatic coastal vistas, sunrise/sunset seascapes and fishing-boat scenes.
Riverfront promenades, ferry activity and riverside markets create colorful scenes, especially at golden hour and night when lanterns and lights reflect on the water.
Food in Chaoshan
Chaoshan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced fresh beef cooked quickly in clear broth; best at specialized beef hotpot shops where the focus is on meat freshness and dipping sauces.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised goose with soy-spiced sauce and aromatic spices, commonly found in Chaozhou specialty restaurants and street vendors.
A crispy, savory pancake with fresh oysters and sweet-savory sauce; street stalls and night markets are ideal places to try it.
Fresh seafood often served chilled or lightly seasoned; shrimp paste and dipping sauces highlight the coastal produce.
Light, sweet soups with ingredients like red beans, taro and herbal elements; commonly sold in dessert shops and teahouses.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling morning market with fresh seafood, vegetables, and vendors selling Teochew snacks—good for trying congee, rice noodle rolls and pastries.
Evening markets offering grilled skewers, oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, cold desserts and local drinks in a lively street-food atmosphere.
Small seaside stalls and family-run seafood restaurants where fishermen sell the day's catch—try simple steamed or grilled preparations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Showing deference to older people is important—offer seating, greet elders first and use polite language.
Tea is central to socializing—accepting a cup of tea is polite. When sharing dishes, try a little of everything; avoid sticking chopsticks vertically into rice bowls.
Dress modestly at temples and religious sites, speak quietly in sacred spaces and avoid public displays of anger; direct confrontation is discouraged.
Ask permission before photographing people up close, especially in religious settings or private homes.
Safety
Tipping in Chaoshan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and shops; small tips in high-end hotels or for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected. For guides and drivers, tipping is discretionary—cash tips are fine.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate; many smaller vendors accept only mobile payments or cash. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants; carry some cash (CNY) for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming greenery make spring pleasant for city walks and tea plantation visits; occasional rain showers as the monsoon approaches—bring a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and risk of typhoons (June–September); ideal for seafood and beaches but plan for heat and sudden weather changes.
Generally the most comfortable season: cooler, drier weather, clearer skies and good conditions for hiking, outdoor photography and festivals.
Mild and relatively dry compared with northern China; temperatures can be cool in the evenings—bring a light jacket. Snow is essentially non-existent.
Chaoshan at Night
Hiking in Chaoshan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate trails through tea terraces and forested slopes with viewpoints over surrounding countryside; good for half-day hikes and tea-culture visits.
Seaside paths and headland walks on Nan'ao Island offering ocean views, rocky beaches and lighthouse viewpoints—suitable for sunrise/sunset hikes.
Short trails near Chaozhou and Shantou city parks offer easy walks, local flora and city panoramas—good for casual hiking and morning exercises.
Airports
How to reach Chaoshan by plane.
Primary airport serving Chaoshan (near Jieyang): direct flights to major Chinese cities and some regional international routes; about 1 hour drive to Shantou and Chaozhou with shuttle buses and taxis available.
Historically served Shantou but commercial service has been consolidated to Jieyang Chaoshan Airport; check current service status—ground connections by road are common.
Major international hub 3–4 hours away by high-speed rail or road; useful for international connections and onward travel to Chaoshan by train or domestic flight.
Another major gateway within a few hours by rail or road—useful when combining visits to Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority Han Chinese group speaking the Teochew dialect (Chaoshanhua) with distinct cultural practices, cuisine and festivals; strong local identity.
Smaller Hakka and other Han communities live in parts of eastern Guangdong contributing to regional diversity.
Large overseas community in Southeast Asia and beyond; influences local business, charitable ties and returnee visitors, especially during festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Dragon boat races are culturally important in Chaoshan and neighboring coastal areas, especially around the Duanwu (Dragon Boat) Festival—spectacular to watch and photograph.
Popular at grassroots levels with many youth leagues and community play; local teams have active followings.
Common recreational sports played in community centers and parks across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chaoshan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited; ask for dishes made without seafood or meat stock and seek out Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and vegetable stir-fries. Use the Mandarin phrase “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” to indicate vegetarian; specify no fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Explain allergies clearly in Mandarin and be cautious about cross-contamination and hidden ingredients like oyster sauce, fish sauce and lard. Carry translations for allergies and use apps or local contacts to confirm ingredients.
Rice-based dishes (congee, rice noodles) are often safe, but many sauces contain soy sauce (wheat). Ask staff about ingredients and prefer plain steamed dishes when in doubt.