The Nanyan Observer

Sometimes, one of the biggest obstacles in traveling is just deciding where to go. By the time a holiday approaches, it seems everything is booked, and it is easier to simply chill at home.

We are here to fast-track your decision-making. Before your next holiday approaches, have a plan! We believe that here in Shenzhen, you don’t have to go far to uncover stunning new travel destinations just outside the reach of the city.

We recommend a journey to Chaoshan, a region along the coast of eastern Guangdong Province. Once famous for its entrepreneurial culture, it has now gained serious recognition as the go-to place for tasting some of Guangdong’s most cherished local foods.

Best of all, hop on a high-speed train from Shenzhen, and you are there in two hours. How to plan your trip? Here is a look at three spots to visit: Chaozhou, Shantou and Nan’ao Island.

Chaozhou: Paifang Street

Paifang Street is in the center of the ancient city. On the 1948-meter-long old street, there are 24 archways from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These are the remaining archways from the original 91 archways in Chaozhou in history. The archways were used by the imperial court to commend people who possessed noble morals. In addition, Paifang Street also gathers authentic Teochew snacks, such as spring rolls, Ya Mu Nian, Fermented bean curd cakes, Kway Teow Teng, Oyster omelets with tapioca starch and so on.

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Chaozhou: Guangji Bridge

After touring Paifang Street, you can go to Guangji Bridge, one of four ancient bridges in Chaozhou. Guangji Bridge was also the first pontoon bridge in China that also is a drawbridge to allow for passage. The bridge has an iconic design. The midsection of the bridge is composed of 18 ships. At 5 p.m. in the afternoon, the midsection floats away so that merchant ships can pass through. But, if you arrive later in the day and miss the opportunity to see the bridge in action, don’t worry! You can visit the bridge at night and enjoy the light show.

Shantou: Old Town

Shantou Old Town is a landmark building complex in Shantou. It is dominated by arcades from the Republic of China, which combine the architectural styles of Chaoshan and Nanyang. Although it may not be as prosperous as it used to be, you can still feel the unique historical style when you walk through it.

Nan’ao Island

Nan’ao Island is the only island county in Guangdong Province. It has a unique geographical location, located on the border of Guangdong, Fujian and also not far from Taiwan. The water surrounding Nan’ao Island is very blue. You can drive by yourself on the coastal highway, passing by the Nan’ao Bridge, and the scenery is beautiful.

It is said that the three must-dos on Nan’ao Island are to take pictures at the lighthouse, stroll along the beach and watch the sunrise at sea.

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Written by Su Jainxin

Photos by Su Jianxin