South Australia Island Travel Guide
Cross-sea Bridge · Wind Farm · Qing'ao Bay
Nan'ao Island is the only island county in Guangdong. After the Nan'ao Bridge opened in 2015, it can be reached from downtown Shantou in one hour. The island has a circular road, a wind farm, Qing'ao Bay, and many coastal erosion landforms, making it the best island in eastern Guangdong.
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Destination Details
Nanao Island is located in the southeast sea area of Shantou, covering an area of about 110 square kilometers. It is the only island county in Guangdong Province. In 2015, the Nanao Bridge was completed and opened to traffic, with a total length of about 11 kilometers. Since then, it is no longer dependent on ferries, and it takes only one hour to reach the island from Shantou city.
Main Highlights
Qing'ao Bay
On the east side of the island, Qing'ao Bay is Nanao's best beach, featuring a crescent-shaped bay with fine, soft sand and a gentle slope suitable for swimming. Behind the bay are stretches of guesthouses and restaurants, which are most lively in the evening during summer. Watching the sunrise from the beach to the east, the sun rises directly from the sea.
Island Ring Road and Wind Farm
The island's ring road winds along the coastline, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other, making it the best route for self-driving on the island. Rows of huge wind turbines stand on the ridges, several tens of meters high upon close view, making the wind farm one of Nanao's most recognizable sights.
General's Mansion and Coastal Defense Remains
Nanao is located at the border of Fujian and Guangdong, historically an important coastal defense area. The former site of the General's Mansion and related inscriptions on the island record the history of military garrisons established here during the Ming and Qing dynasties; Zheng Chenggong once trained troops here, and related commemorative relics remain on the island.
Suggested Itinerary
- One-day version: Cross the bridge → Qing'ao Bay → Island Ring Road → Wind Farm → General's Mansion → Return.
- Two-day version: First day: explore the island and wind farm, stay at Qing'ao Bay; second day: get up early to watch sunrise, swim, then return.
Practical Information
It is recommended to drive or hire a car, as bus services on the island are infrequent. Summer is the peak season, so it is best to book accommodations around Qing'ao Bay in advance. The Nanao Bridge may have traffic restrictions or closures before and after typhoons, so be sure to check weather and traffic announcements before traveling.
