Chaozhou

Chaozhou has a relaxed pace, and its old town sights and local food are easy to combine in one route, making it a good choice for a weekend or short holiday. This guide outlines sights, dining and transport for a 2-day, 1-night stay.

• Guangji Bridge: One of China's four great ancient bridges. Its floating boats are moved aside daily at 17:30 to open a passage for vessels, and there is a light show after dark.

• Paifang Street: This street links 23 stone memorial archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Traditional arcaded buildings line both sides, making it a pleasant place to stroll, take photos and sample snacks.

• Kaiyuan Temple: Founded during the Tang dynasty, this thousand-year-old temple offers free admission. Red walls, dark tiled roofs and old banyan trees define its grounds. Incense is available at the entrance for those wishing to pray.

• Han Wengong Shrine: Built in memory of Han Yu, this shrine sits against a hillside facing the river. Climb up for panoramic views of the Han River and the old town. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. It is closed on Mondays.

• Thai Buddhist Hall: Known for its Thai-style architecture, the hall is free to visit and photograph. Dai ethnic clothing is available to rent outside the entrance.

• Chaozhou West Lake: This free city park combines lake views, hills and pavilions, and is a popular place for local residents to walk and relax. Visit in the morning if you want to photograph the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Old Town Streets and Riverside Sights:
  • Morning: After arriving in Chaozhou and checking into your hotel, explore Xima Road or Paifang Street, stopping for a light meal of local snacks.
  • Afternoon: Visit Kaiyuan Temple to look around and pray, then walk to Guangji Tower for panoramic photos. If you plan to visit Guangji Bridge, enter before 17:00 and allow time to watch the floating boats being moved aside at 17:30.

• Evening: Watch the Guangji Bridge light show for free from either bank of the Han River or the square in front of Guangji Tower. It usually starts at 20:00, with an additional show at 21:30 on weekends. Afterwards, head to Xima Road for a late-night snack of braised goose and beef ball soup.
• Day 2: Cultural Sights and Leisure:
  • Morning: Browse a local morning market, then visit the Thai Buddhist Hall to admire and photograph its Thai-style architecture. Afterwards, explore the courtyards of Han Wengong Shrine.
  • Afternoon: Visit Qinglong Ancient Temple to see Chaoshan's decorative porcelain mosaics, or relax over gongfu tea by the river. Before leaving, pick up some Fenghuang Dancong tea and fermented bean curd pastries as gifts.

Local Food Recommendations

Plan meals around your sightseeing route. The following places offer different types of Chaozhou food.

• Guantang Brothers Beef Hot Pot: In business for 50 years, this restaurant serves freshly slaughtered and sliced beef. The original text recommends cooking it in clear broth for 8 seconds, then eating it with shacha sauce.

• Liu Bu Braised Goose: A long-established local shop serving braised meats for decades. Its braised lion-head goose has firm meat with a lingering sweetness, while the goose liver is delicate, soft and creamy.

• Shibaqu Fish Dumplings: This century-old shop is recognized for its intangible cultural heritage. Its handmade fish dumplings are smooth, tender, springy and full of flavor. Try the assorted fish dumpling soup.

• Wu Jinping Snack Shop: Serves local snacks, including spring rolls at 3 yuan each. The bamboo shoot dumplings have a mild, fresh flavor.

• Xima Road Sugar Candy Wraps: Try these at a long-established shop on Xima Road. Thin pancakes wrap pieces of hollow sugar candy, peanuts, sesame seeds and coriander for a sweet, fragrant and crunchy snack.

• Shun Bo Sugar-Coated Sweets: Serves Chaoshan specialties such as taro and salted egg yolks coated in a crumbly layer of crystallized sugar, with soft, rich interiors and a sweet, fragrant taste.

Accommodation and Transport Guide

• Where to Stay: Consider accommodation just outside the old town, such as areas within walking distance of Paifang Street or around Xima Road. The old town can get congested, and some streets are pedestrian-only. Staying near its edge makes it easier to take taxis or ride electric scooters. Rooms usually cost 100–300 yuan per night; book ahead for holidays.
• High-Speed Rail: Choose Chaoshan Station, then take the K1 bus or a ride-hailing car into the city, a journey of about 30–50 minutes. Use licensed transport services and avoid unlicensed drivers soliciting passengers outside the station.
• Getting Around: Old town sights are close together, so you can rent an electric scooter or explore on foot. Wear a helmet when riding and do not carry passengers. Shared electric bikes cannot enter the old town; their power cuts out if you ride inside.

Travel Tips

• Guangji Bridge Hours: Bridge entry closes after 17:00, the floating boats are moved aside at 17:30, and the light show is scheduled for 20:00. Guangji Bridge and Han Wengong Shrine are usually closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. Check opening hours when planning your visit.
• Where to Eat: Snacks on the main stretch of Paifang Street tend to emphasize presentation and cost more. For long-established local shops, explore the lanes off Xima Road and Yi'an Road.
• Raw Marinated Seafood and Raw Fish: These foods may not agree with everyone's stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach, try only small amounts and bring stomach medicine.
• Clothing and Footwear: The old town has many stone-paved streets, so wear comfortable trainers. Avoid strappy tops, shorts and flip-flops when entering temples such as Kaiyuan Temple.
• Buying Local Specialties: Look for Fenghuang Dancong tea, fermented bean curd pastries and aged preserved finger citron on Xima Road or in local supermarkets. Prices are usually lower than on the main tourist streets, and you can sample products before deciding.