Nan’ao Island is the pearl at the mouth of the Taiwan Strait, Fujian, and Guangdong. It is also the only island county in Guangdong Province. From Shantou or Chaozhou, it is about a two-hour drive. I had been to a lot of islands over the years, so I didn’t expect Nan’ao to be breathtaking, but it was still nice to think of spending the day with my family, feeling the sea breeze and looking at the distant horizon.
A Look at Nan’ao Island
Nan’ao Island is relatively less crowded in off peak season. It’s not that there aren’t any tourists, but there were a lot less than I expected, so it felt more like an escape. Nan’ao Bridge has been completed and is now 11 kilometers long. As soon as we drove over the bridge, we were surrounded by sea on both sides. The view of the endless sea and sky was spectacular. Too bad we didn’t get to take a picture from the car.
The first place you’ll arrive at when you come down from the bridge is Qihang Square. There is a small red lighthouse here, which has been cordoned off. Locals still love to come for a photo.
After a short rest at the guesthouse, we went around the island by car. Nan’ao is not yet fully developed into a tourist area. The positive side is that the natural environment is better preserved and the local culture is relatively intact. In terms of the scenery, it’s not that the tourist attractions are amazing, but I had also hand-picked a few that I thought were worth visiting, but to be honest, I was a bit disappointed.
Scenery on the Island
We first arrived at the Wind Power Field, nestled along the mountainside. The sky was cloudy and visibility was poor, and the view was affected.
Then we arrived at Qing’ao Bay. The humidity in winter was also evident, and the scenery looked a bit damp.
Beside the bay is the Tropic of Cancer Marker Tower, also known as the Gateway to Nature. There was a roadside stall beside it, where we bought a bowl of tofu pudding with added seaweed jelly. It was quite tasty.
The monument is a signature spot on the island, with a selfie setup and a takeaway freebie package. It’s a good place to take pictures, but the setup is rather simple.
Fresh Seafood Feast on Zhangxiang Fisherman’s House (Floating Fish Farm)
To be honest, the most memorable part for me was the seafood feast. We went to a fish farm offshore (Zhangxiang Fisherman’s House) to eat freshly caught seafood. From the ocean to the table, it only takes about two hours. The boatman came to get us at the dock. When we arrived, many local fishermen were weaving oyster nets.
Thankfully, it was a very light wind that day and the boat ride was smooth. The small wooden boat bobbed gently on the waves.
The scenes were beautiful on the way out. The fishing villages along the coastline were simple, unpretentious, and full of character.
We quickly got comfortable on the floating fish farm. As I thought, the locals were also sipping their tea, even at sea. If you are interested in fishing, you can ask the boatman, but it’s a matter of luck as to whether you will catch any fish, and you had better not fish near the nets.
It was soon time to order food. Here is what we ate:
- Steamed Prawns – The meat was super fresh, and the sauce that the fish farm prepared paired well. My husband especially loved the prawn roe.
- Steamed Mantis Shrimp – Compared to the regular prawns, it had a sweeter seafood taste. I still need to improve on the technique to peel them fast—my fingers really suffered.
- Steamed Oysters – Not my favorite, but fresh.
- Steamed Grouper – The texture was slightly firm, but the taste was fine.
- Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Pork – The restaurant also has some non-seafood dishes, such as chicken, beef or pork. You need to inform them in advance before you get there.
- Stir-Fried Sea Snails – Slightly chewy, but still good.
- Fried Rice with Seaweed – We didn’t finish it all, so we packed the leftovers for supper.
- Stir-Fried Greens – After all that seafood, we had to eat some greens to clean out our system.
At around 5 p.m., the sun was setting. On the sea, everything seemed to become still. A light gray-purple mist hung over the water, like the ripples of deep breathing. It felt serene and grounding.
Reflection
The feeling of looking out at the boundless ocean every day, maybe that’s freedom. For that moment in time, the world was simple, and my heart was at ease.
Restaurant Review: Zhangxiang Fisherman’s House
We had quite the feast, a lot of dishes, everything was fresh, and for seven people, the total was RMB 980. Value beyond our expectation. You can book through a travel agency on Mafengwo (there is one called “Yunji Fangxiang”), or you can call the restaurant directly. The seafood availability will depend on the season, but even just for the floating dining experience, it was worth the visit.
FAQ about Visiting Nan’ao Island
Where is Nan’ao Island?
Nan’ao Island is located off the eastern coast of Guangdong Province, nestled between Taiwan, Fujian and Guangdong. It is the only island county in Guangdong Province and it can be reached by car from Shantou or Chaozhou in around two hours.
How to get to Nan’ao Island?
The easiest way is to drive or rent a car from Shantou or Chaozhou. You will have to cross the 11-kilometer (7 miles) Nan’ao Bridge, with beautiful ocean views on either side.
Is Nan’ao Island full of tourists?
Nan’ao Island is very quiet in the winter, which makes it a great place to visit for a relaxing trip. The island is not very popular in winter, so there are fewer tourists.
What are the highlights of the island?
You should check out Qihang Square and its red lighthouse, the Wind Power Field, Qing’ao Bay and Tropic of Cancer Marker Tower (Gateway to Nature). But the real highlight is the seafood feast at a floating fish farm.
What is the food like on the island?
Seafood! Steamed prawns, oysters, mantis shrimp, grouper, you name it, it’s all here. Many people like to book a boat trip where they can eat on an offshore fish farm that brings their seafood straight from the ocean to the table.
Is Nan’ao Island a good place for family travel?
Yes, it is. Nan’ao Island is quiet and slow-paced. It is a place that is perfectly suitable for family trips. However, it does take some time to get there and the infrastructure is still under development, so be prepared for that.
Can I fish at the floating fish farms?
You can, but be sure to ask the boatman in advance. The catch depends on your luck.
Nan’ao Island: A Quiet Coastal Escape in Guangdong