Shantou Nan'ao Island National Forest Park, Guangdong, China

5Yichunese 5:00 PM Jul 8, 2014

Clean beach near Shantou
One of the best beaches in the Chaoshan area. As others have mentioned, it's difficult to get there if you are not familiar with the area. Bus # 105 (5rmb) from around the city center of Shantou will take you to the pier from where you will board a 30 min ferry ride to the Island. Once on the Island, there are several ways to get to the beaches-taxis, mini vans and the local bus. You need to be quick to get on the local bus as it fills up quickly, otherwise you'll need to haggle with the minivan drivers and taxis to get to the beaches. As there are several beaches, it is wise to know which one you are going to in advance, as it'll be easier to haggle with the drivers then. There is a bridge being built that will connect the mainland to the Island...wasn't completed in the summer of 2013 when we visited...not sure about it now. The pier/dock area houses a small number of local shops where you can buy pearls (not of high quality, but cheap if you're interested in souvenir-gifts). Have included pictures of the beach we went to (can copy the name and show to drivers). Would highly recommend. There are also other attractions (museum,park) on the Island as well that we did not visit. Visited summer 2013

5Cecilia Z 5:00 PM Jun 29, 2014

seafood and sea!!
If you also complain that the pollution is very bad in China, this place can change your mind. The seafood there is really fresh and delicious. You can even have some dried seafood back. I have been there several times. The air is fresh and swimming in the sea is really fun. PS, you need to take the ferry to be there so far.