Nan'ao Island in Shantou

Nan'ao Island

Nan'ao Island in Shantou City is found between the coastlines of Guangdong and Fujian Provinces and Taiwan. It has always prided itself on its golden beaches, soft sand, clear water, green mountains, historical temples and parks.

Qing'ao Bay to the east has one of the most famous beaches in Guangdong, stretching for more than 2,400 meters and is surrounded by turquoise waters.

The island is famous for three Song Dynasty (960-1279) wells which were dug to provide drinking water for a young emperor and his ministers, soldiers and horses. The wells have disappeared on occasions during the past 700 years, but always emerge again.

There are 30 large temples and a long list of cultural relics on the island along with flowers, song birds and stunning natural scenery.

Transport: Buses depart for Shantou City from most city bus stations. Then take a ferry to Nan'ao Island. The trip takes about four-and-a-half hours.

Accommodation: There is a wide choice of hotels on Nan'ao Island where there are excellent sea views.

Cuisine: There is a long list of seafood dishes available.

Fangji Island in Maoming

Fangji Island

Fangji Island in Maoming City is home to one of the largest diving centres in Asia, with clear and calm seas. It is particularly famous for its coral reefs and recreational scuba diving.

The 80,000-square-metre diving centre has 300 diving coaches for visitors to enjoy an underwater world of more than 50,000 marine creatures.

The most exciting and popular activities is underwater exploration. There is an underwater cave which is said to be where a notorious pirate hid his treasure in ancient times. Local fishermen have dived to the entrance of the cave, but no one has dared to enter, leaving a lot to the imagination.

Transport: Buses depart for Maoming City from most city bus stations and take about six-and-a-half hours. Then take a ferry to Fangji Island.

Accommodation: There are plenty of hotels and hostels in Maoming City and many have excellent sea views.

Cuisine: There is a wide variety of seafood on the island. Visitors can go fishing in the sea and select the method of cooking. Prices are reasonable. (The End)