Nan'ao Island
Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches at Nan'ao Island!
Nan'ao Island features azure skies, blue seas, golden sands, and white waves, making it a picturesque destination. The island is home to the beautiful Qing'ao Bay, as well as scenic spots like the Song Wells and Zongbingfu. Nan'ao Island is also an "International Paradise for Migratory Birds" and boasts Asia's largest offshore wind farm. The natural and cultural landscapes complement each other here. People can cycle along the coastline, enjoy the beautiful bays and wind turbines, and savor fresh seafood.
Travel Information
Entry and Exit Times on the Island:
Entry Time: 9:00-19:00
Exit Time: 13:00-22:00
Visitors can choose to drive, rent a car, hire a private vehicle, or take a boat to the island.
Suggested Visit Duration: 6-12 hours
Must-See Highlights
Qing'ao Bay
Qing'ao Bay is located on the eastern end of Nan'ao Island and is a renowned holiday resort in Eastern Guangdong. The bay features a 2.4-kilometer-long beach with fine, white sand and crystal-clear, pollution-free seawater, making it one of the two Class-A coastal bathing beaches in Guangdong Province. The bay opens to the southeast, forming a crescent shape, with a gently sloping beach that extends into the shallow and clear sea, perfect for swimming and wading. Qing'ao Bay is an ideal place for visitors to enjoy the sea view and experience the island's charm.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: Open all day after April 30, 2025.
Suggested Visit Duration: 3-4 hours.
Qing'ao Bay also offers sea fishing activities with speed boats, lasting for 2 hours.
Tropic of Cancer Tower
The "Natural Gate" Tropic of Cancer Tower is located at the Qing'ao Bay, Nan'ao County, and is the 11th Tropic of Cancer tower in China. The monument features a unique design inspired by the Chinese character "gate." During the summer solstice at noon, when the sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer, the solar shadow passes through the central tube of the sphere and projects onto the central platform, creating the phenomenon of "no shadow under a vertical pole."
Travel Information
Opening Hours: All the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 hour
Nan'ao Zongbingfu
Nan'ao Zongbingfu was established in the fourth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1576) and is the only island-based Zongbingfu in China. It served as the administrative headquarters for the Nan'ao General Commandants during the Ming and Qing dynasties, responsible for coastal defense affairs in Fujian and Guangdong, as well as in Taiwan and the Penghu Islands. It witnessed the history of the national hero Zheng Chenggong recruiting soldiers to reclaim Taiwan. Today, Nan'ao Zongbingfu has become the first maritime defense history museum in China and has been designated as an "Exchange Base Across the Taiwan Strait."
Travel Information
Opening Hours: 8:30 to 17:30 daily. The latest admission time is 17:00.
Suggested Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
The Song Wells
The Song Wells are located on the southeastern beach of Ao’qian Village in Yun'ao Town, Nan'ao County. It is said that they were dug by Emperor Zhao Bing of the Southern Song Dynasty in 1276 when he fled south to escape the Yuan troops. At that time, three wells were dug: the Dragon Well for the emperor, the Tiger Well for the ministers, and the Horse Well for the soldiers. Although situated on the beach, the water in these wells is sweet and does not spoil even when submerged by seawater. After the tide recedes, the water remains clear and salt-free.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: 8:00 to 18:00 daily. Last admission at 17:30.
Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.
Can't-miss Food of Nan'ao Island
The cuisine of Nan'ao Island is mainly based on fresh and abundant seafood. Salt-baked conch, garlic-steamed scallops, and pepper-fried prawns are must-try dishes. The island's fish balls and fish noodles are chewy and delicious, and they pair perfectly with seafood porridge. There are also local snacks like fried tofu and vegetable cakes, as well as fruits like mangoes that are sure to satisfy you.
Reminder: Eating raw marinated seafood in Chaoshan style carries risks of parasites and diarrhea. Be cautious if you want to have such delicacies!
Best Time to Visit
Nan'ao Island is suitable for travel all year round, but the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the climate is mild and sunny, avoiding the summer heat and winter chill.
Spring (March to May): The temperature is moderate, generally ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The island's plants and flowers begin to bloom, creating a beautiful and refreshing landscape. It's an ideal time for flower viewing and leisurely walks. There are fewer tourists in spring, allowing you to enjoy the natural scenery more comfortably.
Autumn (September to November): The island enjoys cool weather with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. The sky is clear and blue, and the sea is crystal-clear, making the scenery particularly charming. Autumn is also the season for bountiful seafood harvest, offering a chance to savor fresh and delicious seafood.
If you enjoy water activities, summer (June to August) is also a good option, but be sure to take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke. Winter (December to February) is cooler but still relatively warm, making it a perfect time for a relaxing sightseeing experience.
No matter when you visit Nan'ao Island, you will always experience its unique charm!