Shantou + Nanny-Level Guide to Explore Stunning Attractions

「🗺️Shantou 3-Day Tour | Classic Combo of Xiaogongyuan and Nan'ao Island・All-Age Friendly Guide」 Shantou, a city filled with the vibrant atmosphere of Chaoshan, offers a slow-paced 3-day itinerary: stroll with your parents through the arcade buildings to seek old town memories, check in with friends at island lighthouses, dig sand and catch seafood with kids, enjoying everything from morning tea to late-night snacks. The whole family can immerse themselves in Chaoshan culture～ 🗓️Itinerary Overview D1: Xiaogongyuan Historical and Cultural District → Opening Port Culture Exhibition Hall → Xiti Park → Longyannan Road Food Street D2: Nan'ao Island (Changshanwei Lighthouse → Qing'ao Bay → Sancongya Lighthouse → General's Mansion) D3: Chen Cihong Former Residence → Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center → Return trip Daily Detailed Plan 🏮Day 1: Old Town Flavors · Arcade Style 📍Xiaogongyuan Historical and Cultural District Highlights: Landmark of Shantou old town, circular arcade buildings full of Nanyang style, Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion is a popular photo spot. Take elders to see old shops and reminisce, kids chase after licorice fruit stalls, friends shoot vintage-style photos with great vibes. 🕙Opening Hours: All day (recommended 9:00-11:00, fewer people for better photos) 💰Cost: Free 📸Photo Spots: Front of Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion (panorama with arcade background), Shengping Road arcade corridor (capture people walking under arches) 💡Tips: Many steps in the arcade, watch your step with elders and kids; the old bookstore "Shantou Bookroom" is great for finding old books and experiencing slow time with children. 📍Opening Port Culture Exhibition Hall Highlights: Converted from a Republic of China post office, exhibits Shantou’s transformation from fishing village to commercial port, with old photos, vintage tickets, customs stamps. Elders understand the history, kids learn through interactive screens. 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays) 💰Cost: Free (ID registration required) 📸Photo Spots: In front of the "Panorama of Shantou Port" mural (blend people with historical scenes) 💡Tips: The "Opening Port" stone tablet at the entrance is a good check-in spot; free guided tours available, listen to the stories. 🍖Recommended Food: Longyannan Road’s "Baheli Haiji Beef Hotpot," must-try hanging tenderloin and spoon handle cuts (freshly sliced, easy to chew for elders and kids), about 60 RMB per person; next door "Zhenping Rice Noodle Soup" with light and flavorful broth, 15 RMB/bowl. 🏨Recommended Accommodation: "Longguang Sheraton Hotel" (near old town, family rooms, 400-600 RMB/night); budget option "7 Days Premium" (10-minute walk to Xiaogongyuan, 200-300 RMB/night) 🌊Day 2: Island Stroll · Lighthouses and Beaches 📍Nan'ao Island (ferry required, car ferry fee 96 RMB + driver 40 RMB, passengers 20 RMB each) Highlights: Guangdong’s only island county, clear blue sea, rows of lighthouses, perfect for family beach and sea viewing. - Changshanwei Lighthouse: Red and white lighthouse with cross-sea bridge, shooting the "Sea Gate" panorama is stunning, elders can relax by the shore watching waves. - Qing'ao Bay: "Oriental Hawaii," fine sandy beach, kids can dig sand and splash waves, rent sun umbrellas (50 RMB/set) for family rest. - Sancongya Lighthouse: Three lighthouses surrounded by sea, cliffside photos have a cinematic feel, a must-visit for young people. 🕙Opening Hours: All day (recommended to arrive by 8:00 to avoid ferry peak) 💰Cost: Free to enter island, General’s Mansion 20 RMB (free for 60+) 📸Photo Spots: Tropic of Cancer marker tower at Qing'ao Bay (shoot people with the "Sun Turning" sculpture), Sancongya Lighthouse viewing platform (blue sea background) 💡Tips: Electric scooter rental 80 RMB/day, for elders rent four-wheel sightseeing car (200 RMB/day); strong sun protection needed, UV is strong on the beach. 🍖Recommended Food: Houzhai Town’s "Old Captain Seafood Stall," must-try steamed grouper (fresh and boneless), boiled shrimp (sweet and fresh), about 80 RMB per person; try Chaoshan licorice fruit (mango + plum juice, 10 RMB/portion, kids love it). 🏡Day 3: Overseas Chinese Mansion Exploration · Cultural Heritage 📍Chen Cihong Former Residence (4A) Highlights: "Lingnan’s First Overseas Chinese Mansion," blending Chaoshan tradition with Western style, over 100 rooms like a maze. Take elders to see ancient wood carvings, kids listen to "Qiaopi" (old home letters) stories. 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-17:30 💰Cost: 40 RMB, half price for 60+, free under 1.2 meters 📸Photo Spots: In front of the mansion’s main gate "Langzhongdi" plaque (family group photos), Western-style corridor (beautiful light and shadow) 💡Tips: Free guided tours at set times, kids can get "treasure hunt cards" to find special buildings. 📍Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center Highlights: Shaped like a "Red-Headed Ship," inside offers Chaoshan opera experience, Kung Fu tea display, elders can see Chaoshan embroidery intangible heritage, kids can play "Maritime Silk Road" interactive games, the whole family can understand Chaoshan culture. 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays) 💰Cost: Free (reservation required) 💡Tips: Rooftop viewing platform overlooks Shantou inner bay, great for sunset photos. 🍖Recommended Food: City’s "Ririxiang Goose Meat Restaurant," signature braised goose platter (crispy skin, tender meat, perfect with white porridge), about 50 RMB per person; take away some "Lao Chaoxing" luobing (mung bean paste filling, 3 RMB each, elders love it). ✨Shantou Survival Guide 1️⃣Transportation: - City: Taxi starting fare 10 RMB, shared electric scooters around Xiaogongyuan (3 RMB/30 minutes) very convenient; - To Nan'ao Island: Take ferry from Laiwu Ferry Terminal (15-minute ride), or drive via Nan'ao Bridge (more flexible); - City buses mostly 2 RMB, get "Shantou Electronic Bus Card" via Alipay. 2️⃣Clothing: - Spring (Mar-May): Thin long sleeves + jacket, windy by the sea; - Summer (Jun-Aug): Short sleeves + shorts + sun protection clothing, bring swimwear (Qing'ao Bay is swim-friendly); - Autumn/Winter: Long sleeves + light jacket, cool mornings and evenings. 3️⃣Taboos: - When eating beef hotpot, respect the "freshly sliced and dipped" custom, don’t stir meat plates randomly; - No slippers or loud talking in ancestral halls or old residences; - Confirm prices before weighing seafood to avoid "sky-high shrimp" prices. 4️⃣Accommodation: - Prefer Jinping District (near old town, many food options); - Choose elevator and soundproof hotels if with elders; - Stay at Qing'ao Bay on Nan'ao Island (convenient for sunrise), book early in peak season (Jul-Aug). 🛍️Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Dahao Fish Balls ("Li Laoer" brand, 50 RMB/jin, vacuum packed, super fresh in soup) ② Chaoshan Old Medicinal Tangerine (30 RMB/bottle, sweet and sour, good for elders to brew tea) ③ Chaoshan Embroidery Bookmarks (25 RMB each, exquisite embroidery, unique gift) ④ Luobing ("Sunan Luobing," salty and sweet varieties, 20 RMB/box, traditional pastry) Closing Interaction Shantou’s arcades hide stories, the island carries a salty fragrance, and beef balls bounce with happiness～ Whether sipping Kung Fu tea with parents, chasing lighthouses with friends, or digging sand with kids, you’ll find your own Chaoshan flavor. If you come to Shantou, would you first bite into a hot beef ball or rush to the turquoise sea of Qing'ao Bay?