Chaozhou
Discover Chaozhou.
Chaozhou at a Glance
Everything you need to know before you go.
Where to Stay
Choose the neighborhood that fits your style.
Ancient City (Paifang Street)
Stay in the heart of Chaozhou's historic core, where Paifang Street, Guangji Bridge, and Kaiyuan Temple are within walking distance. Hotels like Tide Hotel and Nanyi Hotel offer design-forward rooms and traditional Chaoshan architecture. Ideal for culture lovers seeking immersion in the old town's vibrant atmosphere.
Cultural immersionPeople's Square
A modern area near Chaozhou People's Square, with hotels like Atour X and Huayi Jinxin offering comfortable stays, friendly service, and easy access to local amenities. Just 1-2 km from the city center, it's a convenient base for exploring both the ancient city and contemporary Chaozhou.
Convenient baseChaoshan High-Speed Rail Station & Airport
Ideal for transit travelers, this area near Chaoshan High-Speed Railway Station and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport features hotels like Lavande and Wansiji, offering shuttle services and easy transport links. Perfect for those with early flights or train connections.
Best accessHan River Riverside
Enjoy scenic views along the Han River, with hotels like the riverside Linjiang Hotel offering rooms overlooking the Guangji Bridge and its nightly light show. A short drive to the ancient city, this area provides a peaceful retreat with dining and fitness facilities.
Scenic viewsChaozhou Highlights
The city's essential experiences.
One of China's Four Great Ancient Bridges, this Song-dynasty marvel combines beam, pontoon, and arch designs. It's the world's first open-close pontoon bridge. Don't miss the nightly light show over the Han River—free to watch.
Also known as Xiangzi Bridge, this national key cultural relic spans the Han River east of the ancient city. Entry costs 20 yuan, with opening hours varying by day. The bridge's unique floating section opens for boats to pass.
A national historical and cultural city with a 2.33 sq km core preserving the 'outer curves, inner squares' layout. Wander through four horizontal and three vertical streets to soak in centuries of history and local life.
The heart of the ancient city, Taiping Road is lined with 22 Ming and Qing stone archways. Free to explore day and night, it's perfect for sampling local snacks and watching traditional crafts.
Experience Chaozhou Gongfu tea culture in a restored ancient residence near Paifang Street. Entry is free, but tea seats cost 30-80 yuan. Enjoy live performances of intangible cultural heritage on the public stage.
Commemorating Tang Dynasty literary giant Han Yu, this shrine sits at the foot of Bijia Mountain. Built in 999 AD, it's one of China's earliest memorial temples. Climb for views over the Han River and city.
A unique blend of Thai and Chinese Buddhist architecture, built with donations from overseas Chinese. Free entry, open 8:00-17:00. The Thai-style Buddha statues and ornate details offer a serene cultural exchange.
A cultural garden at the foot of Yanfeng Mountain, blending Chinese and Thai styles. Ticket 30 yuan, open 8:30-17:00. Highlights include a forest of steles with calligraphy from various dynasties, donated by Thai-Chinese leader Guo Fengyuan.
A thousand-year-old village in Chao'an District, founded in the Song, walled in the Ming, and prosperous in the Qing. Laid out in a Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams pattern with 'three streets and six lanes', it's a model of Chaoshan residence.
Chaozhou's highest peak at 1497 meters, home to a volcanic crater lake and tea terraces. Free entry, open all day. Hike up for sunrise views and sample local Phoenix oolong tea at nearby villages.
A national key cultural relic, this 1895 ancestral hall is a masterpiece of Chaozhou woodcarving. Every beam, bracket, and screen is intricately carved and gilded. Entry 10 yuan, open 9:00-17:00.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers something different.
Spring
Mild and humid, with occasional rain. Good for exploring the old city, but pack an umbrella.
Summer
Hot and humid with frequent typhoons. Visit early or late in the day, and stay hydrated.
Autumn
Pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. Ideal for outdoor sightseeing and enjoying the river views.
Winter
Cool and dry, with occasional cold snaps. Comfortable for walking tours, but bring a light jacket.
Suggested Itineraries
Plans for every schedule.
Classic 2-Day
Day 1: Guangji Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, Paifang Street. Day 2: Hanwengong Temple, West Lake Park, Ancient City Wall.
Cultural 3-Day
Day 1: Guangji Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, Paifang Street. Day 2: Hanwengong Temple, West Lake Park, Ancient City Wall. Day 3: Jilue Huanggong Temple, Confucius Temple, Chenghuang Temple.
In-Depth 4-Day
Day 1: Guangji Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, Paifang Street. Day 2: Hanwengong Temple, West Lake Park, Ancient City Wall. Day 3: Jilue Huanggong Temple, Confucius Temple, Chenghuang Temple. Day 4: Chaozhou Museum, Phoenix Mountain, Longhu Ancient Village.
Local Tips
Insider knowledge for a smoother trip.
Don't miss local specialties like beef balls and oyster omelette.
The bridge is beautifully lit after dark, offering a different perspective.
The ancient streets are best experienced by walking to soak in the atmosphere.
Enjoy a traditional Kung Fu tea ceremony in one of the many tea houses.
Some attractions may close early, so plan your visits accordingly.
Buses and taxis are available, but walking or cycling is often more convenient in the old town.
FAQs About Chaozhou
Quick answers to common questions.
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