Nan’ao Island: Guangdong’s Best-Kept Coastal Secret

When travelers think of Chinese beaches, Sanya in Hainan comes to mind. But tucked away off the coast of Shantou lies Nan’ao Island — a lesser-known paradise that offers everything a coastal getaway should, minus the crowds and commercial hype.

Getting There

Nan’ao is connected to the mainland by the spectacular Nan’ao Bridge, an 11-kilometer engineering marvel that stretches across the South China Sea. The drive itself is an experience — turquoise waters on both sides, with the island’s iconic wind turbines slowly coming into view on the horizon.

The Beaches

Qing’ao Bay (青澳湾) is the island’s crown jewel — a crescent of golden sand framed by lush green hills, with waters clear enough to see the bottom. Unlike China’s more famous beaches, Qing’ao Bay remains relatively uncrowded even during peak season. The gentle slope of the seabed makes it perfect for swimming.

For the more adventurous, there are dozens of smaller, unnamed coves scattered along the island’s 77-kilometer coastline. Rent an electric scooter and explore — you might just find your own private beach.

Seafood Paradise

Nan’ao is a working fishing island, which means the seafood is impossibly fresh. The best strategy is simple: go to the harbor in the late afternoon when the fishing boats return, buy directly from the fishermen, and have a nearby restaurant cook it for you. A feast of crabs, prawns, squid, and local fish will cost a fraction of what you’d pay in the city.

Beyond the Beach

The island’s interior is a landscape of rolling hills crowned with white wind turbines, creating a surreal, almost Mediterranean scene. Visit the Song Dynasty Well, the General’s Mansion, and the ancient lighthouse at the island’s easternmost point. For the best panoramic views, hike up to the wind farm observation deck at sunset.

Best time to visit: April to June or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the summer crowds have dispersed.