Chaozhou

Chaozhou is a small city that is perfect for slow-paced wandering and eating. Its old-town sights are clustered together, and the density of great food is extremely high. Here is a classic 2-day, 1-night route that keeps backtracking to a minimum. Follow it and you are unlikely to go wrong!

Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: After arriving in the morning, head to the Chaozhou Museum and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall to learn about the city’s history. In the afternoon, stroll along Paifang Street, visit Kaiyuan Temple and Xu Fuma Mansion. Around sunset, go to Guangji Gate Tower, then walk across Guangji Bridge at night to see the light show. For a late-night snack, have casserole porridge on Yonghu Road.
• Day 2: Start with Xie Huailiang sesame tea for breakfast, then visit West Lake Park and the morning market on Xima Road. In the afternoon, visit Hanwengong Temple and the Thai Buddhist Hall, cross Hanjiang Bridge to Fenghuangzhou Park, then have snacks at the South Gate Old Night Market or Beidi Night Market before heading home.

Must-Visit Attractions

Must-Eat Foods and Restaurants

When you come to Chaozhou, be sure to bring digestive tablets. From hearty feasts to street snacks, fit them all in!

• Guantang Brothers Beef Hotpot: A beef hotpot spot often visited by locals. The neck meat and spoon-handle cuts are dipped three times in the broth, then paired with satay sauce. It is excellent. Arrive before 11 a.m. to avoid the queue.
• Xikou Liubu Braised Goose: A century-old braised-meat shop hidden in the old streets. The braising sauce soaks into the rice, the goose is tender and not dry, and it is especially satisfying with tofu and egg.
• Zhenji Laowei Beef Offal: Beef kway teow with a broth so fresh it will make your eyebrows fall off, and you can add more kway teow for free. There are branches by West Lake and on Huancheng West Road. Go in the afternoon, outside peak hours.
• Shibaqu Lao’er Fish Dumplings: A long-established shop on Xima Road. The fish noodles and fish dumplings are incredibly fresh, and locals line up from early morning.
• Arong Casserole Porridge: A local late-night eatery on Yonghu Road. The shrimp-and-crab porridge is fresh and sweet, and the fish rice with Puning soybean paste is very distinctive.
• Street snacks: Fermented tofu chicken wings (Zhenqian Street), xiánshuǐ guǒ (served with sweet pickled vegetables), licorice fruit, sugar-scallion pancakes, and Huilai mung bean cakes. Eat as you walk, with an average spend of 20+ yuan per person.

Where to Stay

• Paifang Street / Old-Town Core: Step outside and you are right by the sights and snacks, about a 5-minute walk to Kaiyuan Temple and 10 minutes to Guangji Bridge. Many guesthouses are converted old residences with strong Chaozhou character, but prices are higher on holidays (300-500 yuan/night), and soundproofing in old houses may be average. Light sleepers should choose accommodation deep in the lanes or a chain hotel.
• Jiangdong, across the Han River: Close to the Thai Buddhist Hall and Hanwengong Temple. Open the window and you can see the Guangji Bridge light show. It is quieter than the old town and suits travelers who like peace and night photography.
• People’s Square / Modern Commercial Area: Best for travelers with higher hotel standards or those driving. There are many large chain hotels, parking is convenient, and it takes about 10 minutes by taxi to reach the old town.

Transportation and Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• High-speed rail: Prioritize buying a ticket to “Chaoshan Station.” After exiting, take the K1 bus or a taxi. “Chaozhou Station” is a regular railway station, closer to the old town but with fewer trains.
• Flights: After arriving at Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, you can take the 20-yuan airport express to the city center.
• Getting around the city: In the old town, walking or renting a small electric scooter is recommended (about 50 yuan/day). Shared bikes will lose power when entering the old town. Taxi rides within the city generally cost just over 10 yuan.
• Pitfall reminders: During holidays, vehicles entering the old town require reservations, so do not blindly follow navigation and force your way in. If you have a sensitive stomach, try raw marinated seafood and fish sashimi only in small amounts. Buy souvenirs at Fengchun Market or supermarkets; gift boxes in scenic areas are more expensive.