Nanao Island Reef

Nanao Deep Wall

Shantou is one of China’s great culinary capitals, the birthplace of Chaoshan cuisine that emphasizes the natural flavors of ultra-fresh ingredients prepared with minimal seasoning. The region is famous for its beef hotpot where locally raised cattle are butchered to order and each cut is briefly blanched in clear broth. Chaoshan seafood is extraordinary, with specialties including raw marinated crab, braised sea cucumber, and fish balls made fresh daily. Nan’ao Island adds its own seafood specialties including sun-dried fish, salt-baked shrimp, and locally harvested seaweed dishes. The gongfu tea ceremony originated in this region, and every meal is accompanied by carefully prepared small cups of oolong tea.

Nan’ao Seaside Resort

Shantou Golden Bay Hotel

Qing’ao Bay Beach Hotel

Shantou Business Hotel

Shantou and Nan’ao Island represent the easternmost diving in Guangdong province, where the Taiwan Strait currents bring warm tropical water northward to create productive reef ecosystems along rugged granite coastlines. Nan’ao Island, the only island county in Guangdong, features clear water with visibility frequently reaching 15-25 meters thanks to its exposed oceanic position away from major river sediment. The underwater landscape is characterized by granite boulder formations, rocky reef walls, and sandy channels that support diverse marine communities including schooling pelagic fish, moray eels, octopus, and seasonal visits from reef sharks and rays. The island’s position at the boundary between tropical and subtropical waters creates a fascinating mix of species from both zones. Shantou on the mainland is renowned for its extraordinary food culture, particularly Chaoshan cuisine which is considered among China’s finest. The region receives far fewer international diving tourists than Hainan, providing an authentic experience with uncrowded dive sites and genuinely warm local hospitality. Water temperatures range from 18 to 28 degrees, making year-round diving possible with appropriate thermal protection.

Guangdong – Shantou & Nan’ao Island

Optimal diving with warm water, excellent visibility, and calm seas.

Cooler winter months or typhoon-prone summer period with reduced visibility.

Good conditions with slightly cooler water and fewer crowds.

Drive around the island visiting lighthouses, fishing villages, and viewpoints

Nan’ao Island full-day circumnavigation

Explore the colonial-era architecture and traditional Chaoshan culture

Shantou Xiaogongyuan historical district

Relax at Nan’ao Island best beach with crystal clear water

Qing’ao Bay beach and swimming

Experience Chaoshan cuisine through guided tastings at local restaurants

Shantou food walking tour

Visit the dramatic hilltop wind farm with panoramic ocean views

Nan’ao Island wind farm viewpoint

Learn the art of gongfu tea preparation in its birthplace region

Traditional Chaoshan tea ceremony

Shantou Jieyang Airport (SWA) has domestic connections from major Chinese cities. Alternatively, high-speed rail from Shenzhen (2.5 hours) or Guangzhou (3 hours) to Shantou. Nan’ao Island is connected to the mainland by a 10-kilometer cross-sea bridge, making access easy by car.

Dive Sites in Guangdong – Shantou & Nan’ao Island

Nanao Island Reef

Nanao Deep Wall