Things To Do
in Chaozhou
Chaozhou is a historic city in eastern Guangdong province known as the cultural heart of the Teochew (Chaozhou) people, with well-preserved architecture, ancient bridges and narrow lanes along the Han River. It is famous for its distinctive Teochew cuisine and gongfu tea culture, which are central to daily life and hospitality. The old city area mixes temples, ancestral halls and traditional wood-carved houses, giving a strong sense of living history.
Visitors find a calm, small-city atmosphere with easy access to coastal scenery and nearby regional transport hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the famous Chaozhou Ancient City Wall, where you can admire the ancient architecture and learn about the city's rich history. Afterward, stroll through the nearby East Lake Park, enjoying the serene views and the calming sound of water. Stop by a local tea house for a refreshing cup of traditional Chaozhou tea before heading to your next adventure.
In the afternoon, delve into the vibrant local culture by visiting the Chaozhou Museum, which showcases the city's history and heritage through fascinating exhibits. Next, take a leisurely walk through the old streets, where you can find traditional shops selling handmade ceramics and local delicacies. Don't miss tasting the famous Chaozhou beef hotpot for lunch at a popular local restaurant.
As night falls, head to the riverside to take a scenic boat ride along the Han River, where you can enjoy the illuminated skyline of Chaozhou. Afterward, explore the night market filled with street food stalls, offering everything from savory dumplings to sweet desserts. End your evening at a local bar, sipping on Chaozhou's specialty cocktails while mingling with friendly locals.
Begin your morning with a visit to the stunning Kaiyuan Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the region. Spend time exploring the intricate architecture and serene gardens, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. Don’t forget to light incense and make a wish at the temple's main hall.
After lunch at a nearby vegetarian restaurant, participate in a calligraphy workshop offered at the temple, where you can learn about this traditional art form from a skilled master. Take a stroll through the surrounding area, where you can also find local artisans showcasing their crafts. Capture the peaceful surroundings with photographs of the temple and its beautiful landscape.
As the sun sets, attend a traditional music performance at the temple, featuring local musicians playing ancient instruments. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Chaozhou opera, which tells captivating stories through song and dance. Conclude your evening with a peaceful meditation session in the temple grounds, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $1.5-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.60 |
| 🏨3-star hotel per night | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, authentic Teochew culture and cuisine
- Well-preserved old town with photogenic architecture
- Lower prices and less tourist crowding compared with bigger Chinese cities
- Easy day trips to nearby coast and islands
- Limited English signage and fewer international amenities
- Hot, humid summers and occasional typhoons
- Less nightlife variety for visitors seeking clubs or late-night entertainment
- Mobile payment barriers for visitors without Chinese payment apps
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问……在哪里? (Qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "我对贝类过敏 (Wǒ duì bèilèi guòmǐn)" - I am allergic to shellfish
- "可以用微信支付吗? (Kěyǐ yòng Wēixìn zhīfù ma?)" - Can I pay with WeChat Pay?
- "多谢 (Teochew: Do che / Mandarin: Xièxiè)" - Thanks (Teochew informal)
Places to Visit in Chaozhou
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic ancient floating bridge with stone and wooden sections over the Han River — dramatic at sunrise and when illuminated at night.
A historic Buddhist temple with ornate halls and courtyards, offering rich architectural detail for close-up and wide-angle shots.
Riverfront scenes with boats, old warehouses, and locals fishing — best during golden hour for reflections and life shots.
Narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and ancestral compound courtyards provide texture, patterns and candid street photography opportunities.
Bustling food markets offer colorful ingredients, vendors and neon-lit night scenes for dynamic documentary photography.
Food in Chaozhou
Chaozhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced fresh beef and offal cooked quickly in a clear broth; try at specialist hotpot shops where beef is prepared to order.
Must-Try!
A looser, porcelain-style rice porridge often served with pickles, fish or pork floss — common at breakfast stalls and small eateries.
A crispy, savory omelette with fresh oysters and sweet-spicy sauce; widely available at night markets and street vendors.
Goose or other meats braised in a fragrant, spiced soy brine — found in specialty shops and banquet restaurants.
A ceremonial, concentrated tea service using small cups; available at traditional teahouses and many restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A cluster of streets near the river and historic district where vendors sell congee, beef hotpot bites, oyster omelettes and sweets — ideal for tasting many small dishes.
Evening street stalls near the Hanjiang river offer seafood snacks, skewers and local desserts — good for casual sampling and photography.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people—greet elders first, and allow them to start eating or enter rooms first when appropriate.
Accepting a cup of tea is polite; use both hands when receiving items from elders or hosts. When invited to a meal, try multiple small dishes and follow host cues.
Dress modestly, speak quietly, and follow local practices such as removing hats and not taking flash photos in worship areas when asked.
Bargaining at small markets is acceptable but stay friendly and avoid aggressive haggling; use a smile and light tone.
Safety
Tipping in Chaozhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Chaozhou establishments; exceptional service may be acknowledged but is usually not expected. In upscale hotels or international restaurants, small tips may be accepted but are not required.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate local transactions. Cash (RMB) and Chinese bank cards are accepted in many places; foreign credit cards work in larger hotels and restaurants but less so at small vendors and markets—carry some cash or a mobile payment option set up for ease.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and increasingly humid; good for sightseeing and outdoor walks. Occasional rain — bring a light rain jacket. Many cultural events and a pleasant time for exploring old streets.
Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; typhoon risk from July to September. Ideal for seafood but expect high humidity — stay hydrated and plan indoor activities during midday heat.
Generally the best time to visit: cooler, drier and comfortable for walking, photography and outdoor excursions. Clear skies and lower humidity make it popular with locals and visitors.
Mild and relatively dry compared with northern China; occasional cold snaps but rarely freezing. Layered clothing is usually sufficient; quieter tourist season.
Chaozhou at Night
Hiking in Chaozhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A local moderate hike offering city and river views; well-suited for half-day excursions and photography.
Shoreline walks and low-elevation trails on nearby coastal areas and small islands provide scenic seaside hiking and birdwatching.
Short hikes through nearby rural countryside and small hills near Chaozhou where you can see farmland, tea plots and local villages.
Airports
How to reach Chaozhou by plane.
Main airport serving Chaozhou and Shantou, about 40–60 minutes by car to Chaozhou depending on traffic; airport shuttles, taxis and regional buses connect to the city.
Major international airport to the west; reachable by high-speed rail and road (3–4 hours depending on connections) and useful for international flights with more options.
Large international hub with many flight options; accessible by high-speed train and long-distance bus or car (approximately 2.5–4 hours by rail or road depending on service).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speak the Teochew dialect, a variant of Min Nan Chinese, and maintain local traditions and cuisine.
Predominantly Han ethnic group with local cultural variation; many families have long roots in the area.
Large Chaozhou diaspora in Southeast Asia creates cultural and family ties; visiting relatives and business links are common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional water sport popular in the region, especially during the Dragon Boat Festival and local coastal communities.
Common recreational sports among youth and amateur clubs; many schools and community courts support pick-up games.
Widely played indoor sports with many neighborhood courts and recreation centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chaozhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in major cities; Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and some teahouses offer meat-free dishes — specify '素' and check for fish sauce or lard in broths.
Vegan dining is possible but requires care: ask clearly for no animal products and avoid broths; carry a translation card for ingredients.
Seafood is a staple, so communicate allergies in Mandarin (e.g., '我对贝类过敏' — I'm allergic to shellfish) and confirm with staff; avoid busy street stalls if cross-contamination is a concern.