Things to do in Chaozhou

I came here because of its reputation, and visited Chaozhou Ancient City, Guangji Bridge, Guangji Tower, and Kaiyuan Temple to learn about Chaoshan culture and taste local delicacies. In March, the spring sunshine was just right, the weather was pleasant, and I felt very comfortable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars! A must-see in Chaozhou is Guangji Bridge, and it truly lives up to its reputation! As one of China's four ancient bridges and the world's earliest movable bridge, walking on it truly allows you to appreciate the remarkable wisdom of the ancients. "Eighteen shuttle boats and twenty-four islands"—one side features stone piers and pavilions, while the middle section is a pontoon bridge made of shuttle boats. Walking on the pontoon bridge, gently swaying, with the river breeze from the Han River blowing in your face, is incredibly comfortable. Rows of antique pavilions are scattered about, their couplets and plaques full of charm, and the ancient stone slabs underfoot bear the marks of time. During the day, strolling on the bridge allows you to quietly admire both banks of the Han River, with the ancient city of Chaozhou on one side, full of vibrant life. If you have enough time, you can also watch the pontoon bridge being dismantled in the evening, a famous spectacle known as "crossing the river and dismantling the bridge." At night, when the lights come on, the entire bridge is reflected in the river, creating a breathtaking night view. When you come to Chaozhou, you really can't miss Guangji Bridge. Take a walk on the bridge, feel the river breeze, and experience the cultural heritage of this ancient city. It's definitely worth it!

After visiting the Thai Buddhist Hall at Kaiyuan Temple, a taxi ride cost just over three yuan took me directly to Han Yu's Ancestral Hall. Walking there would have been 1.8km, which would have been quite tiring. Taxis are relatively cheap in Chaozhou. This place mainly introduces the life of Han Yu from the Tang Dynasty, his contributions during his exile to Chaozhou, and praises his patriotism and dedication to the people. It's worth taking a short stroll, as the reservation ticket is free, essentially like visiting a small park. The ticket entrance for Guangji Bridge is just over 100 meters away. After visiting Guangji Bridge, you can go directly there to experience the culture and charm of a pontoon bridge before returning to the ancient city, avoiding backtracking.

as seen in the name, lots of arches, with different meanings like celebrations of previous best candidates in national examinations in previous dynasties. lots of street foods and diners and restaurants with a wide variety of choices, a healthy long walk as there are other attractions nearby

Kaiyuan Temple is right inside the entrance to Chaozhou Ancient City. However, it's currently under renovation, and many halls are inaccessible; you can only look at them from the outside. Incense is free, making it one of the better free attractions in Chaozhou Ancient City. Photography of Buddha statues is not allowed inside the temple, so I took some pictures of the architecture. The roof decorations are very exquisite and beautiful. It seems like all temples in the Chaoshan region have roofs like this!

We navigated to Longhu Ancient Village, but accidentally ended up at its south gate. This area wasn't fully developed yet, which ironically made for a unique tour experience; the whole place remained quite pristine. Some abandoned houses in the ancient village showed strong historical traces; countless years have passed here, and now only weeds and crumbling walls silently bear witness to the passage of time. Further north, the area becomes more bustling, with trendy cafes, snack stalls, and shops selling Chaozhou's four treasures (food, clothing, and crafts), giving it a more touristy feel. Overall, it was less crowded and the experience was quite pleasant.

There are two main reasons why you'll enjoy the visit: First, you'll be immersed in the wonders of nature, with strange rock formations, underground rivers and caves, and geological forests all blending together to create a stunning and unique landscape that's definitely worth a visit. Second, it's great for children and perfect for family educational trips. Taking kids to the Qinglan Geological Museum and exploring the geological sites firsthand allows them to connect with nature and learn about geology—a fun and educational experience that combines learning with play.

Many thanks to the young volunteers and the official organization for their positive efforts in organizing the event. The students gained valuable experience, and the tourists received assistance. However, the Prince Consort's Mansion is one of the very few paid attractions in the ancient city of Chaozhou!

Although Chaozhou West Lake is not as famous as Hangzhou West Lake, it is also exquisite and small, with Lingnan charm, and worth savoring. There are some very special tropical and subtropical plants in the park, which are not seen in the north. The water of West Lake is rippling, and the West Lake under the sunset adds more charm.

While traveling in Chaoshan, I discovered this hidden gem. It's clear the residents were from a prominent family; the houses are enormous, and I heard that it used to take a whole day just to open and close the windows. It's full of Southeast Asian charm and incredibly photogenic. Online ticketing is very convenient; highly recommended.