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Things to Do in Chaozhou (2026)
Begin your journey at Guangji Bridge, a Song Dynasty marvel that combines a bridge with a floating pontoon section. It opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an admisβ¦ ποΈ Start at Guangji Bridge
Begin your journey at Guangji Bridge, a Song Dynasty marvel that combines a bridge with a floating pontoon section. It opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an admission fee of 20 RMB. Cross the bridge to reach the ancient city wall and enjoy views of the Han River.
π― Explore the Old City
Wander through the narrow lanes of Chaozhou's Old City, where traditional courtyard houses and ancestral halls line the streets. Don't miss the Huang Family Ancestral Hall at 30 Yijie Road, a masterpiece of wood carving and gold leaf. Entry is 10 RMB, and it's open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
π Taste Local Specialties
Chaozhou is famous for its beef hot pot and oyster omelets. Head to the night market on Paifang Street, where stalls serve fresh beef balls and braised goose from 6:00 PM onward. For a sit-down meal, try Zhengyi Beef Hot Pot at 88 Xinqiao Road, where a meal for two costs around 120 RMB.
β°οΈ Hike Mount Bijia
For panoramic views of the city, hike up Mount Bijia, a 30-minute climb from the base near the Han River. The trail is free and open all day, but it's best visited in the late afternoon for sunset. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the path can be steep in sections.
π Watch a Teochew Opera
Experience the local art form of Teochew opera at the Chaozhou Opera Theater on Zhongshan Road. Performances are held on weekends at 8:00 PM, with tickets starting at 50 RMB. The elaborate costumes and distinctive singing style offer a unique cultural insight.
πΊ Visit a Ceramics Workshop
Chaozhou has a long history of ceramics, and you can try your hand at pottery at the Chaozhou Ceramics Museum on Fengxin Road. Workshops cost 80 RMB per person and include materials and firing. The museum itself is free and open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
π Getting Around
The city center is walkable, but for longer distances, use the local bus system or taxis. Buses cost 2 RMB per ride, while taxis start at 7 RMB. For a more scenic option, rent a bicycle from shops near Guangji Bridge for about 20 RMB per day.
π Evening Riverside Stroll
End your day with a stroll along the Han River promenade, which is beautifully lit after dark. The area near Guangji Bridge is especially lively, with street food vendors and local musicians. It's free and open to everyone, making it a perfect spot to relax and people-watch.
solid write-up, covers the essentials well. one thing i'd nudge people toward is the han river night cruise, it's about 30 rmb and runs from the dock just south of guangji bridge. you get a totally different perspective of the bridge and city lights from the water, especially when the pontoon section is open and boats pass through. also worth grabbing a bag of lao ma gong's fried pastry twists from the shop on taiping road before you head to the river, they're like 8 rmb for a big bag and perfect for munching while you walk
ngl the guide nails the basics but one thing i'd add is the morning tea scene. hit up the old city around 7am and you'll see locals sipping gongfu cha at those tiny shops tucked in the alleys off paifang street. way more authentic than the touristy spots and a cup of phoenix dancong will run u like 5-10 rmb. also the ceramics workshop is cool but if you're short on time just browse the free museum part, the collection of ming dynasty pieces is worth a look without the pottery class fee.
one spot that always gets overlooked is the old city's hanwen temple complex near the eastern gate. it's a peaceful compound dedicated to han yu, the tang dynasty poet who was exiled here, and the stone steles inside have his calligraphy carved into them. entry is like 15 rmb and it's quieter than the ancestral hall, takes maybe 30 minutes to walk through. also if you're up early, the soy milk vendor on yijie road near the huang family hall opens around 6am and sells that thick version with ginger syrup for 3 rmb a bowl, way better than the watered down stuff at breakfast chains
Where to Stay in Chaozhou (2026)
The Old City Center is the heart of Chaozhou, packed with historic sites like the Guangji Bridge and Kaiyuan Temple. It's ideal for first-time visitors who want to be within walβ¦ ποΈ Old City Center
The Old City Center is the heart of Chaozhou, packed with historic sites like the Guangji Bridge and Kaiyuan Temple. It's ideal for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of major attractions. Budget guesthouses start around 150 CNY per night, while mid-range hotels average 300-500 CNY.
π Nightlife Hub
For nightlife, head to the area around Paifang Street and the Han River promenade, where bars and teahouses stay open late. This zone suits young travelers and groups looking for evening entertainment. Accommodation here includes trendy hostels (80-120 CNY per bed) and boutique hotels (400-600 CNY per night).
π‘ Quiet Residential Area
The eastern part of the city, near the Han River's east bank, offers a peaceful retreat with fewer tourists. It's perfect for families or those seeking a calm stay. Guesthouses and small hotels here range from 200 to 400 CNY per night, with easy access to riverside walks.
π Family-Friendly Zone
The area around the Chaozhou People's Square and the Chaozhou Museum is great for families, with parks and kid-friendly eateries. Hotels here often have larger rooms and family suites, priced between 350 and 600 CNY per night. Many offer free breakfast and shuttle services to attractions.
π» Digital Nomad Spot
The new development zone near the Chaozhou High-Speed Rail Station is emerging as a hub for digital nomads, with co-working spaces and fast Wi-Fi. Long-stay apartments and serviced studios cost 2500-4000 CNY per month. The area is quieter but well-connected by bus and taxi to the city center.
π° Budget Options
Budget travelers should look at hostels and guesthouses near the Chaozhou Coach Station, where dorm beds start at 60 CNY per night. Private rooms in this area range from 100 to 200 CNY. Street food stalls and local markets nearby keep meal costs low.
π¨ Luxury Stays
For a splurge, the Han River waterfront has several upscale hotels like the Chaozhou Marriott Hotel, with rooms from 800 to 1500 CNY per night. These properties offer river views, spas, and fine dining. Book in advance during peak seasons like Chinese New Year.
π Getting Around
Chaozhou's public buses and taxis are affordable, with bus fares at 2 CNY and taxi starts at 8 CNY. The city is compact, so walking or renting a bicycle (20 CNY per day) is practical for most areas. The high-speed rail station connects to Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
One thing the guide doesn't mention is how much the weather affects where you want to be. I stayed in the Old City Center during a humid August and wished I had picked something on the Han River where there's at least a breeze. The narrow streets in the old town trap the heat and the mosquitos are relentless after dark, so bring repellent if you're there in summer.
For a really local experience, look at the small hotels on Taiping Road, which is the main pedestrian street through Paifang Street. They're nothing fancy but you can step outside and be right in the middle of the street food action, and the room rates are usually around 200-300 CNY even during busy weekends. The noise doesn't die down until midnight though, so that's the tradeoff.
The breakdown on the Old City Center is solid, but don't underestimate how loud it gets at night. I stayed near Kaiyuan Temple once and the morning temple bells start around 4:30 AM, so pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper. For a quieter spot in that zone, try the alleys off Dongsan Road, where you can still walk to Guangji Bridge in ten minutes.
another thing about the old city center is the parking situation if you're driving, it's nearly impossible to find a spot after 10am even on weekdays. i learned that the hard way and ended up parking at the lot near the chaozhou museum for 20 yuan a day and walking 15 minutes in. for anyone with a car, staying in the quiet residential area or near people's square makes more sense since most hotels there have their own parking. the bicycle rental tip is solid though, the flat streets make it easy to cover the whole old city in an afternoon