汕頭

Qing Ao Bay to the east of Nan Ao Island is a huge, moon-shaped body of water lined with a soft-sand beach that stretches for more than 2km. Sheltered by casuarina trees and encircled by eye-catching pavilions, the bay is the site of resorts and leisure facilities (for sailboarding, boating and golfing among others) and the city’s only saltwater swimming pool.

After making it big in Hong Kong and Thailand in the 19th century, homegrown tycoon Chen Ci Hong built many lavish homes for his family, the most palatial of which is in Chenghai City, about an hour from Shantou. Though weathered by time, Chen Ci Hong Mansion is still a sight to behold, home to a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, elegant furnishings, a labyrinth of staircases, corridors and overhead walkways, and such a vast number of rooms that Chen reputedly employed a servant to do nothing but open and close the house’s hundreds of windows.

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Shantou, Queshi Scenic Area is embraced by the sea on three sides and manages to squeeze nearly four dozen evergreen-draped hilltops into its 20sqkm area. Check out the memorably named White Rabbit Cave, Dragon Spring Cave, Lion Cave and Elephant Cave before ascending the nearest hill for a bird's-eye view of Qing Hao Gulf and the area’s many other picturesque sights.

Accessible via a 40-minute ferry ride from nearby Chenghai Laiwu Port, Nan Ao Island is home to wildlife-rich Huanghua Mountain National Forest Park and Marine Migratory Birds Preservation Zone. Beyond that, visitors come from far and wide to marvel at the lovely mountain and coastal scenery, tour ancient temples, stretch out on the sand or just enjoy the cool sea breezes.

There’s no shortage of parks in China honouring “Father of the Nation” Dr Sun Yat-sen – Sun Zhongshan to the Chinese – and Shantou’s Zhongshan Park is one of many that does him proud. Check out the eye-catching bridges linking to the islands in Yujian Lake, descend into a cosy cave, visit a hilltop pavilion, explore the Shantou Museum, go for a boat ride and dine at the restaurant or tea house.