A Bite of Chaoshan
"If you have not been to the Chaoshan region, you can't claim to be a real gourmet. From the fresh fish to the rice wine, this area had inherited a food culture dating back to the Qin and Song dynasties."
— Chen Xiaoqing, director of the famous documentary A Bite of China.
Chaoshan is worthy of a visit if only for a food hunt, but there is much more to recommend: its brilliant history, distinctive folk customs, pleasant climate…
Our 3-day trip to Chaozhou and Shantou will help you discover the unique and distinctive features of Chaoshan culture, especially the food culture and folk customs.
Tour Map
Tour 'Wow' Points
Enjoy the Amazing Cuisine
Taste dishes made the ancient way, some dating back to Qin times, some to the Song era. Fresh fish slices and marinated crab predate Japanese sashimi.
Taste Authentic Kungfu Tea
Experience Kung Fu tea, a Song Dynasty creation from Chaoshan that remains key to Chaozhou's social etiquette and hospitality.
Take in the "Time Capsule"
Explore Chaozhou's well-preserved historical residences and medieval architecture, spanning over a millennium from the Tang to Qing dynasties.
Appreciate Chinese Craft Arts
Chaoshan's traditional handicrafts, like embroidery and colored porcelain, boast a long history and global renown.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Beijing trip 2025
Great tour! Jennifer, our tour guide, was outstanding. She always made sure we understood everything related to each monument we visited. more
Jun 2025, Beatriz C
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Great trip
Lily was an amazing guide, knowledgeable and friendly and the trip was easy and stress free. We had a great time in Beijing, thank you! more
Jun 2025, YL
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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
We'll pick you up at Chaoshan Railway Station or Jieyang Chaoshan Airport and transfer you to downtown Chaozhou in about an hour.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chaozhou Ancient Town. Experience the grandeur of Zhenhai Tower, delve into the past at Xu Mansion Hall, and appreciate the stunning design of Jilue Huang Ancestral Hall.
Experience the Chaoshan flavors on a Walking Foodie Expedition through the celebrated Paifang Street. Delight in the taste of Spring Rolls, the aromatic Braised Goose, the distinctive Kueh Chee, and the invigorating Orange juice(individual purchases apply), before your relaxing return to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Chaozhou.
Step into the Han Wen Gong Temple, a tribute to Han Yu reflecting Ming and Qing grandeur. Its serene halls and courtyards feature historical records and poems celebrating his life, offering a profound glimpse into Chaozhou's cultural reverence.
Discover both the Guangji (Xiangzi) Bridge and the Guangji Gate Tower. The bridge itself is known for its clever design, blending stone arches and a movable boat bridge for waterway access, complemented by lively pavilions that provide historical context and beautiful vistas.
Explore Kaiyuan Temple, where centuries of architectural evolution and exquisite Buddhist artistry are on display, featuring intricate carvings and statues within prominent halls such as the Mahavira Hall.
Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Chaozhou at Zaiyang Tea House: experience the exquisite Gongfu Cha, the region's time-honored tea ceremony, while being captivated by the vibrant artistry of Teochew Opera, Teochew string music, or Teochew song singing.
Visit Chaozhou Masters Park to witness Chaozhou's exquisite Chinese folk craft arts and learn about the distinctive features of Chaozhou culture.
Stay overnight in Chaozhou.
Travel to Shantou in the morning (about 1 hour by private vehicle).
Walk through Shantou Ancient Town, visiting Little Garden Park and Laoma Gong, Shantou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall. Learn how to make a traditional local snack — heart rice cakes — in a time-honored local restaurant.
Discover the Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center to delve into the region's rich heritage, from its history and Teochew dialect to traditional crafts, local cuisine, and Teochew Opera. Inside, witness the vibrant 30-minute Chaoshan Yingge Dance, a dynamic performance with rhythmic hammer strikes staged across the hall.
We'll transfer you to Chaoshan Railway Station or Jieyang Chaoshan Airport for your departure.
Hotel Selection
—The Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- Mandarin / Cantonese-speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline while you are traveling
Tour code: gd-2