3 Days Chaozhou and Shantou Food & Cultural Tour
Tour Overview
Chaoshan, a charming region in southeastern China, offers visitors an immersive cultural and culinary experience. Over the course of 3 days, this tour will take you through the heart...
Code of Tour: CDT0000091470
Length of Travel: 3 Day
Destinations of Tour: Chaozhou-Chaoshan-Shantou
Departure City: Chaozhou
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour:
Chaoshan, a charming region in southeastern China, offers visitors an immersive cultural and culinary experience. Over the course of 3 days, this tour will take you through the heart of Chaozhou and Shantou, where you will savor delicious local delicacies, experience traditional tea ceremonies and opera performances, and explore ancient bridges, temples, and architectural marvels. With a mix of history, culture, and gastronomy, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into the essence of Chaoshan. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to create your own heart-shaped rice cakes, a local culinary tradition.
This 3-day Chaozhou and Shantou Food & Cultural Tour offers a perfect balance of culture, history, and gastronomy. From sipping Chaozhou Kung Fu tea and watching traditional opera to exploring ancient bridges, temples, and learning to cook local dishes, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of the region’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a food lover, this tour is designed to provide you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of Chaoshan’s unique charm.
Destinations: Chaozhou, Shantou
Tour Type: Private
Suitable for: Culture and History Enthusiasts, Food Lovers
Tour Highlights
- Chaozhou Kung Fu Tea: Sip this traditional tea and learn about the unique tea ceremony.
- Chaozhou Opera: Enjoy a cultural performance with stunning melodies, costumes, and graceful movements.
- Ancient Landmarks: Discover Chaozhou’s rich history through the Guangji Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, and Xu Mansion Hall.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Visit Chaozhou Masters Park to witness local craftsmanship and art.
- Heart-Shaped Rice Cakes: Participate in a hands-on cooking experience to make this unique local delicacy.
- Scenic Ferry Ride in Shantou: Enjoy the stunning skyline while cruising along the coastline.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chaozhou – Traditional Tea Ceremony, Opera, and Local Culture
Morning: Welcome to Chaozhou
Upon arrival in Chaozhou, a local guide and driver will greet you and take you to your first experience of the day: Chaozhou Kung Fu Tea. This tea ceremony is a distinctive tradition of the region, where you’ll learn the detailed process of preparing and tasting tea. The subtle flavors and cultural significance of this ceremony will give you a deep understanding of local customs.
Afternoon: Chaozhou Opera Performance
Next, you’ll enjoy a Chaozhou Opera performance. This traditional Chinese drama style is characterized by beautiful melodies, graceful movements, and intricate costumes. It is a unique cultural experience that will take you back in time to ancient Chaoshan.
Late Afternoon: Memorial Arches Street
After the opera, take a leisurely stroll along Memorial Arches Street. The street is lined with 22 memorial arches, which have become a defining feature of the area. You can browse shops selling local products, such as wood carvings, porcelain, and snacks like beef balls and traditional Chinese tea.
Accommodation:
Overnight stay in Chaozhou.
Day 2: Chaozhou Highlights Tour – Discover Ancient Architecture and Traditional Craftsmanship
Morning: Chaozhou Ancient Town and Guangji Bridge
After breakfast, head to Chaozhou Ancient Town, a place steeped in over 1600 years of history. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, well-preserved architecture, and fascinating landmarks. One of the major highlights is the Guangji Bridge, a historical marvel and one of the four ancient bridges in China. This bridge once served as a crucial transportation hub and remains an iconic landmark of Chaozhou’s culture.
Visit Guangji Gate Tower
Continue your exploration by visiting the Guangji Gate Tower, the best-preserved ancient building in Chaozhou. This palace-style building, with its striking vermilion windows, is both majestic and historically significant. Your guide will provide you with insights into its architectural and cultural importance.
Afternoon: Kaiyuan Temple and Xu Mansion Hall
Next, you’ll visit Kaiyuan Temple, the largest and most famous temple in the region. This ancient temple complex covers over 11,000 square meters and is home to numerous cultural relics and solemn statues. Following your visit to the temple, explore the Xu Mansion Hall, an elegant complex showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of past Chaozhou residents.
Late Afternoon: Chaozhou Masters Park
In the afternoon, you will head to Chaozhou Masters Park, where you can observe traditional performances and visit local workshops. This cultural paradise offers a deeper dive into Chaozhou’s music, craftsmanship, and arts, making it a perfect way to understand the cultural essence of the region.
Accommodation:
Return to your hotel in Chaozhou for the night.
Day 3: Chaozhou to Shantou – Explore Shantou Old Town, Cultural Sites, and Scenic Ferry Ride
Morning: Travel to Shantou and Visit Old Town
After breakfast, travel by car for approximately 1.5 hours to Shantou, a port city known as the “Pearl of the South China Sea.” Upon arrival, your guide will take you to explore Shantou Old Town, an area characterized by its well-preserved colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets. This charming district feels like a step back in time, offering a glimpse of Shantou’s past.
Visit Tianhou Palace and Small Park
Take a stroll through the tranquil Small Park, surrounded by lush greenery. Then, head to Tianhou Palace, an ancient temple that showcases the region’s folk crafts and architecture. Marvel at the intricately designed sculptures adorning the temple’s eaves as you learn about the local traditions.
Afternoon: Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall and Heart-Shaped Rice Cake Making
Visit the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall in Shantou, where you can experience the region’s cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and displays of traditional crafts. Afterward, enjoy a special culinary experience at a local restaurant, where you’ll learn to make heart-shaped rice cakes, a popular local dish. This hands-on activity will introduce you to the flavors and techniques of Chaoshan cuisine.
Scenic Ferry Ride in Shantou
Conclude your tour with a scenic ferry ride from People’s Square in Shantou. As you cruise along the coastline, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s stunning skyline, offering a peaceful and scenic end to your journey.
Departure:
After the ferry ride, your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
