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, directed of the famous documentary A Bite of China.
Chaoshan (the Chaozhou and Shantou region) is worthy of a visit if only for a food hunt, but there is much more to recommend: it's 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 'Wow' Points
Enjoy amazing Chaozhou cuisine
Taste dishes made the ancient way, some dating back to Qin times (2,000 years ago), some the Song era (1,000 year ago). Fresh fish slices and marinated crab predate Japanese sashimi.
Taste real Chaozhou kung fu tea and experience leisurely local life
Chinese tea culture is best preserved in Chaoshan. Kung fu tea, the "espresso" of Chinese teas, has a formidable kick. First created in the Song Dynasty, it is still flourishing and remains an important part of social etiquette and hosting in Chaozhou.
Take in the history and culture of the Chaozhou "time capsule"
Explore the well-preserved historical residences and medieval architecture built in the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as you travel through over 1,000 years of Chaozhou history.
Appreciate exquisite Chinese craft arts
Chaozhou traditional handicrafts have a long history. Embroidery, wood engravings, hand-drawn pots, colored porcelain, and wheat straw paintings from Chaozhou are known across the globe
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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7 day Beijing trip with China Highlights
We were in Beijing for 7 days and went to the Great Wall, Gubei Watertown, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Confucius Temple, Ming and Qing Tombs. Also went to watch the Acrobatic Show and the Golden Mask Show. The views are fantastic and the shows are amazing. Our tour guide, Colin, from China Highlights was awesome. He planned our itinerary flawlessly and took us to restaurants that served great authentic local food. Colin is very caring of my elderly mother and provided superb service. Thank you, Colin, for making my trip memorable. more
Mar 2025, Adrene
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Best tour guide ever
Extremely delighted with my Beijing tours. I was so fortunate to get Mark as my guide. and Hang to patiently drive us everywhere.Mark is extremely knowledgeable. witty and caring. Hang is sweet and mindful of my age. I am also grateful to Leaky of China highlights for planning an incredible itinerary for me. more
Mar 2025, Pope Kavita Michelle
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A day in Beijing with Jiang
We had a day trip to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Our guide Jiang organised all our transportation, ticketing and food needs, such that we did not have to worry about a thing. Jiang also spoke fluent English and was passionate about sharing the history behind the Great Wall and Forbidden City which we explored for 3 hours each on foot. more
Mar 2025, Bryan
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Tour Map
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.
Taste authentic Chaozhou kung fu tea in a local teahouse and listen to Chaozhou opera.
Then hunt for delicious Chaozhou food in Memorial Arches Street, while experiencing leisurely local life.
Stay overnight in Chaozhou.
Take a walking tour of Chaozhou old town, visiting Guangji Bridge and Guangji Gate Tower, Kaiyuan Temple, Jilue Huang Ancestral Hall, and Xu Mansion Hall.
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 1½ hours 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.
Take the Shantou local ferry from People's Square to Queshi Park to witness the beautiful inner bay scenery and feel the rapid transformation of Shantou from an ancient fishing village to a big trade city.
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
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: gd-2