Published on : 18/03/2023
Many people choose to head to Mainland China during long holiday period to travel to places like Chaoshan and Zhaoqing.
Today, we introduced 5 must-visit spots in Chaozhou for you. Let's see what fun places we have to go!
Guangji Bridge and Hanwengong Shrine
When it comes to the first choice of must-see spots in Chaozhou, it has to be the famous Guangji Bridge.
Guangji Bridge (廣濟橋), known locally as the Xiangzi Bridge, is one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Chaozhou".
It was built during the Song Dynasty and, along with Lugu Bridge, Luoyang Bridge, and Zhaozhou Bridge, is known as one of "China's Four Ancient Bridges".
Its construction technique is ingeniously superb, with more than 800 years of history to date.
So, what's special about Guangji Bridge? It turns out it can "transform".
During the daytime, the floating section of the Guangji Bridge is hinged up to form a complete bridge, but at night it "disassembles". It's very magical.
The assembly of Guangji Bridge starts at around 10 am, and it is disassembled at around 5 pm. During this period, you can witness the "transformation" spectacle of the Guangji Bridge.
The exact timing may vary with the seasons. It is recommended to check the official information of the attraction before departure.
After visiting the Guangji Bridge, you can also visit the Hanwengong Shrine (韓文公祠) on the opposite side of the Han River.
The Hanwengong Shrine was built during the Northern Song Dynasty and is the earliest existing shrine in China that commemorates Han Yu.
It has a serene environment, with Han Yu's wooden statue, ancient steles, traditional and elegant Lingnan architectural style, paired with a lush, classical garden scenery.
The picturesque scenery of the classical gardens is immediately relaxing.
Guangji Bridge
Address: East City Ring Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City (opposite to the Guangji Gate Tower)
Charge: ¥20 per person
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:30, entry stops at 17:00.
Hanwengong Shrine
Address: No. 18, Dongxing North Road, Qiaodong Street, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City
Charge: Free, enter with Guangji Bridge ticket
Opening hours: 08:30 - 17:00
1600-year-old Chaozhou Ancient Town
After having seen the Guangji Bridge and Hanwengong Shrine, it's time to head to the ancient town of Chaozhou for a visit.
Chaozou Ancient Town (潮州古城), with a history of more than 1,600 years, still retains the layout style of the ancient town, with Paifang Street (牌坊街), formed by 22 groups of stone archways, as the centre of the ancient town.
Strolling through the pagoda streets of Chaozhou Old Town, you will have the illusion of travelling back to the ancient times.
Apart from various ancient buildings and archways, there are also many old food shops in the ancient town.
You may want to try the local snacks at Paifang Street, such as kuey teow, handmade fermented bean curd cakes, and the "three treasures of Chaozhou", namely, the old yam tangerine, the yellow-skinned black bean curd, and the bergamot.
If you have ample time, why not stay for 2 to 3 days in the ancient town of Chaozhou, stroll slowly, and eat delicacies slowly to fully experience the cultural charm of the thousand-year-old town.
Chaozou Ancient Town
Address: Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City
Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Paifang Street
Address: No. 663, Taiping Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City
Recommended Staying Time: 1-2 hours
Experience Chaozhou tea culture at Zaiyang Teahouse
As everyone knows, people living in Chaozhou love drinking tea, so teahouses in Chaozhou are about as common as Starbucks.
However, the only teahouse where you can enjoy tea and watch opera at the same time is the Zaiyang Teahouse (載陽茶館) at Paifang Street.
Zaiyang Teahouse is nestled within a century-old arcade building, spreading across two floors. The interior design exudes a vintage Chinese style.
While drinking tea and watching Chaozhou opera performances, you can listen to nostalgic folk songs and Chaozhou string poetry, all of which instantly transport you back to the era of old China. It's a highly distinctive Chaozhou-style experience.
Zaiyang Teahouse (Paifang Street branch)
Address: No. 6 Yingju Lane, Yian Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City (Zhumu Gate)
Business hours: 10:00-23:00
Kaiyuan Temple: No.1 ancient temple in eastern Guangdong
In Chaozou Ancient Town, another must-visit spot is the Kaiyuan Temple (開元寺), known as the "number one ancient temple in eastern Guangdong."
Kaiyuan Temple was established during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,000 years.
It is a significant symbol in Chaoshan Buddhism and held a high standing at the time.
Kaiyuan Temple preserves the main layout of the Tang Dynasty while integrating the architectural arts of Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Its glazed tiles, painted eaves, and red walls, with carved fences and jade parapets, present an imposing spectacle worth a visit!
Kaiyuan Temple
Address: No. 32, Kaiyuan Road, Chaozhou City
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00
Read more: What are the three most famous buildings of Jiangnan?
