Ask a QuestionWhen visiting Shantou, many travelers explore the historic arcades of Shantou Small Park, taste authentic Teochew food, or discover the city’s overseas Chinese culture. However, one of the most relaxing and affordable experiences in the city happens right on the water — taking a ride on the Shantou Ferry.
Unlike sightseeing cruises in many cities, Shantou’s ferry system is still part of local daily life. The famous 1-yuan Guangchang Ferry is not only a convenient transportation option for residents traveling across the inner bay but also a hidden gem for visitors looking for beautiful coastal views, sunset photography, and a glimpse of Shantou’s unique relationship with the sea.
Sailing across the bay, watching the city skyline slowly change with the sunlight, and seeing the sea turn golden at sunset is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Shantou.
Shantou has always been closely connected with the sea. As one of China’s earliest open ports, the city developed through maritime trade and overseas connections. The inner bay has witnessed generations of merchants, fishermen, and overseas Chinese leaving and returning to their hometown.
Today, the ferry continues this connection between the two sides of the bay. The short journey provides visitors with a chance to see Shantou from the water, where landmarks such as the city skyline, bridges, mountains, and historic districts appear from a completely different angle.
For travelers, the ferry experience offers several advantages:
Extremely affordable prices
Easy access from the city center
Beautiful sunset views
Excellent photography opportunities
A relaxing break from walking tours
Among all ferry experiences in Shantou, the Guangchang Ferry and the Inner Bay Night Cruise are the two most popular choices.
The Guangchang Ferry (广场轮渡) is the most famous ferry route in Shantou. It connects Guangchang Ferry Station in Jinping District with Kuishi Ferry Terminal in Haojiang District.
Although it mainly serves as local transportation, many visitors take this short ferry ride simply to enjoy the scenery.
The biggest attraction is the price — a one-way ticket costs only RMB 1.
The entire journey takes around 10 minutes, but during this short ride, passengers can enjoy views of Shantou’s inner bay, passing ships, coastal buildings, and distant mountains.
For many visitors, the highlight is watching the sunset. On clear evenings, the sunlight reflects on the water, creating a warm orange glow often called the “orange sea” (橘子海) by local photographers
The ferry operates approximately from:
6:20 AM to 8:00 PM
Around one departure every 20 minutes
Tickets can be paid by:
WeChat Pay
Alipay
Cash
No advance reservation is required.
Guangchang Ferry Route and Boarding Guide
The two main boarding points are:
Guangchang Ferry Station
Located in the city center area, this is the most convenient departure point for visitors.
Navigation address:
Guangchang Ferry Station, No. 3 Haibin Road, Jinping District, Shantou
It is also near the area opposite Shantou Chaoshan Sports Center.
Queshi Ferry Terminal
After crossing the bay, passengers arrive at Queshi Ferry Terminal in Haojiang District.
This side is convenient if you plan to visit:
Queshi Scenic Area
Many travelers choose to combine the ferry ride with a visit to the mountain area, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Shantou and the inner bay. A useful tip is to consider taking the ferry in the opposite direction — from Kuishi Ferry Terminal back to Guangchang Ferry Station. This route is often less crowded and may provide a more relaxed experience.
The Best Time to Take Guangchang Ferry: Catch the “Orange Sea” Sunset
The best time to experience Guangchang Ferry is around sunset.
During summer, it is recommended to board between approximately:
6:00 PM and 7:00 PM
During winter, the ideal time is earlier:
4:50 PM to 5:50 PM
The exact sunset time changes throughout the year, so checking the weather forecast before visiting is recommended.
For the best photos, sunny days are much better than cloudy days. On overcast days, the sunset colors may be less impressive. Strong winds or fog may also affect ferry operations.
The ferry offers several excellent photo locations.
The upper deck near the national flag area usually provides the most open and direct view. From here, you can capture the sea, skyline, and sunset together.
The side railings on the lower deck are ideal for silhouette photography, especially when the sun is close to the horizon.
The rear of the ferry has fewer obstacles and is suitable for wide-angle shots showing the entire boat, water, and surrounding scenery.
For clothing, light-colored outfits such as white, beige, or light blue work especially well for sunset photography. The warm backlight can create beautiful effects, including glowing hair and soft silhouettes.
For travelers who want more than just transportation, Shantou also offers a cultural sightseeing version of the ferry experience.
The cultural tourism ferry line adds approximately RMB 9 to the regular RMB 1 ticket, making the total price around RMB 10.
Compared with the commuter ferry, this version provides:
A specially designed illustrated ticket
Inner bay audio commentary
Photo spots and decorative installations
A longer round trip experience
The entire journey takes around 25 minutes.
This option is suitable for travelers who prefer to stay on board, enjoy the scenery slowly, and learn more about Shantou’s history.
For travelers seeking a more comfortable and romantic experience, Shantou’s high-end night cruise offers a completely different atmosphere.
The main sightseeing vessel is the Qimian (启勉号) Inner Bay Cruise, which focuses on nighttime views of Shantou’s illuminated coastline.
Unlike the 1-yuan commuter ferry, this cruise provides more comfortable seating, longer sailing time, and additional services such as Gongfu tea and refreshments.
It is particularly suitable for:
Couples
Families
Group travelers
Business or team gatherings
Visitors who prefer a quieter sightseeing experience
Night Cruise Route and Highlights
The night cruise usually travels between:
Kuishi Bridge
Shantou Bay Bridge
The route passes approximately 15 scenic points, including:
Queshi Scenic Area
Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center
Mayu Island
Times Square light displays
The full journey takes around 70 minutes.
From the deck, visitors can enjoy Shantou’s illuminated coastline and see how the historic port city transforms after dark.
Night Cruise Ticket Options
Different seating options are available depending on your budget and travel style.
Standard Cabin: Around RMB 68 per person
The standard cabin provides comfortable seating with tea, snacks, and drinks available for purchase. It is a good choice for travelers who want the cruise atmosphere without spending too much.
First-Class Cabin: Around RMB 88 per person
Located near the front of the ship, the first-class cabin offers better views and fewer obstacles for photography.
VIP Cabin: Around RMB 88 per person
The VIP area is quieter and includes sofa seating and tea facilities, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a peaceful environment.
Private Group Options
For families or groups, private spaces are available:
Four-person first-class seating: around RMB 388
Eight-person VIP rooms: around RMB 888 or RMB 1,288
These options are suitable for celebrations, family gatherings, and company events, often including Gongfu tea and snacks.
Night Cruise Schedule and How to Buy Tickets
Night cruises usually operate two departures each evening:
First cruise: approximately 18:50–20:20
Second cruise: approximately 20:50–22:20
Schedules may change depending on the season and weather.
Tickets can be purchased through the WeChat mini program:
“Shantou Ferry” (汕头轮渡)
Real-name reservation is required.
Visitors can also buy tickets at the Qimian Service Center near Guangchang Ferry Station, but advance online booking is recommended because popular departures may sell out.
Practical Tips for Taking Shantou Ferry
Before visiting, keep these practical tips in mind.
Choose Clear Weather
The ferry experience depends heavily on visibility. Sunny days provide the best sunset and skyline views.
Check weather conditions before going, especially during periods of strong wind or fog.
Arrive Early for Sunset Photography
For Guangchang Ferry, arriving 20–30 minutes before sunset allows enough time to buy tickets, board, and choose a good position.
For popular weekend evenings, arriving earlier is recommended.
Dress for the Sea Breeze
Even in warm weather, the wind on the water can feel cooler, especially during night cruises. Bring a light jacket.
Pay Attention to Ferry Rules
Passengers should not bring dangerous items onboard. Smoking is prohibited inside the cabin, and personal belongings should be kept secure.
Parking Information
Visitors driving to the ferry can park near:
Shantou Chaoshan Sports Center parking area
Parking lots west of the ferry entrance
Both are within walking distance of the terminal.
A ferry ride can easily be combined with other Shantou attractions.
Kuishi Scenic Area
After arriving at Kuishi Ferry Terminal, visitors can walk or take a local electric tricycle (around RMB 10) to reach the scenic area.
The entrance is free. A recommended route is hiking uphill and taking the cable car down.
The top viewpoint, Piaoran Pavilion, offers a panoramic view of Shantou city and the inner bay.
Shantou Small Park and Old Port Area
After returning to Guangchang Ferry Station, visitors can take a taxi or bicycle to:
Shantou Small Park
Here you can explore historic arcade buildings, Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, the old post office, and local street food.
West Embankment Park
Xidi Park is a good afternoon destination.
The white walls of the Qiaopi Memory Square combined with Kuishi Bridge create one of the most popular photography spots in the city.
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