Huanghuashan National Forest Park

Huanghuashan National Forest Park is the only island national forest park in the country, with its main feature being the rustic charm of mountain forests. It covers an area of 20,600 mu, with the Tropic of Cancer running through the middle.

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the park features overlapping mountains, lush forests and unique rocks, rich in natural resources and cultural landscapes.

Popular attractions at Huanghuashan National Forest Park: Jianshan Bathing in the Sun, Changshan Evening Glow, Guicheng Scenic Area, Cliff Carvings, Tunnel Exploration, Fengzhou Waiting for Husband, Qianlai Garden, Anti‑Japanese War Memorial Hall, and Former Site of the Educated Youth.

Must‑Visit Attractions

Dajianshan Observation Deck: At 588.1 metres above sea level, it is the highest peak in Shantou, offering a 360° panoramic view of the Nanao Bridge and the island's sea views — a stunning sunset viewpoint.

Jiujianshan Tide‑Watching Terrace: Enjoy views of the cross‑sea bridge and the Tropic of Cancer landmark. In the evening, there are sunset concerts — listening to music while feeling the sea breeze is incredibly soothing.

Guicheng Square: Features a giant 8‑metre Chinese tortoise king and 99 small stone tortoises, symbolising fortune, longevity and well‑being. There are also intangible cultural heritage paper‑cutting experiences.

Tropic of Cancer Landmark: The "Tropic of Cancer" marker along the forest road is highly photogenic, and at noon you can witness the amazing phenomenon of objects casting no shadow.

Qihang Square: The same filming location as in the movie "Across the Sea", where you can capture the red lighthouse and panoramic views of the Nanao Bridge, with a creative food market nearby.

Transport Routes

Self‑Driving: Navigate to "Huanghuashan National Forest Park". The mountain road into the park is about 9 km long — the road condition is good but winding, so drive with caution.

Public Transport: Take the island loop bus to the "Forest Park" stop, then walk to the various attractions.

Internal Transport: The scenic area is quite large, so it is recommended to drive or rent an electric scooter, as the attractions are connected by road.

Recommended Itineraries

Relaxed Version (2 hours): Guicheng Square → Tropic of Cancer Landmark → Qihang Square. Ideal for families with elderly and children.

Classic Version (3‑4 hours): Dajianshan → Jiujianshan Tide‑Watching Terrace → Guicheng Square. Ideal for young people who enjoy hiking and photography.

Sunset Special: Enter the park at 3 pm → Hike to the top of Dajianshan → Watch the sunset at Jiujianshan → Take night shots of the lighthouse at Qihang Square.

The park is home to over 1,440 species of tropical and subtropical plants across 102 families, including the living fossil plant Nageia nagi, and rare wild bonsai plants such as the fine‑leaved grape and boxwood. It also harbours more than 40 species of nationally protected wild animals including the Chinese egret, python and three‑banded box turtle, earning it the reputation among experts and scholars at home and abroad as the "Natural Botanical Garden of the South China Sea".