Ma Yu Island

Ma Yu Island (Chinese: 妈屿岛, Mayudao) is a charming 4A-level national scenic island located at the mouth of Shantou Port in Longhu District. From downtown Shantou, it takes less than half an hour to reach by car. Despite its small size of only about 0.23 square kilometers, the island packs a rich mix of sea views, historical sites, and folk culture. A half-day is usually enough to explore the main attractions. Visitors can admire the ancient Tianhou temples (the Old and New Ma Temple), Tao Zhu Pavilion, or enjoy natural scenery along the seafront walkway and beach. After being recognized as a national 4A scenic spot in July 2024, Ma Yu Island has continued to upgrade its facilities, adding trendy spots such as the MASULAND café, bookstore, and boutique guesthouses. Today, it has transformed into a “city living room” combining cultural experiences with leisure and vacation vibes.

Historical Background

Ma Yu Island was originally named “Ma Yu” because of its horse-shaped silhouette. Later, as Mazu worship became widespread, the name changed to Ma Yu Island. Local fishermen also practiced the tradition of releasing chickens as offerings to Mazu, giving it the nickname “Chicken-Release Mountain.”

During the Yuan Dynasty, fishermen brought incense from the Mazu ancestral temple in Putian, Fujian, and built the Old Ma Temple on the island. The temple has been rebuilt several times and its spiritual influence even spread to Hsinchu, Taiwan. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, thanks to its strategic location as a gateway to Shantou and a key coastal defense point, the island became an important trading hub. In 1853, the Qing government set up the Chaozhou Customs here, followed by the establishment of Chaohai Customs after Shantou was officially opened as a port in 1860. Ma Yu Island thus witnessed the rise and fall of trade in Shantou and the intrusion of Western powers.

In 1939, Japanese forces landed on Ma Yu Island, leaving a painful mark of war. After liberation, the island served as a coastal defense outpost, with structures like military wells, Tao Zhu Pavilion, and tunnels reflecting the combined efforts of the military and local people. In 1995, the Shantou Bay Bridge connected the island to the mainland. Today, Ma Yu Island carries a thousand years of Mazu faith, a century of port history, and memories of modern revolutionary struggles, while embracing a new era of cultural tourism.

Must-See Attractions

MASULAND Bookstore
This is a multi-functional cultural space combining reading, dining, lodging, and cultural exchange. Designed with a white and glass aesthetic, it features an 8-meter-high panoramic glass wall, offering spectacular views of the sea while you enjoy a coffee or a good book. It has quickly become one of the island’s most popular Instagram-worthy spots.

Chaohai Customs Former Sites
Ma Yu Island played an important role in Shantou’s opening as a port. Two preserved buildings, the former Tax Officer’s Villa and the Summer Residence of Customs Staff, showcase single-story European-style architecture. They are historical witnesses to Shantou’s commercial past and carry deep cultural significance.

Militia Hai Xia Sculpture
Located on the island’s southeastern tip, this 6.5-meter-tall sculpture was inspired by the red film Hai Xia, which was shot on Ma Yu Island and tells the story of female island militia. Beyond its cultural appeal, it preserves a generation’s revolutionary memory.

Old and New Ma Temples
The island has two Mazu temples: the Old Ma Temple from the Qing Dynasty and the New Ma Temple. These temples reflect the devotion of local fishermen and the nostalgia of overseas Chinese. Architecturally, they incorporate traditional Chaozhou wood carving and inlaid porcelain craftsmanship.

Seaside Promenade & Art Street
A stroll along the seaside road reveals colorful murals blending Ma Yu Island culture with contemporary art, perfect for photos. Along the way, you can find boutique shops, cafes, and seafood stalls serving fresh catches and traditional Chaoshan snacks.

Tao Zhu Pavilion
Perched atop Luan Mountain, this pavilion provides a panoramic view of the inner Shantou Bay. Built in 1965 in response to a suggestion by Tao Zhu, then First Secretary of the Central South Bureau, it offers one of the best vantage points to admire the endless sea merging with the sky.

Suggested Visit Duration & Route

Overall duration: 3–4 hours (ideal for a half-day trip). If short on time, 2 hours can cover the main spots. For a relaxed pace, half a day allows you to soak in the island’s leisure atmosphere.

Recommended Route:

Island Pier → 2. Old Ma Temple → 3. New Ma Temple → 4. Chaohai Customs Former Sites (optional) → 5. Ma Seal Stone (on the way) → 6. Colorful Graffiti Alley → 7. MASULAND Bookstore → 8. Seafront Boardwalk → 9. White Lighthouse (on the way) → 10. Ma Yu Bay Beach → 11. Tao Zhu Pavilion → Return
 

How to Get There

Taking a taxi from downtown Shantou is the most convenient option, with a travel time of around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Shantou Station—Ma Yu Island Bus Line (first bus from Shantou Station around 6:30, last bus around 19:00; from Ma Yu Island, first bus around 7:10, last bus around 19:40; schedules subject to change).