Queshi Scenic Area in Shantou

Queshi Scenic Area is a beautiful natural landscape located in Haojiang District of Shantou City. It sits across the sea from the old city of Shantou and spans an impressive 12 square kilometers. With its 43 peaks and coastal terraces, this scenic area showcases the perfect blend of sea, mountain, rock, and cave elements to create a truly majestic, unique, and serene atmosphere. Additionally, it seamlessly incorporates Chaoshan culture and historical relics. Here, you can immerse yourself in the stunning subtropical scenery while experiencing the awe-inspiring waves crashing against the rocks and unraveling the secrets hidden within mysterious caves.

What to See

Among the 43 peaks in Queshi Scenic Area, Xianglu Mountain is the highest peak with an altitude of 198 meters. The landform of Queshi Scenic Area mainly consists of granite hills. The scenic area is made up of six different spots: Xiaoshi（啸石）, Tashan（塔山）, Yanfeng（焰峰）, Xianglu Mountain（香炉山）, Bijia Mountain（笔架山）, and Suan（苏安）. Among these spots, Tashan and Yanfeng are particularly popular. Additionally, there are cultural attractions such as Shantou's first Christian church, the former British consulate, and Baihuajian Temple. Moreover, a cable car is available within the scenic area for visitors to enjoy.

Tashan Scenic Spot: Located right in the heart of the scenic area, Tashan Scenic Spot covers an area of 0.45 square kilometers. It's the most concentrated and representative spot among all six scenic spots here. The main attractions are its breathtaking rock formations, enchanting caves, and impressive cliff carvings. Once you enter this spot, just take a right turn to reach the cable car station where you can hop on for a thrilling ride or slide down if you prefer! You'll be taken up the mountain by cable car and then descend from Chuihong Cave. This cave system is naturally formed by granite and boasts an array of different-sized rocks beautifully stacked along its top and walls, creating a mesmerizing stone corridor experience.

And then, just take a left and walk for around 5 minutes until you reach the entrance of Chuihong Cave. Not too far from there, you'll find Piaoran Pavilion, a mountaintop viewing platform where you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Shantou. However, there are more crowded here. On the other hand, Meng'ou Pavilion on the west side is a bit quieter and it's only about a 10-minute walk away from Piaoran Pavilion. At the end of your tour, if you feel like adding some excitement to your experience, you can even choose to slide down the mountain.
 

Yanfeng Scenic Spot: Situated in the northeast of the scenic area, covering a vast expanse of 2.28 square kilometers, the infrastructure here is almost complete and there is ongoing extensive development and construction taking place. This spot holds significant importance for future growth and progress. With its distinctive natural landscape and immense potential for development, Yanfeng Scenic Area truly stands out.

Xianglu Mountain Scenic Spot: Located in the southwest of the scenic area, the main peak stands at an impressive 198 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Queshi Scenic Area. Atop this mountain, you'll find two magnificent rocks known as "香炉晓烟". Visitors can enjoy various activities like hiking, camping, having a picnic, and even fishing at Xikeng Reservoir within this picturesque spot.

Suan Scenic Spot: Located in the southern part of the scenic area, Suan Scenic Spot is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea on one side. It spans across 1.54 square kilometers and is home to Suan Village. This place boasts picturesque countryside views and vibrant local traditions. It remains untouched by conscious development, maintaining its natural state. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charming Chaoshan rural atmosphere, which exudes simplicity and elegance, while also enjoying the unique natural landscapes found only in rural areas.
 

How to visit the Queshi Scenic Area

Qiaoshi Scenic Area: Classic Effort-Saving Tour Route

Route: Qiaoshi Scenic Area North Gate → Sea Lion Rock → Peach Blossom Ravine & Longquan Cave → Chuihong Cave → Piaoran Pavilion → Descend via Cable Car / Slide

Total Duration: Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Features: No backtracking; starts gently and becomes steeper; covers all highlights; easy and fatigue-free descent
 

1. Starting Point: North Gate of Qiaoshi Scenic Area

Scenery: A spacious entrance plaza facing green mountains, offering distant views of mountain peaks and the bay’s silhouette. Shaded by lush trees, the entrance is refreshing and comfortable. Design Rationale: The North Gate is the main entrance with the most complete facilities. It offers direct access via parking and public transportation, making it the smoothest route up the mountain without detours.
 

2. First Stop: Sea Lion Rock

Scenery: A natural granite rock eroded by the sea, shaped remarkably like a sea lion lying by the shore with lifelike textures. It is a signature photo spot in Qiaoshi, offering expansive views of the inner sea. Design rationale: Located just a short distance from the entrance with no steep climbs, this is the perfect place to check in at the landmark, quickly immerse yourself in the scenic atmosphere, and warm up with some photos.
 

3. Second Stop: Peach Blossom Stream & Longquan Cave

Scenery: A winding mountain stream, small bridges over flowing water, and lush vegetation; Longquan Cave features a stone carving of a dragon’s head spouting water, adorned with stone turtles and crabs. The atmosphere is cool and serene, evoking the poetic charm of Jiangnan’s small-scale landscapes. Design Rationale: The entire route consists of gentle, flat trails requiring almost no effort. Shaded by trees, it offers a refreshing escape from the heat. As a transition before ascending the mountain, it is both relaxing and visually appealing.
 

4. Third Stop: Chuihong Cave

Scenery: A 1,200-meter-long series of interconnected granite caves, comprising 19 interconnected chambers. With caves within caves and winding stone steps, the route features numerous “skyline gaps” and natural stone windows. As you traverse the shifting light and shadow, the experience is full of adventure. Reason for Inclusion: A core must-see attraction; “hiking inside caves” is Quishi’s most distinctive feature. Placed in the middle of the route when energy levels are high, it allows you to experience this geological wonder without wasting energy.
 

5. Fourth Stop: Piaoran Pavilion (Mountain Summit Viewing Platform)

Scenery: A viewing pavilion built on a cliff along the mountain ridge, offering a 360° unobstructed view. Overlook Shantou city, the inner bay, the Qiaoshi Bridge, and ships on the sea—a breathtaking panorama where mountains, sea, and city converge, especially stunning at sunset. Design Rationale: The prime viewing spot in the entire park. Reached immediately upon reaching the summit, it makes every effort worthwhile and serves as the visual highlight of the entire journey.
 

6. End Point: Descend via Cable Car / Zip Line

Scenery: The cable car offers aerial views of the mountains, forests, and bay; the zip line plunges through the woods, providing a lighthearted, exhilarating ride surrounded by greenery. Design Rationale: This avoids the knee strain of walking down the mountain, saving energy while adding fun. It provides a perfect finale, dropping you directly near the exit at the base—no need to backtrack.
 

Best time to visit

The temperature is high during the summer months, and you can expect sunny weather in May, June, September, and October. Opt for these months to explore the scenic area as you'll not only be able to admire the breathtaking views but also indulge in a variety of entertaining activities offered at Queshi Scenic Area.

How to get there

1. The main gate to the scenic area is free; only the cable car, toboggan run, and Piaoran Pavilion require a small fee.
2. Wear non-slip shoes, as the caves and mountain paths can be slippery.
3. Water and snacks are limited on the mountain, so bringing your own is more comfortable.
4. The sunset and city lights are most beautiful at Piaoran Pavilion in the evening.
5. If you're worried about getting tired, just take the cable car up and down – it's a breeze!