Paifang Street is located in the heart of the ancient city of Chaozhou, Guangdong Province. Stretching for two kilometers and renowned for its 23 memorial archways, it is a major cultural landmark in Chaozhou and has been hailed as "a living ancient city with a thousand-year history." Buildings of various styles are arranged harmoniously along the street, exuding historic charm and offering visitors a glimpse into Chaozhou's distinctive cultural heritage and history.

Paifang Street is both a historic and cultural street and a culinary destination. Chaozhou beef balls, rice noodle soup, savory rice cakes, rice noodle rolls, spring rolls, oyster omelets, raw fish, and dozens of other Chaozhou snacks are served until late at night, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies while admiring the ancient city's nighttime scenery.

Paifang Street Night Market

Photo from China Tourism News

Signature Snacks

1. Raw marinated seafood: One of the traditional delicacies of the Chaoshan region, this dish is made with seafood such as shrimp, crab, spotted babylon, and clams. The seafood is marinated in high-proof liquor, tossed with aromatics like cilantro and minced garlic, and then chilled before being served.

Chaozhou Raw Marinated Seafood

Photo by Tuchong Creative

2. Chaozhou beef balls: A traditional Chaozhou specialty with a long-established culinary heritage. Carefully selected premium beef and the makers' precise control over the force and rhythm used to pound the meat give the beef balls their crisp, springy texture and rich aroma, attracting visitors from around the world to try them. 

Chaoshan Beef Balls

Photo from the "Shantou Cultural Center" WeChat Official Account

3. Oyster omelet: A traditional specialty snack from the Chaoshan region, made primarily with sweet potato starch, oysters, and duck or chicken eggs. Served with fish sauce, chili sauce, and other condiments, it is pan-fried until crisp on the outside and tender inside. 

Chaozhou Oyster Omelet

Photo from the "Shantou Cultural Center" WeChat Official Account

Diverse Cultural and Recreational Activities

In addition to sampling local food, visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural activities in the ancient city of Chaozhou. The Guangji Bridge light show begins every evening at 8:00 p.m. Visitors can sip gongfu tea in the bridge pavilions while taking in the ancient city's nighttime scenery. The bridge also features a Yingge dance experience area, where visitors can learn simple dance movements or draw Yingge opera-style facial designs, discovering the appeal of Chaozhou culture through hands-on activities. Han Yu Memorial Temple, Bijia Mountain, West Lake Park, and other attractions have also been enhanced with coordinated lighting installations. Together, they showcase Chaozhou's ink-wash-like nightscape, where one river flows between two banks and three mountains rise, highlighting the poetic beauty of the ancient city.

Ancient City of Chaozhou at Night

Photo from the "Chaozhou Television" WeChat Official Account

Accommodation Guide

Visitors to Paifang Street Night Market may wish to stay in a homestay. Chaozhou's homestays are converted from traditional residences and historic courtyard houses. Warm and comfortable with well-appointed rooms, they offer visitors a relaxing stay while immersing them in authentic local life. Visitors may want to prioritize accommodations under the "Chaozhou Renjia" brand. Most are located along the lanes of the ancient city or near Paifang Street, offering convenient locations within walking distance of major food districts and nighttime attractions.