Nan'ao Island is the main coastal escape from Shantou, reached by bridge and wrapped in fishing villages, beaches, wind turbines, and headlands. It is developed, but not so polished that it has lost its working-island feel.
The island works best as a long day trip or overnight. Combine Qing'ao Bay with the island road, seafood restaurants, and one or two viewpoints rather than trying to rush every named stop.