Shantou Travel Guide
Attractions, Food, Cultural
Shantou Travel Guide: Is Shantou worth visiting
As the gateway to eastern Guangdong, Shantou blends the Qilou architecture of a century-old commercial port with fresh seafood and miles of coastlines, attracting travelers worldwide. This city, where Chaoshan culture, overseas Chinese history, and modern vitality converge, offers unique experiences for foodies, culture seekers, and nature lovers alike. This guide will unlock Shantou’s charm through must-visit attractions, authentic cuisine, and practical tips.
Shantou Attractions
Must-Visit Attractions in Shantou
Nan’ao Island
One of Guangdong’s Most Beautiful Islands
Crossing the Nan’ao Bridge, the sea transforms from muddy yellow to azure. Qing’ao Bay’s “Gate of Nature” (Equator monument), Jinyin Island’s legendary stone carvings, and Sancongya Lighthouse’s sunset form an island trilogy.
Transport Advice: Self-driving or chartered cars are more convenient; island buses are infrequent.
Little Park Historical and Cultural Block (小公园历史文化街区)
The annular Qilou cluster centered on Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion is a living fossil of Shantou’s port history. Stroll through the area where the stained-glass windows of the Nansheng Trading Company’s former site and the Chaozhou opera sounds at Laomagong Temple create a time-travel experience to the Republican era.
Tips: The Qilou nightscape after dusk is more photogenic. Nearby, savor old-school snacks like Aixi Dry Noodles and Square Old Brand Tofu Pudding.
Chen Cihong’s Former Residence (陈慈黉故居)
This 25,400㎡ mansion, known as “Lingnan’s No. 1 Overseas Chinese Residence,” impresses with its Sino-Western tile mosaics and stone carvings. A guided tour reveals the history behind every carving.
What is Shantou known for food
Shantou Food Map: A Gastronomic Journey from Street Stalls to Michelin Stars
- Breakfast: Kway Teow Soup to Start the Chaoshan Morning
Try Fuhecheng Beef Ball Kway Teow Soup—the handmade beef balls’ bouncy texture and satay sauce’s rich aroma are a classic pairing. For local immersion, head to Longyan Market’s stalls. - Lunch: Braised Goose vs. Seafood Temptation
Ririxiang Goose Restaurant’s braised lion-head goose (with liver mousse) is a must. Pair it with Guiyuan Porridge’s marinated seafood (mantis shrimp, blood clams) for a “poisonously” delicious experience. - Dinner: Chaozhou Cuisine’s Refinement
Jianye Restaurant offers innovative takes on traditional dishes like charcoal-grilled conch and chilled crab. For budget options, Fuyuan Food’s night porridge stall with 400+ sides is ideal.
Shantou Cultural
Chaozhou Opera, Kongfu Tea, and Overseas Chinese History
Chaozhou Opera Performance
Guangdong Chaozhou Opera Theater hosts affordable shows (50 RMB) on Fridays/Saturdays, featuring classics like Su Liuniang. Non-heritage artists teach water-sleeve movements—family-friendly.
Kongfu Tea Ceremony Learning
Chaoshan Tea Museum offers 90-min workshops, from identifying Fenghuang Dancong’s “Duck Shit Aroma” to mastering “Guangong Patrols the City” pouring techniques. Take home a self-made tea pouch.
Qiaopi (Overseas Chinese Remittance) Museum Exploration
The world’s only Qiaopi-themed museum displays 120,000 letters from overseas Chinese. A 1936 letter reads: “I fell ill in Siam and may not survive—save the money,” revealing the hardships of Southeast Asian migrants.
Where to stay in Shantou
Accommodation Guide: From Century-Old Houses to Seaview Hotels
- Luxury Stays
Shantou International Hotel: A veteran 5-star property in the Little Park area with a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
Nan’ao Island Qing’ao Bay Hotels: e.g., Xianghuwan Hotel, with seaview balconies (100-200 USD/night in peak season). - Unique Experiences
Laomagong Inn: A Qilou-renovated guesthouse with original terrazzo floors and carved wooden windows—book 3 months in advance.
Shuyejia Aesthetic Guesthouse (书野家美学民宿): Features designer furniture and seaview bathtubs in Nan’ao’s Houzhai Town.
How to Get Around in Shantou
Shantou Transport Guide: From Airport to Scenic Spots
- Airport to City
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, 40km from downtown, offers airport buses (28 RMB, 1.5hrs) or ride-hailing. Late-night arrivals should pre-book taxis. - City Travel
Shared e-bikes (2 RMB base fare) are great for short trips but require helmets. Buses support Alipay scans but have long intervals; taxis are better for popular spots. - Nan’ao Island Transport
The 96 RMB round-trip bridge toll applies. Rent e-bikes (150 RMB/day) but note limited range. Chartered cars or island tours are recommended.
When to Go to Shantou
Weather
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (°C) | 14.0 | 15.0 | 17.5 | 21.5 | 25.0 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 28.5 | 27.5 | 24.0 | 20.5 | 16.5 |
| High (°C) | 17 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 27 | 24 | 20 |
| Low (°C) | 11 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 13 |
Best time to visit: October to April
Recommended Reason:
Comfortable climate: average temperature of 15-25℃, less rain and typhoons, suitable for outdoor activities.
Rich activities: covering Spring Festival folklore, spring flower-viewing, fall hiking and marathon races.
Recommended itinerary reference:
October-December: cycling around Nan’ao Island, hiking in Boulder Scenic Area, participating in or watching Shantou Marathon.
January-February: Chinese New Year Flower Market, Chinese New Year Singing and Dancing Parade.
March-April: enjoying flowers in Zhongshan Park, trekking in East Coast Park.
Shantou Travel Guide: Seasonal Events & Festivals Calendar
November: Shantou Marathon
The route passes landmarks like Haibin Road and Little Park; runners get free entry to some attractions with bibs. read more
Spring Festival: Yingge Dance Parade
Teams from Chaoyang and Puning perform in Shantou, with face-painted dancers and synchronized movements.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Fire Tower & Moon Gazing
Nan’ao fishing villages preserve the tradition of building brick-and-tile fire towers (3m tall), symbolizing harvest blessings.
Shantou Travel Tips: Local Insider Tips
Language Tips
Though part of the Minnan dialect group, Shantou dialect differs from Southern Fujian and Taiwanese. Learn basics like “jiabeng” (eat), “jiaboumei” (have you eaten?)
Food Pitfalls
Avoid “freshly made beef balls” at scenic spots—most use frozen ones. Look for “SC Production License” and “Chaoshan Beef Ball Association” labels.
Shopping Alert
Souvenir shops overcharge for Chaozhou embroidery and wood carvings. Buy directly from Shantou Arts & Crafts Factory outlets—negotiate 20-30% off.
Shantou Travel Guide: A City Worth Savoring Repeatedly
From Qilou alleyways’烟火气 to Nan’ao’s azure seas, from culinary heritage to Qiaopi’s nostalgia, Shantou redefines “travel” with its layers. It lacks commercialized hype but retains magnetic charm.
Next trip, spare 3+ days—after all, even Cai Lan said, “Chaoshan is China’s culinary island, and Shantou is its heart.”