Things To Do
in Shantou
Shantou, located in the Guangdong Province of China, is a coastal city known for its unique Teochew culture, reflecting in its language, cuisine, and traditional customs. This vibrant city serves as an important economic hub in the region, boasting a bustling port, thriving manufacturing sectors, and a growing tourism industry.
Shantou's rich history is displayed through its well-preserved ancient sites, such as the Queshi Scenic Spot and the historic Shipaotai Park, making it a fascinating blend of the old and the new.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the Shantou Coastline. Visit the beautiful Chaoyang Beach and enjoy the sunrise.
Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant to taste fresh dishes. Explore the nearby Ocean-like Park and enjoy the view.
Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant local markets. Sample street food and shop for souvenirs.
Visit the Shantou Museum to learn about the city's rich history. Spend time exploring the artifacts and exhibitions.
Head to the Chen Cihong Former residence to admire traditional architecture. Take photos of the stunning buildings and gardens.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with traditional dishes. Reflect on the day's adventures in one of the charming cafes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditional architecture.
- Vibrant local cuisine, known for its seafood and unique dishes.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including beaches and mountains.
- Growing economy with development opportunities, especially in trade and logistics.
- Welcoming community with friendly locals.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Air quality can be a concern due to industrial activities.
- Less international exposure and fewer amenities compared to more developed cities.
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers.
- Potential for over-tourism in popular areas during peak seasons.
Best Activities in Shantou
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic park with walking trails, waterfalls, and indigenous plants.
Enjoy water sports, beach activities, and hiking on this picturesque island.
Discover diverse flora and fauna, plus scenic views and hiking trails in this national park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Shantou with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Shantou
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning coastal views and photo opportunities
Provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding nature
Food in Shantou
Shantou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish made with fresh fish, soy sauce, ginger, and scallions, steamed to perfection. The best place to try this dish is at Teochew restaurants like Chaoshan Cai Yuan.
Must-Try!
A popular street food dish made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a crispy outer layer. Look for this delicacy at the Shantou Food Streets or local night markets.
A hearty dish featuring thinly sliced beef cooked in a flavorful broth alongside fresh vegetables and an array of dipping sauces. Visit Chun Bao Shantou Beef Hot Pot for an authentic experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Shantou better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the lively food streets and markets such as Zhongshan Road and Jinsha Road, where you can sample a wide variety of local street foods like oyster omelette, fish balls, and grilled seafood.
This vibrant night market comes alive with stalls offering a range of snacks and traditional Teochew delicacies. It's an ideal place to discover local street food and experience the bustling atmosphere of Shantou's food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Shantou, it is important to show respect to elders by using proper titles and addressing them with politeness and deference.
Bringing a small gift when visiting someone's home is customary in Shantou, and it is a gesture of goodwill and respect.
When dining in Shantou, it is polite to wait for the host or the most senior person to start eating before beginning your own meal, and to show appreciation for the food and hospitality.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Shantou with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Shantou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Shantou, China. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill, so it's important to check before adding an additional tip.
In Shantou, China, cash is still widely used for most transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in more urban areas. Mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely used, and many establishments may prefer these methods of payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Shantou.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a good time to visit Shantou, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom. It's also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city's parks and gardens.
Summer in Shantou can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. However, this is the perfect time to enjoy the city's beaches and water activities, such as swimming and sunbathing.
Autumn is another pleasant time to visit Shantou, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. The city's parks and natural scenery are particularly beautiful during this season, making it a great time for outdoor exploration.
Winter in Shantou can be cool and relatively dry. While it's not the peak tourist season, winter is a great time to enjoy the city's hot springs and indulge in the local seafood cuisine. It's also a good time to explore the cultural and historical attractions without the crowds.
Shantou at Night
Hiking in Shantou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic island located off the coast of Shantou, ideal for hiking and enjoying coastal views with various trails.
This area offers hiking trails with beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls, forests, and views of the surrounding landscape.
A popular hiking destination with well-marked paths leading to spectacular mountain vistas and lush vegetation.
Known for its hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, suitable for both casual hikers and more experienced trekkers.
Features a variety of trails, lush greenery, and a peaceful environment, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Shantou through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Shantou by plane.
Located in Shenzhen, this is one of the major airports in the region, approximately 130 kilometers from Shantou, offering international and domestic flights.
Situated in Guangzhou, this airport is around 210 kilometers away from Shantou and serves as a key international gateway in southern China.
This airport is located in Xiamen, approximately 250 kilometers from Shantou, providing various international and domestic services.
About 280 kilometers from Shantou, this airport in Fuzhou operates both international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Shantou, making up the majority of the population.
A subgroup of the Han Chinese, known for their distinct language and culture, originating from the Chaoshan region which includes Shantou.
Another subgroup of Han Chinese, historically present in the region, known for their unique customs and dialect.
Includes small populations of various ethnic groups such as the Yao, Zhuang, and others, though they represent a very small percentage of the population.
The Soul of Shantou
Discover the essence of Shantou through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Table tennis is extremely popular in Shantou, reflecting China's national passion for the sport. The city has numerous clubs and local competitions.
Badminton is widely practiced in Shantou, with many residents playing recreationally and competitively in local gyms and courts.
Soccer is a favorite among both the young and adults in Shantou, with local teams and school programs promoting the sport.
Basketball enjoys a significant following, with many public courts available and local tournaments held throughout the year.
Martial arts, including Tai Chi and Kung Fu, have a strong cultural presence in Shantou, with many practitioners in parks and dedicated schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shantou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Shantou's cuisine is predominantly seafood-based, vegetarian and vegan options can be found in some restaurants, particularly those catering to Buddhist or vegetarian dietary preferences.
Individuals with gluten-free dietary requirements may find it helpful to communicate their needs clearly when dining out. Some establishments may be able to accommodate gluten-free requests, especially in larger hotels and international restaurants.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Shantou with these cultural adventures.