Best Places to Visit in Shantou

Located in eastern Guangdong Province, Shantou is one of the most interesting coastal cities in southern China. It is famous for Chaoshan culture, traditional food, old arcade streets, temples, tea culture, and nearby islands. Compared with Guangzhou or Shenzhen, Shantou feels slower, more local, and more traditional. It is a great place for travelers who want to experience authentic southern Chinese culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Shantou for first-time visitors.

Nan’ao Island

Nan’ao Island is the reason Shantou exists on the map for nature lovers. It is a massive island connected to the mainland by a long, stunning bridge (the Nan’ao Bridge). Once you cross that bridge, the air changes. It gets cleaner, saltier, and cooler. Stay overnight on the island. The sunset here is better than anything you will see in the city, and you can eat fresh squid that was swimming in the water just hours before.
 

What you absolutely cannot miss:

• Qing’ao Bay (Qing’ao Gulf): People call it the "Oriental Hawaii." The sand is soft, and the water is actually clean. You can swim here, rent a jet ski, or just lie down and do nothing.
• The Island Ring Road: Rent a scooter or a bicycle. The road goes all the way around the island. On one side, you have green mountains; on the other, the dark blue ocean. Stop anywhere to take a photo—it will look like a movie poster.
• Song Well (Songjing): It’s just an old well, but it has a cool history. Legend says soldiers from the Song Dynasty drank from it. It is a quiet, peaceful spot.

Shantou Small Park Historical District (Xiao Gong Yuan) & Old Town Arcades

Shantou Small Park Historical District, also known as Xiao Gong Yuan, stands as the historic core of the city and is often hailed as the "heart" of the old town. Unlike many modern commercial areas, this district boasts a unique collection of arcade-style buildings that seamlessly blend Chinese and Western architectural elements, reflecting Shantou’s history as an open port city.

• The Architecture: It is a mix of Chinese and European styles. Every building is a different pastel color. Bring your camera.
• The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion: This is the main landmark in the center of the square. It is a great meeting point.
• The Vibe: During the day, it is busy with shoppers. At night, the red lanterns light up, and it becomes magical.
• Insider tip: Go hungry. This is the best place to try street food. Look for the stalls selling fermented tofu and grilled oysters.

Location: Xinfu Street, Jinping District; 
Opening hours: 24 hours a day; 
Tips: It is a great place to taste local snacks like oyster omelet and beef balls, and the evening lights make it perfect for photos.

Shantou Zhongshan Park: The People’s Playground

Sometimes you just need to see how locals relax. Zhongshan Park is the oldest and biggest park in the city. It is surrounded by water, so it feels like an island in the middle of the traffic. It opened in 1928, and it has been the city’s backyard ever since.

What happens here:

• The Jade Lake (Yujian Lake): You can rent a paddle boat shaped like a duck.
• The Zoo: It is small, but kids love it. They have tigers, lions, and sometimes pandas on rotation.
• The Rockery: There is a man-made mountain made of rocks that you can climb. It has little pavilions on top.
• The People Watching: Come on a weekend morning. You will see old ladies dancing, men playing chess, and families flying kites.
• Cost: The park is free to enter.

East Coast Park: The Sunset Spot

If you want proof that Shantou is cool, come here at 5:00 PM. This is a long, thin park built along the seawall on the east side of the city. It is brand new, modern, and completely free. It is also massive—about 609 acres.

The Highlights:

• The 3D Painted Seawall: Artists painted giant dolphins and whales on the walls. It looks like the animals are jumping out of the concrete.
• The Kite Festival: Every evening around 4:30 PM, the wind picks up. Locals fly massive kites—think giant octopuses and squids floating in the sky.
• The "Orange Sea": Between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, the sun turns the entire ocean orange. It is breathtaking.
• What to do: Rent a shared bike. There is a 6km path along the water. Ride it. Feel the breeze.

Queshi Scenic Area

You need to sweat a little for the best view of Shantou. On the other side of the bay (across the Queshi Bridge) is a giant area of hills and rocks. This is Queshi. It is the top attraction in the region for a reason.

What to expect:

• The Granite Caves: The mountain is made of huge, weirdly shaped boulders. They are piled on top of each other, creating caves with names like "Lion Cave" and "White Rabbit Cave".
• The Cable Car: If you don’t want to climb, take the ropeway to the top.
• The View from the Top: You can see the whole Shantou Bay, the bridges, and the city skyline. It looks like a painting.
• Advice: Wear good shoes. The stairs can be steep and uneven.

Shantou Bay Park: The Chill Picnic Spot

This is the locals' favorite "secret" spot. It is right on the Inner Bay. Unlike the East Coast Park, which is long and narrow, Bay Park has huge, flat, green lawns that go right down to the water.

Why go:

• Camping: You can bring a tent or a picnic mat. Set it up on the grass. No one will bother you.
• The Boardwalk: A long wooden path that hugs the coast.
• Dinner nearby: There are famous Chaoshan beef hotpot restaurants within walking distance.
• Warning: The sun is very strong here. Wear sunscreen. Also, you cannot swim here—it is strictly for looking.

Chen Cihong’s Former Residence

Chen Cihong was a very rich businessman who lived in Thailand a long time ago. He came back to his hometown and built a massive mansion. It is unique because it mixes Western architecture (like stained glass and spiral staircases) with traditional Chinese courtyards.
 

The Experience:

• Getting Lost: The house has many rooms, corridors, and overhead walkways. It is easy to get turned around.
• The Details: Look at the carvings on the walls and the statues. They are very old and very detailed.
• The History: It gives you a deep look into the "overseas Chinese" story—people who left China, got rich, and came back to show it off.
   

Tips for Visiting Shantou

Shantou is a city suitable for slow travel, so it is recommended to stay for 2-3 days to fully experience its beauty. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the climate is the most comfortable. In summer, you need to pay attention to sun protection and avoid typhoons; in winter, it is warm and suitable for traveling outdoors.

Transportation in Shantou is very convenient. The urban area is not big, and taxis are cheap—usually less than 30 yuan between attractions. You can also use shared electric vehicles to get around, which is flexible and convenient. For Nan’ao Island, it is recommended to drive or hire a car to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the circular road. Most local people in Shantou speak Chaoshan dialect, but they can also speak Mandarin, so you don’t have to worry about communication problems.

Shantou is a "Food Capital" recognized by the United Nations, so don’t forget to taste the local food during your trip. In addition to the snacks mentioned above, you should also try beef hot pot, braised lion-headed goose, salted crab, and fish rice. The Longyan South Road, Jinxin South Road, and Zhujiang Road are famous food streets in Shantou, where you can find a variety of local delicacies from morning to night.