Things To Do
in Shantou
Shantou is a coastal city in eastern Guangdong’s Chaoshan region known for its active harbor, strong Teochew (Chaozhou) culture and distinctive cuisine. The city blends an old riverfront commercial core of narrow streets, shop-houses and tea shops with newer seaside developments and busy seafood markets. Shantou is a gateway to nearby islands and coastal scenery, and its local dialect, music and religious festivals remain important to daily life.
Visitors will find lively markets, plentiful seafood and a relaxed regional character different from bigger Guangdong hubs like Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Shantou Ancient City, where you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the traditional architecture. Stop by the historic Chaozhou Archway, an iconic symbol of the city, and learn about its rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby tea house, savoring delicious dumplings and fragrant tea.
After lunch, explore the Shantou Museum to gain insights into the city's history and its role as a trading port. Wander through the nearby cultural district, where art galleries and craft shops showcase the work of local artisans. Don’t miss the chance to try some local snacks from street vendors as you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront promenade for a stunning view of the ocean. Choose a restaurant along the promenade where you can indulge in fresh seafood dishes while listening to the calming sounds of the waves. End your day with a leisurely walk, taking in the beautifully lit coastline.
Catch an early ferry to Nan'ao Island, where you can immediately immerse yourself in natural beauty and tranquility. Upon arrival, hike to the Nan'ao Lighthouse, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastline. Afterward, relax on one of the island's pristine beaches and soak up the sun.
Visit the Nan'ao Island Museum to learn about the island's history and its significance in maritime trade. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a beachfront restaurant, sampling local specialties such as grilled fish and fresh crab. Spend the afternoon exploring the island’s picturesque fishing villages and interacting with friendly locals.
Return to Shantou in the early evening and unwind at your hotel. If you're feeling adventurous, venture out to the local night market to experience the lively atmosphere. Try various street foods, from grilled skewers to sweet desserts, as you soak in the vibrant energy of Shantou at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Street food/snack | $1-4 |
| 🍱Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee / Café drink | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $35-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Teochew cuisine and abundant fresh seafood.
- Strong local culture and historic old town atmosphere.
- Good access to nearby coastal scenery and islands.
- Lower costs compared with major Chinese megacities.
- Fewer tourist services in English than larger cities.
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in peak season.
- Limited public transport options compared with major metro areas.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I'm vegetarian
- "请问，厕所在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Shantou
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic shop-houses, narrow lanes and riverside activity provide atmospheric street and architectural photography, especially in soft morning light.
The working harbor offers colorful fishing craft, nets and seaside life; sunset reflections and boat silhouettes are ideal for dramatic images.
Rocky shores, tide pools and coastal cliffs offer scenic landscapes and long-exposure sunset shots when weather permits.
Close-up details of carved wood, ceramic tiles and traditional decorations highlight Chaoshan craftsmanship and cultural life.
Vibrant market stalls, colorful produce, prepared seafood and busy street scenes make strong documentary and food photography subjects.
Food in Shantou
Shantou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin, comforting rice porridge served with many small side dishes — pickled vegetables, braised meats and fresh seafood; available at local teahouses and breakfast stalls.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced fresh beef and offal cooked quickly in a clear, aromatic broth and dipped in sesame or garlic sauce; commonly found at specialist hotpot restaurants.
Bouncy handmade fish balls with a springy texture, often served in soup or rice noodle dishes at markets and small eateries.
Pan-fried batter mixed with fresh oysters and vegetables — a popular street food snack at night markets and seaside stalls.
Seasonal Teochew specialty of chilled, marinated crab served with vinegar and garlic — best in autumn at seafood restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning wet markets near the harbor sell fresh fish, shellfish, live seafood and produce — great for seeing local ingredients and photographing vendors; many nearby stalls will prepare seafood on site.
Evening markets and food streets offer oyster omelette, fried snacks, skewers and Teochew sweets; ideal for sampling many small dishes affordably.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief nod or handshake is common for introductions; use polite language and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Dress modestly and speak quietly in temples; don’t point or place chopsticks upright in a bowl (it resembles funeral rites). Follow any photo restrictions at religious sites.
Share dishes family-style and wait to be invited to start in more formal settings; try a little of each dish offered. It’s polite to pour tea for others before pouring your own.
Many locals speak Teochew (Chaoshan dialect) in addition to Mandarin — learning a few local words is appreciated, and using basic Mandarin phrases helps in shops and services.
Safety
Tipping in Shantou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in everyday situations and is rarely expected in local restaurants; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not required. High-end hotels and international restaurants may accept and sometimes expect tips, but it’s discretionary.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate and are accepted almost everywhere; cash (RMB) is still useful for markets and very small shops. Credit cards work at larger hotels and chains, but many local vendors are cash or mobile-only, so having a Chinese-enabled mobile payment option or cash is helpful.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings warming temperatures and occasional rain; pleasant for walking, floral displays and cultural outings before the summer humidity.
June–August is hot, humid and rainy with the peak of typhoon season July–September — expect heavy showers, high humidity and occasional travel disruptions; ideal for swimming on nearby beaches if conditions are calm.
September–November is often the most pleasant with milder temperatures, lower humidity and clearer skies — great for outdoor activities, hiking and seafood that’s in season.
December–February is mild compared with northern China, with cool, comfortable days and occasional chilly nights; a good time for city exploration and outdoor photography without the crowds.
Shantou at Night
Hiking in Shantou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic coastal walks and cliffside trails on Nan'ao Island with views of rocky shores, beaches and fishing villages; check ferrytimings and weather before heading out.
Short, accessible hikes and strolls along Shantou’s waterfront promenades and municipal parks for easy urban nature outings and photography.
Longer day-trip routes along the Chaoshan coastline to nearby scenic points and small headlands, offering varied terrain from sandy coves to rocky cliffs.
Airports
How to reach Shantou by plane.
The main airport serving Shantou and the Chaoshan region (about 40–60 minutes by car depending on location); offers domestic flights and some regional international connections. Shuttle buses, taxis and ride-hailing services link the airport to Shantou and nearby cities.
An older airport that has limited or historical relevance; most commercial flights now use Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport. (Check current schedules as airport use can change.)
Major international hub about 4–5 hours by car or shorter by air; an option for international arrivals with onward domestic connection to Jieyang/Shantou.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant cultural group in Shantou — speakers of the Teochew dialect with distinct customs, cuisine and opera traditions.
Migrants from other parts of Guangdong and China live and work in the city, contributing to a mix of regional backgrounds.
Shantou has historical ties to overseas Teochew communities in Southeast Asia and beyond; returning visitors and business links are common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional water sport popular along the coast and during festival times, reflecting the region’s maritime culture.
Widely played and followed locally at amateur and youth levels, with community pitches and informal matches common.
Popular indoor sports; many locals play recreationally and there are community courts and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shantou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in seafood-centric Shantou; order vegetables, tofu dishes and plain porridge. Use the phrase '我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)' to indicate vegetarian; communicate clearly about no meat or seafood. Many teahouse snacks may contain lard or fish sauce, so double-check ingredients.
Vegan dining can be challenging — specify no animal products and ask about broths (many soups use seafood or pork bases). Look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in larger urban areas or rely on vegetable and tofu dishes.
Rice-based dishes are common and often safe, but soy sauce and wheat-based batter (for fried snacks) are prevalent. Explain your allergy clearly and carry a translation card if needed.