Shantou Travel Guide (2026) – The Ultimate Food & Coastal Escape
Shantou is a vibrant coastal city in eastern Guangdong Province, often hailed as “China‘s most underrated food city”. It’s where authentic Chaoshan cuisine thrives, fresh seafood overflows from fishing boats, and centuries-old arcade buildings whisper stories of overseas Chinese traders. Think world-famous beef hotpot, mesmerizing seaside sunsets, and an entire island waiting to be explored—all without the crushing crowds of bigger tourist hubs.
Best Time to Visit
Shantou enjoys a mild subtropical climate year-round. October to April (autumn to spring) offers the most pleasant weather, with comfortable temperatures around 20°C (68°F), perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Spring (Mar–May): 20–28°C, comfortable and less crowded
Summer (Jun–Sep): Hot and humid (up to 35°C) with occasional typhoons—not ideal, though 4–10月 offers the bluest seas if you plan to swim
Autumn (Oct–Dec): Widely considered the best season—cool, dry, and perfect for sightseeing
Winter (Jan–Feb): Mild (never below 5°C), good for slow travel with fewer tourists
💡 Pro tip: Avoid the peak summer months (July–August) if you’re sensitive to heat. If you do visit in summer, pack sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella.
Getting There & Around
Arriving:
By Air: Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) is the main gateway, located about 25 km (40–50 minutes by taxi) from downtown Shantou.
By Train: Chaoshan High-Speed Rail Station is the main rail hub. From there, take a taxi (about 40 minutes) or a bus to Shantou city center.
By Bus/Coach: Long-distance buses connect Shantou with major cities across Guangdong.
Getting Around:
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient and affordable for getting around downtown.
Buses: Extensive coverage and cheap, though less efficient for tourists.
Shared E-scooters: Great for exploring the old town and short distances.
Car rental: The best way to explore Nan‘ao Island and surrounding areas.
Ferry: The legendary Plaza Ferry (¥1 per ride) connects downtown to Queshi Scenic Area. It’s been operating since 1976 and is a beloved local experience—get a spot on the upper deck for the best views of Queshi Bridge.
Must-See Attractions
🏛️ Shantou Old Town & Xiaogongyuan (Small Park)
The historic heart of Shantou, centered around Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, features China’s largest preserved modern arcade (qilou) building complex. The streets radiate outward from the pavilion in a rare fan-shaped layout—originally modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Built mostly by overseas Chinese who returned from Southeast Asia, this area encapsulates Shantou’s century-long mercantile history.
⛰️ Queshi Scenic Area
Known as the “No.1 Scenic Spot of Shantou‘s Eight Sights,” this is a free-entry natural wonderland across the inner harbor. Get there via the ¥1 ferry, then hike up Tashan (Pagoda Mountain) or take the cable car (¥25 one-way/¥40 round-trip) to the summit.
🌅 Xidi Park
The best spot to watch sunset in Shantou—completely free. From about 17:30 to 18:30, the skies explode in shades of gold and orange over Queshi Bridge, with fishing boats and egrets completing the scene. The park also features the Overseas Chinese Remittance (Qiaopi) Memory Square and memorial columns that tell the city’s 100-year port-opening story.
🏝️ Nan‘ao Island
The crown jewel of Shantou’s coastal attractions. As Guangdong’s only island county and a National 4A Tourist Area, Nan’ao is connected to the mainland by the 11.8 km Nan‘ao Bridge (toll fee: ¥96 round-trip).
🏝️ Mayu Island
A tiny 0.3 km² island nestled under the Bay Bridge, often nicknamed the “Little Kamakura of Chaoshan.” You can walk around it in just over an hour. It‘s a hidden gem that hasn’t yet been overrun by tourists—perfect for a quiet escape.
🏛️ Chen Cihong Former Residence
A lavish late-Qing mansion often called the “Lingnan No.1 Overseas Chinese House.” The intricate Teochew carvings, sprawling gardens, and fusion of architectural styles showcase the extraordinary wealth and craftsmanship of the overseas Chinese merchant class.
🎭 Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center
A modern museum set along the waterfront, offering a deep dive into Chaoshan heritage: Qiaopi (overseas remittance letters), wood carvings, embroidery, and the famed Gongfu tea ceremony.
🍜 Food: The Real Reason to Come to Shantou
Shantou isn‘t just a city with good food—it’s a pilgrimage destination for serious eaters. Forget curated menus and tourist traps. Here, the best meals happen at simple street stalls and unassuming storefronts where locals eat without fuss.
Must-Eat Dishes:
1. Chaoshan Beef Hotpot (牛肉火锅): The flagship dish of Shantou. The magic is in the freshly slaughtered beef—never frozen—served with a clear bone broth. Each cut (tenderloin, brisket fat, diaphragm) has its own texture and requires just 8–10 seconds in the pot. Dip in shacha sauce (a savory barbecue blend) mixed with garlic and celery.
2. Raw Marinated Seafood (生腌)
Nicknamed the “Chaoshan poison” because once you try it, you can’t stop. Fresh shrimp, crab, and clams are cured in a zesty marinade of garlic, chili, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. The texture is jelly-like and silky, the flavor briny and addictive.
3. Braised Lion-Head Goose (卤鹅)
Considered the king of Chaoshan braised dishes. The goose is slow-braised in a secret spice blend until the meat is fall-apart tender. The foie gras (goose liver) is especially prized for its melt-in-the-mouth texture.
4. Oyster Omelette (蚝烙)
Juicy local oysters mixed with sweet potato starch and eggs, fried until the edges are crisp and the inside is gloriously gooey. Dip in fish sauce to unlock another level of flavor.
5. Teochew Rice Noodle Rolls (Changfen) 肠粉
Shantou’s version is a revelation—paper-thin, translucent rice noodles wrapped around fillings like beef, shrimp, or egg, then drizzled with a savory soy-based sauce. Locals add a dash of garlic chili sauce and pair it with warm soy milk.
6. Chaozhou Kueh (粿品)
With over 100 varieties, kueh are an integral part of Chaoshan life. Try red peach kueh (filled with sticky rice and peanuts), glutinous rice kueh, and savory water kueh (steamed and topped with preserved radish).
7. Fish Rice (鱼饭)
Despite the name, there’s no rice in this dish. It refers to poached whole fish, chilled and served at room temperature. The technique preserves the pure, natural sweetness of the seafood—a Chaozhou specialty that’s simple yet transcendent.
8. Sandpot Congee (砂锅粥)
The ultimate Shantou comfort food. Fresh shrimp, crab, or eel is simmered in a clay pot with raw rice until the grains break down into a silky, savory porridge. Perfect as a late-night meal.
9. Liquorice Fruits (甘草水果)
A refreshing palate cleanser between meals. Fresh mangoes, guavas, and starfruits are tossed in licorice juice and sprinkled with dried plum powder. Sweet, sour, and utterly addictive.
Food Streets to Explore:
Longyan South Road Food Street: The most popular local food hub, packed with everything from raw marinated seafood to sweet soups and rice noodle rolls. Eat your way from morning till night.
Zhenbang Road Food Street (镇邦路美食街): Located within Xiaogongyuan port-opening area, featuring 26 curated local time-honored brands. Perfect for sampling multiple dishes while exploring the old town.
Zhujiang Road Food Street: Another excellent cluster of restaurants, great for experiencing Shantou’s lively late-night dining atmosphere.
Where to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaogongyuan / Longyan South Road | Foodie central, convenient for exploring old town and dining | Mid-range, excellent value |
| Nan’ao Island – Qing’ao Bay | Wake up to sunrise over the sea, romantic and scenic | Higher (sea-view hotels) |
| Nan’ao Island – Houzhai Town | Quieter, more local atmosphere, wallet-friendly | Budget (~¥200/night) |
| Downtown seaside promenade area | Relaxed walks with harbor views, close to People‘s Square | Mid-range |
💡 Booking tip: Reserve accommodations in advance, especially during long holidays and summer weekends, as they book up incredibly fast.
Practical Tips
🧴 Sun protection is essential year-round. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
☔ If visiting in summer (May–September): Pack an umbrella and lightweight clothes. Typhoons are possible during this period.
🦐 When ordering seafood on Nan’ao Island: Always ask for the price and unit (live weight or net weight) before ordering. Some stalls use dim lighting—turn on your phone‘s flashlight to check the menu.
🚗 Crossing Nan’ao Bridge: If you‘re driving, aim to cross after 9:00 to avoid peak traffic. The bridge is absolutely stunning but no stopping for photos—violators face fines.
❤️ Raw marinated seafood (the “Chaoshan poison”): It’s delicious, but don‘t overdo it on your first try. Start with a small portion, pair it with plain congee, and chase it with ginger tea if needed.
📸 Golden photo hours: For lighthouses and coastal shots, aim for 15:00–17:00 when the light is most flattering. For sunsets, 17:30–18:30 is the sweet spot.
🗣️ Language: Mandarin and English are widely understood in tourist areas, but locals speak Chaoshan dialect. Learning a simple “chia”（to eat) will win you smiles.
Final Thoughts
Shantou is that rare city that feels both ancient and alive. Spend your days wandering centuries-old arcade streets, your afternoons chasing lighthouses along an emerald coastline, and your nights eating beef hotpot and marinated crab until you can’t move. Come with time, not a checklist. Let the city feed you, slow you down, and show you what real Teochew life tastes like.
Pack your appetite—and your camera. See you in Shantou. 🇨🇳