Shantou Travel Guide 2025: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Deals | Trip.com | December 2025

About Shantou

Recommended trip: 2–3 day(s)

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Shantou Local Travel Guide 2025

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Shantou Brief Guide

Shantou is located in the southeastern part of Guangdong, relatively near Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. It is one of the most important port cities in southeastern China. Shantou has a rugged coastline. Throughout all the seasons of the year, the climate is very comfortable. The summers are neither furiously hot nor are the winters bitterly cold. The extraordinary geographic environment has created a natural landscape in Shantou, the beauty of which will sweep you off your feet. This includes coastlines eroded by the sea, rarely seen in China, wondrous stone caves and beautiful bays.

Shantou Must-try local experiences

1. Explore the Historical Treasures of Shantou Discover Shantou's rich history by visiting Guangji Gate, Shantou Museum, and Zhongshan Park. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's cultural heritage and traditional architecture. 2. Experience the Vibrant Culture at Queshi Scenic Spot Explore Queshi Scenic Spot's unique rock formations, ancient temples, and panoramic coastal views, blending natural beauty with cultural significance. 3. Explore Nan'ao Island Nan'ao Island offers stunning coastal scenery, historical sites, and local fishing culture. Visit Qing'ao Bay for beautiful beaches and the Nan'ao Island Song Well for a touch of history. 4. Visit the Chen Cihong's Former Residence This well-preserved mansion showcases traditional Teochew architecture and offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant family from the late Qing Dynasty. 5. Stroll Along Seascape Long Corridor Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Seascape Long Corridor with beautiful coastal views, lush greenery, and various sculptures and art installations. 6. Delve into the World of Gongfu Tea Ceremony Engage in the traditional Gongfu tea ceremony, learning the intricate steps of brewing and serving tea, and appreciating its delicate flavors. 7. Participate in Teochew Opera Attend a Teochew Opera performance to experience the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression unique to the Chaoshan region. 8. Learn Teochew Embroidery Visit a local workshop to see artisans at work and try your hand at Teochew embroidery, known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. 9. Sample Local Cuisine Shantou is famous for Chaoshan cuisine, including beef hotpot, oyster omelette, and braised goose. Try these delicacies at street stalls and traditional restaurants. 10. Explore the Shantou Small Commodity Market This bustling market offers a variety of goods, from clothing to electronics. It's a great place to find bargains and unique souvenirs.

Shantou Must-see Attractions

Shantou is renowned for its dynamic blend of natural and cultural attractions, highlighted by sites such as Queshi Scenic Area, offering breathtaking panoramas and historic architecture. It is called the City of Glory, which reflects the city's rich history as a commercial port intermingling international influences with local traditions.

Shantou Food Guide

The cuisine of Shantou is celebrated for its distinct regional qualities and diverse flavors. It offers a range of exquisite dishes like marinated goose, Teochew-style rice noodles rolls, traditional tofu pudding, and the time-honored Dahao fish balls. Each dish embodies the local culture and traditions, creating an unmatched culinary experience.

Shantou Transportation

Shantou's transportation infrastructure is centered around its airport and railway station, both of which are essential for intercity travel. Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (IATA: SWA, ICAO: ZGOW) is the primary aviation hub serving Shantou and its neighboring cities. Located approximately 40 km from the city center, the airport has a significant number of domestic and international flights, making it a crucial gateway for the region. To reach Shantou from the airport, travelers can use the airport railway station for convenient access to the city. Shantou Railway Station, situated in Longhu District, is a key node on the Guangzhou–Meizhou–Shantou and Xiamen–Shenzhen railway lines. It manages a substantial number of trains and provides connections to major cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. For city access, there are several city bus routes available from the station, offering convenient transportation to various parts of Shantou.

Shantou Where to Stay

Shantou is a vibrant city that hosts a plethora of accommodation options across multiple areas, each catering to different needs with its unique characteristics. Popular areas for travelers include Suning Plaza/ The Mixc, Nan'ao Island, and Shantou Small Park, which offer distinct features ranging from modern conveniences to historical ambiance.

Shantou Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Shantou is from mid-October to late November when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring and participating in outdoor activities. Avoiding the hot and humid summer months, especially July and August, is highly recommended.

Shantou Useful Guide

In Shantou, the predominant local language is Teochew, a variant of the Southern Min dialect group, with Mandarin widely spoken among the younger population as the main educational language. Due to its historical role as a trading port and a Special Economic Zone, there is a presence of multiple languages, including some use of English in high-end hospitality sectors and Cantonese influenced by media.