Shantou Travel

Shantou — a National Excellent Tourism City and a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, praised as the “Coastal Land of Scholars.” Explore the ecological wonders of Nan’ao Island, experience the history of the Small Park Historic Area, and taste authentic Teochew cuisine.

1860
Year of Port Opening
5A
Scenic Area Rating (Nan’ao Island)
120
Meters Above Sea Level
5.6M
Population

Shantou City Districts & Attractions

Shantou 4-Day 3-Night Coastal Hometown of Overseas Chinese Tour

Explore island secrets, taste Teochew delicacies, and discover overseas Chinese heritage

Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Nan’ao Island, Small Park Historic Area, Shantou University, Queshi Scenic Area
Best For
Families, food lovers, cultural explorers, photographers
Budget Per Person
¥1500–¥3000
01
Island Charm
Nan’ao Island Day Tour
Highlights

Take a ferry to Nan’ao Island in the morning, visit Qing’ao Bay and Song Well, and experience island scenery and fishing village culture.

Attractions
Nan’ao Island
Guangdong’s only island county, featuring clear bays, historical relics, and rich ecological resources. A national marine ecological conservation demonstration zone.
Qing’ao Bay
The iconic bay of Nan’ao Island, known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” with fine sand and clear water — a natural seaside bathing beach.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Qing’ao Bay homestays
  • Island resorts
  • Houzhai Town hotels
Food
  • Nan’ao seafood
  • Seaweed fried rice
  • Seaweed soup
  • Shrimp and crab congee
Tips
  • Check ferry schedules in advance
  • Strong UV rays — bring sunscreen
  • Renting a car for island touring is recommended
02
Overseas Chinese Memory
Small Park Historic Area + Old Town
Highlights

Stroll through the Small Park Historic Area in the morning to admire arcade architecture, then explore Shantou Old Town in the afternoon to experience overseas Chinese culture.

Attractions
Small Park Historic Area
A witness to Shantou’s port-opening history, featuring radial arcade blocks centered on the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles.
Shantou Old Town
Well-preserved architectural complex from the late Qing and early Republic era, gathering numerous time-honored shops and showcasing Shantou’s commercial history.
Practical Info
Transport
  • Accessible by Bus 1, 3, 10
  • Walking tour recommended within the district
Tickets
  • Small Park Historic Area: Free
  • Some memorial halls charge admission (~¥20–30)
Experiences
  • Arcade photography
  • Taste time-honored foods
  • Buy overseas Chinese souvenirs
  • Watch Teochew opera performances
03
Cultural Exploration
Shantou University + Chen Cihong’s Former Residence
Highlights

Visit Shantou University in the morning to experience campus culture, then head to Chenghai District in the afternoon to explore Chen Cihong’s Former Residence and learn about Teochew residential architecture.

Attractions
Shantou University
A comprehensive university established with donations from the Li Ka-shing Foundation. Features unique campus architecture, with its library being a popular photo spot.
Chen Cihong’s Former Residence
A Teochew traditional residential complex known as the “No.1 Overseas Chinese Mansion in Lingnan,” blending Teochew, Minnan, and Western architectural styles.
Practical Info
Food
  • Teochew beef hot pot
  • Kway teow soup
  • Chenghai lion-head goose
  • Yamuni (sweet dumpling soup)
Accommodation
  • Hotels in Longhu District
  • Hotels in city center commercial area
  • Characteristic homestays in Chenghai
Visiting Tips
  • Shantou University requires advance reservation on its official website
  • No smoking inside the former residence
  • Respect local customs and habits
04
Leisure & Nature
Queshi Scenic Area + Return
Highlights

Visit Queshi Scenic Area in the morning to enjoy mountain and sea views, then buy Teochew specialties in the afternoon before returning.

Attractions
Queshi Scenic Area
A national 4A scenic area composed of coastal terraces and 43 peaks, featuring sea, mountains, rocks, and caves — a picturesque landscape.
Teochew Specialty Street
A commercial street selling Teochew beef balls, lard cakes, preserved citrus, and other specialties — an ideal place for souvenirs.
Practical Info
Return Tips
  • Allow 2 hours to reach the airport/station
  • Vacuum-pack fresh seafood specialties
Special Experiences
  • Queshi cable car sightseeing
  • Experience Gongfu tea ceremony
  • Buy Teochew souvenirs
Budget Reference
  • Souvenirs: ¥300–800
  • Local transport: ~¥100

Must-Try Foods in Shantou

Teochew Beef Hot Pot

A Shantou specialty using freshly sliced yellow beef from different cuts, served with beef bone broth and satay sauce — tender and flavorful.

Teochew Rice Noodle Rolls

Thin rice crepes steamed with fresh shrimp and pork fillings, topped with soy sauce and peanut sauce — smooth and savory.

Oyster Omelet

Fresh oysters mixed with sweet potato starch and pan-fried until crispy outside and tender inside, served with fish sauce — a classic Teochew snack.

Gongfu Tea

A signature Teochew tea ritual emphasizing harmony, respect, refinement, and joy, represented by Phoenix Dancong tea with rich aroma.

Shantou Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • October–December: Cool and pleasant
  • April–May: Warm and blooming
  • Avoid July–September (typhoon and hot season)
Must-Do Experiences
  • Cycle around Nan’ao Island
  • Take vintage-style photos at Small Park Historic Area
  • Feast on Teochew beef hot pot
  • Experience the Gongfu tea ceremony
  • Climb Queshi Scenic Area for sea views
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Nan’ao Island bridge fee ¥96 + other attractions ~¥150 ≈ ¥250
  • Accommodation: ¥500–1200/night
  • Food: ¥200–400/day
  • Transport: ~¥300 (including ferry)
  • Total: ¥1500–3000
FAQ
  • Weather? → Subtropical monsoon climate, hot and rainy in summer
  • Language barrier? → Most service staff speak Mandarin
  • Family-friendly? → Attractions are concentrated, suitable for families
  • Seafood pricing? → Choose restaurants with clearly marked prices