Shantou汕头

Overview

Shantou is one of China's first four Special Economic Zones and the heart of Chaoshan culture. Teochew dialect is one of the most unique Chinese language branches, nearly unintelligible with Mandarin. Chaoshan cuisine is a distinct culinary system — beef hotpot, braised goose, kueh and Gongfu tea are nationally famous. The old town's arcade buildings preserve Nanyang charm; the Small Park district witnesses Shantou's treaty port history. Nan'ao Island, Guangdong's only island county, features azure seas and wind turbines — eastern Guangdong's most beautiful island. Chaoshan Gongfu tea is a living fossil of Chinese tea ceremony. Shantou is also a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, with over 13 million Teochew people abroad — 'where there is tide, there are Teochew people'.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Shantou Small Park (Old Town)

The old town core, radial arcade complex centered on Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion, China's largest arcade building cluster. Preserves Republic-era Nanyang charm, a microcosm of Shantou's treaty port culture.

5

Nan'ao Island

Guangdong's only island county, azure seas and wind turbines on ridges. Qing'ao Bay has fine sand, General's Office is Ming-Qing coastal defense relic. 11km Nan'ao Bridge is scenic itself.

5

Chen Cihong's Residence

Known as 'Lingnan's No.1 Overseas Chinese Residence', built by Thai-Teochew merchant Chen Cihong's family, nearly 30,000 sqm, blending Chinese and Western architecture with 506 rooms. Stunning craftsmanship.

4

Chaoshan History & Culture Expo Center

Comprehensive museum showcasing Chaoshan history and culture. The Overseas Chinese Museum and Intangible Heritage Hall are highlights. The building itself is a work of art.

4

Queshi Scenic Area

Mountain-sea scenic area across Shantou Bay, known for granite rock formations and coastal scenery. Ferry access, panoramic views of Shantou Bay from the peak.

4

Food & Snacks

Chaoshan Beef Hotpot

King of Chaoshan cuisine, freshly slaughtered beef thinly sliced by cut — diaolong, shibing, wuhuazhi each have unique texture, dip in shacha sauce. Bahe Li Haiji is the most famous brand.

Chaoshan Braised Goose

First dish at Chaoshan banquets, Lion-head goose slow-braised in secret spiced stock, liver smooth as pâté, feet firm and fragrant. 'No goose, no banquet' is a Chaoshan dining credo.

Chaoshan Kueh (Rice Cake Snacks)

Dozens of kueh varieties — mugwort kueh, peach kueh, horseshoe crab kueh and more, essential for Chaoshan festivals and everyday snacking.

Chaoshan Claypot Congee

Slow-cooked claypot congee with fresh shrimp and crab or eel, rice grains split open releasing aroma, a Chaoshan late-night staple.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Teochew Opera (2006) — Local Chaoshan opera performed in Teochew dialect, beautiful singing and delicate acting, national intangible heritage since 2006.
• Chaoshan Gongfu Tea Ceremony (2008) — Living fossil of Chinese tea ceremony, from tea selection to brewing and tasting has complete rituals, the highest hospitality of Chaoshan people, national intangible heritage since 2008.
• Yingge Dance (Hero's Dance) (2006) — The grandest Chaoshan folk dance, dancers in face paint wielding short sticks simulate Liangshan heroes, spectacular momentum. Went viral online recently, national intangible heritage since 2006.

Practical Tips