Shantou

Shantou combines the arcade-lined streets of its old town with island scenery, making it suitable for both city walks and seaside outings.

• Xiaogongyuan Historic Port Area: This area has the largest arcade-style building complex in China, with radial lanes that retain a strong historic character. After the buildings light up at dusk, it is ideal for taking retro-style photos.

• Nan'ao Island: An island crossed by the Tropic of Cancer, with fine sand at Qing'ao Bay. The Changshanwei Lighthouse and Sancunya Lighthouse are both good photo spots. There is plenty to see around the island, so plan a full day.

• Guangchang Ferry: This is a form of water transport used by local residents for commuting, with tickets costing 1 yuan. In the evening, take the ferry across the inner bay to enjoy both the sunset over the water and views of Queshi Bridge.

• Queshi Scenic Area: The top of Shantou's eight scenic spots. You can take an open-air cable car up the mountain and look out over the entire inner bay. The slopes are not steep, so it is fairly easy for older visitors and children.

• Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center: The building is modeled on a red-headed junk. Inside, exhibits cover Chaoshan's overseas Chinese history and intangible cultural heritage, while the floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the sea.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Old Town Walk and Food): Arrive in Shantou in the morning and check in, then head to the Xiaogongyuan Historic Port Area to see the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, the large-character wall at Shantou Hostel, and the General Post Office building. Watch the sunset at Xidi Park in the evening, then visit the Longyan South Road food street for snacks and have a Chaoshan beef hot pot dinner.

• Day 2 (A Breezy Drive Around Nan'ao Island): Cross Nan'ao Bridge to the island in the morning and start at the red Changshanwei Lighthouse. Have a seafood stir-fry lunch in Houzhai Town, then spend the afternoon at Qing'ao Bay and visit the Tropic of Cancer landmark tower, the “Natural Gate.” Stay on the island for the sunset over the sea, spend the night there, or return to the city.

• Day 3 (Bay Views and Cultural Spots): Take the 1-yuan Guangchang Ferry to Queshi Scenic Area in the morning, then ride the cable car up the mountain for panoramic bay views. In the afternoon, visit the Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center, or walk along the 13-kilometer seaside promenade at East Coast Park. In the evening, have clay-pot congee at the Zhujiang Road food street or a local street-side food stall.

Must-Try Foods in Shantou

Shantou offers a wide range of food, from small street shops to traditional restaurants serving local flavors.

• Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot: Try the hanging tenderloin, oyster blade, and tri-tip cuts. Dip the meat using the “three rises and three falls” method; it is ready once the slices change color and remains tender and fresh-tasting. Neighborhood restaurants are usually closer to everyday local dining, so consider avoiding areas filled only with tourists.

• Chaoshan Raw Marinated Seafood: Raw-marinated shrimp, roe crabs, and spiral sea snails are tossed in a seasoned sauce and have a fresh, sweet flavor. If you have a sensitive stomach, try only a small amount, or pair them with hot rice noodles.

• Chaoshan Rice Noodle Rolls: The rice noodle sheets are thin, with common fillings including beef, seafood, and bean sprouts, topped with special soy sauce and peanut sauce for a rich mix of flavors.

• Licorice-Coated Fruit: Fresh fruit is cut into pieces and mixed with licorice juice, making a sweet-and-sour, refreshing snack that is good for clearing the palate after beef hot pot or raw-marinated seafood.

• Sugar-Coated Sweet Potato and Taro: Sweet potatoes and taro are covered in a crisp sugar coating and have a soft, sticky texture. The salted egg yolk flavor is also popular.

• Chaoshan Sweet Soups: Sweet soups such as duck-mother dumplings, mung bean soup, and black sesame stewed milk are generously filled and lightly sweet. A satisfying serving usually costs just over ten yuan per person.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to Stay: The area around MixC or Longyan South Road is convenient. Hotels around MixC are newer and close to many shopping centers; Longyan South Road is near the food street, so you can eat downstairs, though the surrounding area is relatively old. If you plan to watch the sunrise on Nan'ao Island, stay in Houzhai Town or near Qing'ao Bay.
• High-Speed Rail: Shantou Station is the better choice because it is closer to the city center. A taxi or shared electric scooter can reach Xiaogongyuan in just a few minutes, with no further transfer needed. Chaoshan Station is about 30 kilometers from the city center, and taxi queues may be long during holidays.
• Getting Around the City: Shared electric scooters are flexible for getting around the city and cost 25–35 yuan per day. For trips between areas, ride-hailing is convenient and usually costs 15–30 yuan.
• Getting Around Nan'ao Island: Driving yourself or hiring a car is best for touring the island; the bridge toll is 96 yuan. Without a car, you can also share a ride from central Shantou, costing about 150 yuan per person including the bridge toll. Electric scooters can be rented on the island for 50–80 yuan per day. Traffic is often heavy on weekends, so set out early.

Common Pitfalls and Practical Tips

• Photo Spots: When taking photos at the Xiaogongyuan Pavilion, order a drink on the second floor of the KFC opposite and choose a window seat. The view is more open, and you can avoid the crowds on the first floor.
• Ferry Times: The last Guangchang Ferry usually leaves at 20:00. If you plan to watch the sunset, arrive 40–60 minutes early. Queues are often longer for departures close to sunset on weekends.
• Choosing Seafood: Seafood set meals near scenic-area entrances tend to be expensive, and quality may vary. Street-side restaurants in residential areas or near markets usually have more transparent prices and fresher ingredients.
• Sun Protection and Mosquitoes: Ultraviolet rays are strong by the sea, so use sun protection. Bring mosquito repellent when visiting parks or island areas with dense vegetation.
• Protecting Your Stomach: Raw-marinated seafood, iced tofu pudding, and similar foods can be hard on the stomach. Consider carrying digestive tablets and stomach medicine, and avoid eating too much within a short time.