Heart of the Teochew (Chaoshan) region on Guangdong's east coast, Shantou is a former treaty port with a faded old town, a huge overseas-Chinese diaspora, and some of China's most celebrated home-style cuisine.
History & culture
Opened as a treaty port in the 1860s and made a Special Economic Zone in 1980, Shantou sent waves of emigrants across Southeast Asia, whose remittances built the arcaded 'qilou' streets of the old quarter.
What to see & do
- ◆Xiaogongyuan old town's arcaded streets
- ◆Shantou's seafront and harbour
- ◆Nan'ao Island across the sea bridge
- ◆Chen Cihong Mansion, a grand Teochew estate (nearby)
- ◆Teochew teahouses and gongfu tea culture
What to eat
- ●Teochew beef hotpot and beef-ball noodles
- ●Marinated 'lo' goose and seafood
- ●Rice-paste cakes and sweet soups
Getting there
Chaoshan Airport and high-speed rail (Chaoshan station) serve the region; it's a stop on the coastal line between Shenzhen and Xiamen.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Eat your way through it — but pace yourself; portions and tea rounds add up.
- The old town is atmospheric but partly dilapidated; mind uneven streets.
- Pair with Chaozhou and Nan'ao for a full Chaoshan loop.
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