China · Guangdong
Coastal city with Chaoshan culture, seafood, and Nan'ao Island
Best for
Recommended stay
2-3 days
Best season
Oct–Nov
Location
China, Guangdong
Snapshot
A city at a glance
6 dimensions · 1–5 scale
PandaLoco's read of six travel-relevant dimensions on a 1–5 scale, built from public datasets and our travel criteria.
It describes the city's profile. It is not a ranking of better or worse cities.
Basis: Public datasets and PandaLoco travel criteria
Overview
Shantou is a coastal city in eastern Guangdong with Chaoshan culture, fresh seafood, historic overseas Chinese influences, Queshi Scenic Area, and Nan'ao Island beaches.
Ideal Pace
2-3 days
Seasonal Window
Oct–Nov
Shantou blends Chaoshan culture, seafood, and historic overseas Chinese architecture with Queshi Scenic Area and Nan'ao Island's beaches.
Shantou, a vibrant coastal city in eastern Guangdong Province, blends Chaoshan culture, fresh seafood, and historic overseas Chinese influences with relaxed beaches and bustling old quarters. Explore the colorful Queshi Scenic Area, savor world-famous Chaoshan beef hotpot and kungfu tea, or stroll Nan'ao Island for sea views and windmills. This guide will help you plan your perfect visit.
Served by Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport and high-speed rail at Chaoshan Station. Public buses cover city and Nan'ao; taxis are metered.
Shantou is served by Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA), which is shared with nearby Jieyang and Chaozhou, and offers good high-speed rail connections via Chaoshan Station (the primary HSR hub) or central Shantou Station. Most visitors arrive by air or train from Guangzhou or Shenzhen; direct international flights are limited.
Teochew is dominant; Mandarin official. Use Alipay, WeChat, Didi. eSIMs recommended for data. Cash and digital payments accepted.
Mandarin Chinese (using Simplified characters) is the official language in Shantou, but Teochew (also called Chaoshan or Chaozhou dialect, a Southern Min variety) is the dominant local language spoken in daily life among residents.
English navigation is limited.
Shantou has reliable 4G/5G coverage in urban and coastal areas like Queshi or Nan'ao. Free Wi-Fi is available at hotels, malls, and some attractions, but often requires passport registration and can be slow or insecure.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY). Digital payments dominate, with over 95% of transactions.
Visit Nan'ao Island for beaches, nature, and seafood.
Specialties include braised goose, rice noodle rolls, tofu pudding, and Dahao fish balls, reflecting Shantou's unique culinary traditions.
Shantou's cuisine is renowned for its unique regional character and diverse flavors. It features a variety of exquisite dishes such as braised goose, Teochew-style rice noodle rolls, traditional tofu pudding, and the time-honored Dahao fish balls. Each dish reflects the local culture and traditions, offering an unparalleled culinary experience.
Shantou's braised goose is irresistibly delicious. From the tender liver to the perfectly balanced fatty meat, the firm and aromatic neck, the robust chewy gizzard, and the succulent fresh eggs, every part absorbs a rich blend of over ten spices. The result is a flavorful, aromatic taste that lingers, bringing a burst of happiness with each bite.
Rice noodle rolls are celebrated for their delicate, silky, and slightly chewy texture.
The favored condiment is a special marinade, often topped with thick peanut and sesame sauces that add a rich and savory taste.
These velvety rice noodle rolls hold a special place in the hearts of Shantou locals, evoking cherished memories.
When in Shantou, tasting tofu pudding is a must for food lovers. This local specialty has a creamy texture, enhanced by warm brown sugar that seeps into the dense pudding, infusing it with an intense bean aroma and perfectly balanced sweetness. In short, it's glutinous, velvety, and sweet.
Dahao's fish balls are a celebrated specialty of Shantou, with a history spanning hundreds of years. They are made following a strict, traditional process that blends the finest fish from different seasons. The fish balls are known for their snowy white color, round shape, springy texture, and fresh, crisp flavor.
Best from mid-October to late November for mild weather; avoid hot, humid summers.
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.
Attractions include Queshi Scenic Area with sea and mountain views, and City of Glory showcasing overseas Chinese architecture.
礐石风景区
汕头狮子城（原汕头欧美文化小镇）