Key Takeaways:
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Shantou blends old-world charm, coastal beauty, and vibrant Teochew culture, making it an underrated gem for year-round travel.
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From historic architecture and island escapes to local food markets and folk performances, the city delivers a deep cultural experience.
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This guide features ten unforgettable activities that show off Shantou’s rich history, waterfront charm, and authentic local life.
Shantou, located in eastern Guangdong Province, is a port city steeped in tradition and known for its strong Teochew cultural roots. Once one of China’s original treaty ports in the 19th century, Shantou developed into a thriving commercial hub with deep international connections. Today, the city combines colonial-era architecture, traditional customs, and seafood-rich cuisine with a warm coastal atmosphere. Visitors love its walkable neighborhoods, affordable markets, and access to beautiful nearby islands. Whether you’re exploring local temples or sipping kung fu tea on a seaside promenade, Shantou offers a relaxed yet culturally rich experience every month of the year.
Table of Contents
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Wander through the historic Shantou Old Town
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Take a ferry to Nan’ao Island for sea and mountain views
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Visit the Chen Cihong Former Residence
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Stroll the Shantou Cultural Revolution Museum
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Enjoy local snacks and opera at Zhongshan Park
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Discover Teochew wood carving at the Shantou Folk Museum
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Relax by the waterfront at Shantou Seaside Corridor
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Catch a show or market at the Small Park area
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Tour the Queshi Scenic Area’s caves and peaks
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Explore the Teochew cuisine scene at local night markets
1. Wander through the historic Shantou Old Town
Shantou Old Town, also known as Xiaogongyuan (Small Park District), is a fascinating mix of colonial architecture, crumbling mansions, and lively backstreets. Once a wealthy hub for overseas Chinese merchants, the area now exudes a vintage charm with its faded facades, European-style arcades, and colorful shutters. Walking through the alleys, you’ll find quiet temples, old guildhalls, and family-run cafes tucked inside historic buildings. It’s a photographer’s dream and a place where time seems to pause.
Locals still live and work here, adding to its authentic, lived-in feel. Some buildings are undergoing restoration, bringing new cafes and creative spaces to life. A morning or late afternoon walk is ideal, especially when golden sunlight hits the weathered walls. It’s a great introduction to the city’s global past and Teochew soul.
2. Take a ferry to Nan’ao Island for sea and mountain views
Nan’ao Island is a must-visit day trip from Shantou, accessible via a scenic bridge or short ferry ride. This large island offers stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and green hills dotted with hiking trails and temples. You can explore Qing’ao Bay for swimming and water sports, or head up to Song Well Mountain for sweeping coastal panoramas. The slower island pace makes it feel worlds away from the city.
Cultural sites like the General Temple and island fortresses tell stories of Ming Dynasty defense and pirate battles. Seafood lovers will be in heaven with fresh-caught meals served at rustic seaside restaurants. Renting an electric scooter or car makes it easy to tour the entire island in a day. Whether you’re hiking, eating, or just watching the waves roll in, Nan’ao offers the perfect mix of nature and tradition.
3. Visit the Chen Cihong Former Residence
Located in nearby Qianmei Village, the Chen Cihong Former Residence is an extraordinary mansion complex that once belonged to a wealthy overseas Chinese merchant. The residence combines Teochew, Western, and Southeast Asian architectural influences, reflecting the global lifestyle of Chen Cihong and his family. Visitors can explore over 500 rooms, courtyards, and balconies that reveal the opulence of late Qing Dynasty life.
Beautiful tile mosaics, carved wood panels, and imported furniture add richness to the visual experience. The residence also offers insights into Shantou’s international trade connections and the legacy of returning emigrants who brought back new ideas and styles. Wandering through the home feels like exploring a time capsule of late 19th-century wealth and cosmopolitanism. This is one of the region’s most culturally immersive experiences.
4. Stroll the Shantou Cultural Revolution Museum
The Shantou Cultural Revolution Museum is the only one of its kind in mainland China, offering a rare and sobering look at one of the country’s most complex historical periods. Founded by private citizen Peng Qi’an, the museum features photos, personal stories, documents, and exhibits related to the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. Its mission is to remember and reflect—not to sensationalize—and it’s handled with deep sensitivity.
Walking through its halls, you’ll encounter stories of loss, survival, and resilience. Though modest in size, the museum’s quiet atmosphere and emotional depth make a lasting impression. It’s located on a hillside and surrounded by tranquil gardens, offering visitors a place for reflection. For those interested in modern Chinese history, this is a meaningful and rare opportunity to learn.
5. Enjoy local snacks and opera at Zhongshan Park
Zhongshan Park is a lively public space where you can enjoy open green lawns, peaceful lakes, and bursts of local culture. On any given day, you might find people dancing, flying kites, or practicing traditional Teochew opera on makeshift stages. Food vendors line the park’s edges, selling popular snacks like Teochew fish balls, sweet peanut soup, and oyster omelets. The park comes alive in the late afternoon when families and performers gather.
The main lake offers boat rentals, while the pathways are perfect for strolling under shaded trees. Seniors gather for board games and kung fu tea, creating a multigenerational social space. Kids will love the playgrounds and mini amusement rides scattered throughout. It’s a casual but vibrant place to experience everyday life and flavors in Shantou.
6. Discover Teochew wood carving at the Shantou Folk Museum
The Shantou Folk Museum is an excellent place to explore the region’s traditional arts, with a strong focus on Teochew wood carving—a skill passed down through generations. These ornate carvings are famous for their intricate details and are often used in temples, ancestral halls, and classical furniture. The museum displays master-level works, from delicate flower motifs to full mythological scenes carved into wood panels.
In addition to carvings, you’ll find exhibits on paper cutting, embroidery, opera costumes, and local wedding customs. The building itself is a beautifully restored Teochew-style mansion that adds to the immersive feel. Guided tours in Mandarin are available, but even without one, the visual craftsmanship speaks volumes. It’s a peaceful, artistic stop that highlights Shantou’s deep cultural roots.
7. Relax by the waterfront at Shantou Seaside Corridor
The Shantou Seaside Corridor stretches along the coast and is one of the most pleasant urban walks in the city. This long boardwalk is ideal for biking, jogging, or simply enjoying a sunset over the South China Sea. Lined with palm trees, open lawns, and modern art sculptures, it’s a refreshing escape that locals and travelers alike enjoy year-round.
You’ll find seating areas, food vendors, and occasional musicians creating a laid-back seaside vibe. In the early morning, the path fills with joggers and dancers, while in the evening, it becomes a social hub for young couples and families. The views of the port, skyline, and open sea make it a memorable experience. Bring a drink and enjoy the breeze—this is modern Shantou at its most relaxing.
8. Catch a show or market at the Small Park area
Small Park (Xiaogongyuan), originally built during the colonial period, has been revitalized as a cultural district blending old-world charm with new creativity. The round plaza is surrounded by restored European-style buildings now housing cafes, art shops, music venues, and boutiques. The area often hosts weekend markets, outdoor film screenings, and traditional Teochew performances in the central pavilion.
This is the city’s unofficial gathering space for artists, musicians, and creative minds. By day, it’s a cozy spot to sip tea or browse local crafts. By night, it’s alive with ambient lighting, live shows, and families enjoying the energy. For travelers looking to mix with locals or uncover Shantou’s youthful side, Small Park is the place to be.
9. Tour the Queshi Scenic Area’s caves and peaks
Just outside the city center, the Queshi Scenic Area offers nature lovers a chance to climb rugged hills, explore sea-view caves, and enjoy peaceful temple retreats. The area’s granite cliffs and winding trails reveal panoramic views of Shantou and the bay below. Key sites include Lotus Peak, Ancient Rock Inscriptions, and the Queshi Buddhist Temple built into the hillside.
Hiking here is moderate, with paved paths, rest stops, and well-marked signage along the way. On cooler days, it’s a fantastic way to escape the bustle and connect with nature. Don’t forget your camera—the rock formations and coastal views are striking. This area is especially popular during spring and autumn when the weather is mild.
10. Explore the Teochew cuisine scene at local night markets
Shantou is the heartland of Teochew cuisine, known for its fresh seafood, delicate flavors, and rich food heritage. Night markets and local streets like Jinsha Road or Tianshangqiao Street become culinary playgrounds at dusk. Must-try dishes include beef hot pot, marinated goose, fish porridge, and sweet taro paste desserts.
Wander the food stalls to discover regional specialties like sugar-cured olives, handmade rice rolls, or braised tofu stuffed with shrimp. Many vendors have been perfecting their recipes for generations, and it shows in every bite. Pull up a stool, sip local herbal tea, and enjoy a meal like the locals do. A night market crawl is the most delicious way to close out your day in Shantou.
What to do if you have kids?
Shantou offers a range of family-friendly activities perfect for traveling with children. Zhongshan Park has playgrounds and boat rides, while Nan’ao Island offers sandy beaches for building castles and splashing in shallow waters. The Queshi Scenic Area features caves and gentle hikes that kids can enjoy with supervision. Small Park’s weekend fairs often include crafts and kid-friendly snacks. Plus, many restaurants and night markets have casual outdoor seating where kids can roam safely while parents eat.
Where can I find free events in Shantou China taking place this weekend?
To discover free events in Shantou this weekend, head over to https://planmyweekend.ai. This helpful platform curates local activities like cultural performances, street markets, temple fairs, music nights, and outdoor group meetups—all without the alcohol and club scene. Whether you’re solo, with a partner, or exploring with family, Plan My Weekend helps you uncover hidden gems and experience authentic Shantou like a local.
Final Thoughts
Shantou may be one of southern China’s most underrated cities, but that’s exactly what makes it special. With its rich Teochew culture, slow coastal pace, and deep historical layers, it offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical tourist path. From historic homes and scenic hikes to seafood feasts and artistic revival districts, every day here reveals something new. Whether you’re staying a weekend or settling in for longer, Shantou invites you to slow down, savor, and connect with a side of China that feels deeply personal.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
