Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Shantou, China

Due to its extensive and accessible port, Shantou was historically one of the most economically significant cities in China, engaging actively in trade with merchants from around the globe. By the 19th century, Shantou emerged as a vibrant, multicultural port city with a considerable expatriate population.

Throughout the subsequent turbulent centuries, Shantou lagged behind other ports like its nearby counterpart Shenzhen; however, it continues to exude some charm reminiscent of its 19th-century heritage, albeit somewhat concealed beneath a layer of urban decay. The city presents numerous rewards for those willing to explore beyond this surface, offering beautiful coastal beaches, distinctive cuisine, and a lively theater scene.

Let us delve into the most remarkable activities to experience in Shantou:

1. Nan’ao Island

Nan’ao Island ranks among China’s finest island destinations and is certainly one of its best-kept secrets.

While the beaches are undoubtedly stunning, recognized as some of the most pristine in Guangdong Province, Nan’ao also boasts much more than just sand and surf.

It hosts a vibrant fishing community along with an oyster farm, ensuring that all seafood served in local restaurants is fresh and delectable.

The island also features extensive protected areas suitable for picturesque hiking and cycling expeditions.

Access to the island can be achieved via a brief ferry ride or by bus along the newly-constructed bridge connecting it to the mainland.

2. Zhongshan Park

Zhongshan Park in Shantou is renowned as one of the Four Famous Man-Made Gardens, established in the 1920s to showcase China’s extensive gardening heritage to the world.

While most of the other gardens have succumbed to neglect, Zhongshan Park maintains its original grandeur.

Visitors enter through a grand six-pillar red archway adorned with red lanterns, inscribed with the phrase by Sun Yat Sen, “Tian Xia Wei Gong,” which translates to “The Whole World is One Community.” This is especially poignant for the diverse tourists who come to appreciate the park’s scenic gardens, walkways, and serene pond.

A small zoo is also located within the park grounds.

3. Queshi Scenic Area

This picturesque park is conveniently separated from downtown Shantou by a narrow expanse of the Shantou Harbor, which provides a sense of seclusion.

The grand Chinese entrance gate enhances this illusion of distance.

Upon passing through the gate, visitors can explore several beautifully ornate temples scattered throughout the area or hike to the peaks of granite hills, offering panoramic views of the city.

On favorable days, there are also sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy the refreshing harbor waters.

4. Lotus Mountain Hot Springs Resort

While hot springs and saunas might not be as prevalent in the humid Guangdong Province as in colder northern regions, numerous resorts have emerged around geothermal pools throughout China.

Lotus Mountain Hot Springs Resort exemplifies this trend, tailored to the luxurious tastes of the typical Chinese entrepreneur.

Here, guests can enjoy thermal pools adorned with artificial geological features, a Dutch-style watermill, and enchanting fairy lights designed in heart shapes.

The resort also includes reasonably priced accommodations and a well-regarded Chinese restaurant.

5. Longquan (Dragon Rock) Temple

Set against the imposing, gray rock hills that define the Shantou landscape, Longquan Temple is a notable site.

The hills are so ominous that local legends suggest dragons inhabit their caves.

The temple features a striking plaster replica of a legendary dragon, positioned as if prepared to breathe fire upon visitors.

While many attendees come to the temple for prayer, the surrounding paths and trails are equally appealing to those seeking a tranquil hiking experience.

A pond with a supposed health-benefitting drinking tap is found nearby; however, caution is advised regarding its consumption.

6. Chen Cihong Mansion

This lavish estate once belonged to the 19th-century industrialist Chen Cihong, a prominent figure in Shantou’s history.

He built his wealth in bustling urban centers such as Hong Kong and Bangkok, later returning to Shantou to construct residences for his family and to stimulate the local economy.

Although the main mansion is somewhat worn, it still provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

The rooms feature authentic vintage furnishings and informative exhibits detailing Chen Cihong’s remarkable life.

7. Mazhou Palace

This quaint temple is dedicated to Mazhou, the local embodiment of the protective mother goddess, an archetype evident in many global religions, from the bodhisattva Guanyin to the Virgin Mary in Catholicism.

Much like Mary, Mazhou is lovingly referred to as the “Star of the Sea,” believed to safeguard fishermen—an especially vital role in this maritime city.

Locals frequently visit this temple to pray prior to embarking on any journey, whether by boat or overland.

It serves as a tranquil stop for exploration among the numerous attractions in Shantou’s Old Town.

8. Haimen Lotus Mountain

Lotus Mountain provides one of the premier locations near Shantou for fresh air and outdoor activity.

With its peak reaching an elevation of 500 meters, the hike to the summit rewards visitors with spectacular views of the city and the ocean.

For those preferring a closer-to-sea-level experience, Haimen Lotus Mountain Park also features a remarkably clean beach where locals enjoy morning and evening strolls, though swimming is less common.

Additionally, several rocks scattered along the shore bear inscriptions of verses from the scholarly poetry of Wen Tianxiang, lending a literary touch to your beach outing.

9. Tian Tan Garden

Tian Tan Garden is a charming park located in Shantou, encircled by mountains that offer breathtaking views.

A modest temple is also present on the premises.

10. Shantou Museum

Despite its vaguely Art Deco architectural style, this provincial museum, opened in the 21st century, stands as one of the most modern and striking buildings in the historically rich Old Town district of Shantou.

The interior is equally contemporary with over ten thousand artifacts displayed in a climate-controlled environment.

Among these treasures are some items considered national artifacts, such as the scroll painting “Wild Geese and Magpies Flying in Reeds” by the renowned Cantonese artist Lin Liang.

The museum also showcases ancient pieces dating back to the Stone Ages.

11. Cultural Revolution Museum

Arguably the most prominent and contentious museum in the city, the Cultural Revolution Museum draws attention from journalists and curious visitors who might otherwise overlook the provincial city of Shantou.

Initially intended as a tribute to those who suffered during this turbulent time in Chinese history, local authorities disliked the museum’s political message and imposed a complete concealment of its content.

Commemorative inscriptions of the deceased have been obscured and blank-covered, while “Socialist Core Values” banners were placed across the exhibition hall’s facade.

Although the hall is no longer open to the public, the museum grounds remain accessible.

12. Fantawild Adventure

China is noted for its numerous Disneyland replicas that vary significantly in quality and adherence to copyright laws.

Among the higher-quality examples is the Fantawild chain, with one of its branches located in Shantou.

This theme park features 15 unique themed areas, including The Mysterious West and Dino Rampage, the latter being heralded as the largest dinosaur theme park in China.

Each area is filled with its own rides, attractions, and live entertainment, making it an excellent destination for families and couples, particularly popular on Sundays.

13. Shantou Xitang Landscape Garden

Xitang Landscape Garden is a premier location in Shantou to observe what life might have entailed centuries ago.

The garden lies along a narrow canal leading off the Beixi River, where covered boats glide by as they did when canals were the primary means of transportation in Shantou.

Visitors can take a boat trip along the canal to admire historical whitewashed houses that line its banks.

Many of these historic homes have been converted into shops and eateries offering local specialties and souvenirs.

14. Beishanwan Beach

Beishanwan Beach is one of the most favored beaches in Shantou, often bustling with lively crowds enjoying picnics on the sand.

Unfortunately, many of these visitors leave behind litter, creating unsightly accumulations of trash.

Nonetheless, the beach offers beautiful vistas of the azure South China Sea, particularly during the mesmerizing dawn.

This area is notably popular for water sports, including parasailing, jet-skiing, or leisurely sailing in small boats.

Guests can either hire a guide for transportation or confidently set off to sail by renting equipment from nearby rental shops.

15. Shantou Old Town

The vibrant heart of Shantou lies within its bustling Old Town, which houses many of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks.

Most of these buildings originated in the 19th century, at a time when Shantou thrived with cargo vessels from across the globe, playing a vital role in China’s international trade.

Reflecting the cosmopolitan spirit of that era, Old Town showcases an eclectic architectural style that marries European influences with traditional Chinese design.

Currently, many of these historic structures are gradually deteriorating, adorned with creeping vegetation; however, this decay adds to their aesthetic appeal for those who appreciate the charm of aged architecture.

16. Tropic of Cancer Monument

Positioned directly on the Tropic of Cancer, Shantou marks this circle of latitude that divides the tropical region, where the sun is directly overhead, from the cooler temperate areas.

Few towns along this latitude fail to erect a monument, and Shantou is no exception.

The city’s Tropic of Cancer Monument, grandly named the Symbolic Tower of the Tropic of Cancer, is located only a few kilometers from downtown, near the university.

English-speaking students are often present in this area and are usually willing to guide visitors to the globe-shaped monument situated atop an extensive flight of stairs.

17. People’s Square

Many cities in China feature expansive, meticulously landscaped squares ideal for leisurely strolls and fresh air.

Shantou’s square is particularly advantageous due to its picturesque location along the harbor, with the rolling hills of Queshi Scenic Area rising in the background.

The focal point of the square is the impressive Musical Fountain, which dazzles visitors with its color-changing illumination and synchronized water jets that dance to a musical score.

For a more traditional musical experience, visitors may stop by around sunset, when local elders often showcase their proficiency with the erhu against the backdrop of a beautifully colored sky.

18. Lion Head Goose at Chun Mei Stewed Goose

A signature offering of Teochew cuisine, emblematic of Shantou, is goose seasoned with an extensive array of flavorful ingredients, including ginger, citronella, cinnamon, anise, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and wine.

Particularly recognized in Shantou, this dish features the lion head goose, a large breed domesticated in the suburbs for centuries.

One notable provider of this delicacy in Shantou’s Old Town is Chun Mei, a modest stall that consistently attracts a line.

For a more refined culinary experience, the same dish is available at Jianye Restaurant within the Henghui Mansion.

19. Lao Ma Gong Zongzi

Another traditional dish found in Shantou’s Teochew cuisine is zongzi—glutinous rice filled with various ingredients and steamed in bamboo leaves.

The most widely regarded establishment for zongzi in Shantou is Lao Ma Gong Zongzi, which has been crafting these delectable parcels since 1920. Lao Ma Gong offers fillings ranging from pig intestines and pickled stomach to sweet red beans and peanuts.

The restaurant’s name is derived from an alternate moniker of the goddess Mazhou, whose protective assistance may contribute to its enduring quality and loyal clientele.

20. Mazhou Island

This small island located in the center of Shantou Bay is dedicated to the protective goddess/bodhisattva Mazhou, analogously considered the patron saint of the city.

Despite its central placement on the Shantou Bay Bridge, the most efficient access is typically via a speedy ferry from the mainland.

The temple is especially busy during holidays like Chinese New Year, when pilgrims travel from afar to honor the goddess.

Feel free to admire the statues of Mazhou and other deities; however, photography may be frowned upon in many active temples.

21. Chao Opera at Xie Huiru Art Center

Shantou serves as the heart of traditional southern Chinese theater, known as Chao or Teochew Opera.

In contrast to the more widely-known Beijing or Peking opera, Chao opera is performed in a natural vocal style, making it more accessible to Western audiences.

The city is home to one of the foremost training institutions for Chao opera, the Shantou Arts and Traditional Opera School, as well as a modern performance venue dedicated to hosting Chao operas featuring performances from Shantou artists and others.

Although performances are conducted in archaic Chinese, the universal language of archetypes and evocative gestures communicates the narrative effectively to non-Chinese speakers.

22. Gongfu Tea Ceremony at Hengshan Lin Tea House

Gongfu tea, affectionately termed “kung fu tea,” which translates to “making tea with skill,” is a distinct tea ceremony that originated in eastern Guangdong Province.

This ceremony elevates every stage of tea preparation to its highest form, from preheating the pots to pouring the tea.

While visiting Shantou, taking some time to partake in this original gongfu tea ceremony within its birthplace is highly recommended.

Many established tea houses in the area offer the gongfu tea ceremony, including Hengshan Lin located in the Longhu District and Chaocha Tea House situated in the Shenping District.

23. Shantou Agricultural Science Park

This park is an intriguing oasis amid the concrete landscape of Shantou, presenting a vibrant, functioning model farm.

Visitors can stroll through expansive outdoor fields featuring crops like sunflowers and soybeans, as well as year-round greenhouses producing fruits and vegetables.

Informational placards in Chinese elucidate modern agricultural methods and commend the ingenuity of Guangdong farmers.

Alongside farm exhibits, a lively playground offers rides for children, making the park a popular destination for families and groups of students enjoying picnics.

24. Shantou History Museum

Situated in the heart of Old Town, Shantou’s history museum commemorates the city’s vibrant legacy as a flourishing port city.

Housed in a distinguished colonial edifice, the museum remains better preserved than the surrounding, dilapidated buildings.

The first floor features informative displays and photographs detailing Shantou’s past, while the second floor is filled with glass cases exhibiting artifacts that reflect the daily lives of Shantou residents.

The focus is primarily on 19th-century artifacts, evoking a time when the city was a cosmopolitan hub with a thriving foreign community.

25. Dahao Ancient City

The Ancient City is a designated cultural heritage site within Dahao, a prosperous suburb of Shantou.

The stone gates and elaborately decorated buildings dating back to the Qing dynasty were notably utilized as headquarters by Japanese forces during World War II. While some structures are reconstructions from the 1950s, the area remains a vivid, immersive reminder of a previous era in China’s rich history.

During your visit, don’t miss the chance to sample Dahao’s specialty dish: fish ball soup.