Shantou

About Shantou

Shantou is the gateway to Chaoshan, the corner of eastern Guangdong famous for its own language, kung fu tea, beef hotpot and seafood. Grown from a fishing settlement into a treaty port opened to foreign trade in 1860, it grew rich on shipping and on the money sent home by generations of emigrants to Southeast Asia. Today about five and a half million people live across the city.

In 1980 Shantou became one of China's first special economic zones, yet its old center around Xiaogongyuan still has streets of arcaded qilou shophouses from the early 20th century, restored in recent years. Across the harbor, the hills of Queshi offer views back over the city, and the elegant Chen Cihong mansion in Chenghai shows the wealth of returning overseas Chinese.

The Teochew kitchen is the main draw for many visitors, from hand-pounded beef balls to oyster omelettes and rice noodle rolls. Nan'ao Island adds beaches within the city's limits. Shantou station has high-speed trains to Guangzhou and Xiamen, and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport serves the region.