Holiday in Shantou

What makes Shantou special as a destination?

Shantou is a coastal city in Guangdong Province in southeastern China and the center of the Chaoshan region, famous for its unique cuisine, tea culture, and dialect group. As one of the first Special Economic Zones in China (since 1981), Shantou combines colonial trade history with modern port economy. The Chaoshan cuisine (also known as Teochew cuisine) is one of the most refined regional culinary styles in China and is legendary among gourmets. The cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood flavors, subtle spices, and masterful preparation techniques. Anthony Bourdain called Shantou one of the best culinary travel destinations in the world. The Gongfu tea ceremony originated in Shantou: the elaborate preparation method with tiny cups, special clay teapots, and precise brewing times is not a tourist attraction here, but a part of daily life. Gongfu tea is offered to guests in every shop and household. The historic old town of Shantou features a fascinating mix of Western colonial architecture and South Chinese tradition: Xiaogongyuan Alley with its arcade houses (Qilou) recalls the trading era of the 19th century. The Nan'ao Island Bridge connects the mainland with Nan'ao Island, known for its temples, beaches, and fishing villages. The Shantou Storm Monument commemorates the devastating typhoon of 1922, which claimed over 50,000 lives — one of the worst natural disasters in China. The Chen Ci Hong Complex nearby is a magnificent clan temple in the South Chinese style.