Must-Visit Places and Attractions in Shantou, Mainland China 2026

Q: What is Shantou best known for?

Shantou is renowned for its historical significance as a treaty port and its vibrant Chaoshan culture. Visitors can also enjoy its beautiful coastal scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delectable local cuisine.

Q: When is the best time to visit Shantou?

The ideal times to visit Shantou are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the city's attractions.

Q: Where is the best location for tourists to stay in Shantou?

Tourists will find Jinping District to be an excellent choice for accommodation, offering easy access to major attractions and a variety of lodging options. Staying near the bustling commercial center, close to Shantou High-speed Railway Station, is also convenient for exploring the city.

Q: What are the best activities for families in Shantou?

Families visiting Shantou can enjoy a day at Nan'ao Island for beach activities and exploration, or visit the Shantou Museum for an educational experience. Children's Park also offers attractions that cater to all ages.

Q: Is Shantou suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Shantou is a welcoming destination for solo travelers, providing a safe environment and plenty of opportunities to delve into the city's rich history and culture.

Welcome to Shantou, a captivating coastal city nestled along the eastern coast of Guangdong, China. This vibrant city, known for its stunning scenery and delightful climate, offers a rich tapestry of history and culture that beckons travelers from around the globe. As a significant treaty port in the 19th century, Shantou seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern development, making it a unique destination for those seeking an authentic Chinese experience. As a special economic zone and a vibrant open coastal city, Shantou serves as a gateway to the eastern part of Guangdong. It proudly holds the title of 'Seaside Zoulu, the hometown of food,' offering a plethora of cultural richness and culinary delights. Whether you're drawn by its historical landmarks, scenic beauty, or the promise of delicious local cuisine, Shantou is a must-visit destination that promises to captivate and inspire.

Top things to do in Shantou

See 16 things to do in Shantou

Tours • From Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Shantou

Klook Private Guangdong Tour from China (Shenzhen/Guangzhou)

Book now for tomorrow

Private tour

English guided

Afternoon departure

Private group

Instant confirmation

★ 4.3 (4) • 900+ booked

Free

Tours • From Chaozhou

Chao汕 private day trip | Optional Chaozhou/Shantou/Nan'ao Island

Private tour

Private group

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

★ 3.7 (3)

€ 69.79

Tours • Shantou

One-day tour of Nan'ao Island | Round trip from Shantou

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

★ 4.6 (8) • 50+ booked

€ 34.49

Tours • From Shantou

One-day tour of Nan'ao Island in Shantou/Ancient City of Chaozhou (Non-heritage drama optional)

Book now for tomorrow

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

€ 30.60

Tours • Shantou

Eatwith - Explore Hidden Culinary Gems in Shantou's Old Town with a Chaozhou Master Chef

Morning departure

Up to 3 hrs

Free cancellation

€ 40.49

Massages • Shantou

Sen Spa · Thai Massage | Shantou MixC Store

In-app reservation

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

€ 21.80

Tours • From Chaozhou

Chaozhou South Australia Island Small Group Full-Day Tour

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

€ 52.69

Tours • From Shantou, Chaozhou

Shantou & Chaozhou 4-Day Film-Themed Cultural Tour

Book now for tomorrow

Private tour

English guided

Private group

Free cancellation

€ 410.15

Tours • From Shenzhen

Shenzhen Nan'ao Island & Chaoshan 3-Day Historical Exploration

New Activity

€ 305.89

Parks & gardens • Shantou

Treasure Island

Free cancellation

New Activity

€ 0.45

Water parks • Shantou

Shantou Zhonghai Resort

Free cancellation

New Activity

€ 17.40

Theme parks • Shantou

Shantou Blue Mercury Happy World

Free cancellation

New Activity

€ 7.50

Hotels in Shantou

See 135 hotels in Shantou

Hotels • Shantou

Atour Hotel Shantou The Mixc Jinsha East Road

Instant confirmation

From € 58.58

€ 61.38

Hotels • Shantou

Regency Hotel

Instant confirmation

From € 44.70

Hotels • Shantou

White Swan Hotel Shantou

Instant confirmation

From € 89.31

Hotels • Shantou

DIOTEL

Instant confirmation

From € 65.06

Hotels • Shantou

Ximen Hotel (Shantou High-speed Railway Station)

Instant confirmation

From € 23.87

€ 24.10

Hotels • Shantou

Yiju Hotel (Shantou High-speed Railway Station)

Instant confirmation

From € 28.03

€ 28.31

Hotels • Shantou

UrCove by Hyatt Shantou Hi-Tech The Mixc

Instant confirmation

★ 4.5 (4)

€ 46.92

€ 47.40

Hotels • Shantou

Shantou Marriott Hotel

Instant confirmation

★ 4.7 (36)

From € 113.22

Hotels • Shantou

Regency Boutique Hotel（Shantou Mixc Railway Station）

Instant confirmation

€ 33.10

Hotels • Shantou

Sheraton Shantou Hotel

Instant confirmation

★ 4.4 (331)

From € 90.58

Hotels • Shantou

Shantou International Hotel

Instant confirmation

★ 4.5 (135)

From € 63.87

Hotels • Shantou

Hampton by Hilton Shantou Railway Station

Instant confirmation

From € 58.40

Klook User

2026-03-22 03:36:28

Fantastic 5.0

We had a fabulous day with our guide. He was so patient, kind, and helpful! I would absolutely book again next time we come back.

Klook Private Guangdong Tour from China (Shenzhen/Guangzhou)

Guang *******

2026-05-20 11:16:03

Fantastic 5.0

My mum is teochew and 阿俊 our 师傅got along very well. We had also had 2 other very warm and friendly china companions during our trip. It was not a rushed trip and lunch recommended was fantastic. we thoroughly enjoyed the trip very much.

One-day tour of Nan'ao Island | Round trip from Shantou

SOON ******

2026-05-28 05:53:14

Fantastic 5.0

Guide able transate the whole trip experience and patience. Overall was a good sight seeing with good memories

One-day tour of Nan'ao Island in Shantou/Ancient City of Chaozhou (Non-heritage drama optional)

Qing *********

2026-06-02 07:21:24

Fantastic 5.0

Great place, near to the high speed train station and in the longhu district where all the food and entertainment are in

UrCove by Hyatt Shantou Hi-Tech The Mixc

LUN ******

2026-01-27 09:07:44

Fantastic 5.0

The location is perfect, right next to MixC in the downtown area. However, early in the morning, around 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., guests are very loud, and the soundproofing is terrible. Also, don't expect too much from the free late-night snack. When I went at 9:30 p.m. sharp, there wasn't even coffee available, which is laughable. There's a coffee machine, but it shows there are no coffee beans. They provide bottled water, plain porridge, and salted eggs, so I didn't even bother eating the free breakfast that came with the package. The room is normal, but the shower stall in the toilet is relatively old. Also, when checking in, they asked me to choose between the 3rd and 4th floors, so I naturally thought I'd choose a higher floor. When I went up, I realized that the 4th floor is where the restaurant and gym are located. I didn't want to go back down, so I just left it at that.

Atour X Hotel Shantou The MixC, Convention & Exhibition Center

General info

Time zone
GMT +08:00
No time difference
Currency
Chinese Yuan
1EUR = 7.78CNY
Official languages
Chinese
Best time to visit
OCT - DEC
Cooler temperatures make city exploration comfortable.
Recommended trip duration
2 days

Shantou

Top things to do in Shantou

Hotels in Shantou

Reviews of Shantou activities

Quick facts about Shantou

Time zone

Currency

Official languages

Best time to visit

Recommended trip duration

FAQs about Shantou

What is Shantou best known for?

When is the best time to visit Shantou?

Where is the best location for tourists to stay in Shantou?

What are the best activities for families in Shantou?

Is Shantou suitable for solo travelers?

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Everything you need for your Shantou visit

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