Shantou Travel Guide

Shantou (also known as Swatow or Suátao) is a city of 1.2 million in coastal eastern Guangdong Province, China, metropolitan area 4,721,117 (calculation 2006).

Shantou, a city significant in 19th-century Chinese history as one of the treaty ports established for Western trade and contact, was one of the original Special Economic Zones of the People's Republic of China established in the 1980s, but failed to blossom like other cities such as Shenzhen, Xiamen and Zhuhai. However, it remains as East Guangdong's economic centre, and is home to one of Guangdong's top rated universities, Shantou University.

Long coastal lines and a pleasant subtropical marine climate provide the city with many charming tourist attractions. Beautiful mountains, natural beaches, and exquisite islands, together with the marine scenery that surrounds the harbor, form a breathtaking environment that is especially attractive to those who want to escape the busy life. The locals use their rich seaside resources to set up many resort villages that provide sound facilities and services for the tourists. In addition, the Tropic of Cancer traverses the city, making it a wonderful place to feel the instant alternation of spring and summer in China.

Transportation in Shantou is quite efficient as it is easily accessible by land, sea, or air. Shantou Harbor has cargo ships that connect to over 210 harbors around the world. It also has passenger ships that sail to many of China's port cities, such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Hainan Island. Two of China's main railway lines traverse Shantou, making it very convenient to get to other cities by train, including Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Qingdao. Shantou Waisha Airport is located 13 kilometers (eight miles) northeast of the center-city area and is a hub for 40 airlines connecting with many cities both in China and other countries including Thailand and Singapore. In addition, highways in the city are also well developed and provide easy access to Shenzhen and Xiamen. It takes only about three hours to reach the either of these cities (by long distance bus).

Top Attractions:

The Former Residence of Chen Ci Hong (Chencihong Guju)
Nan'ao Island (Nanao Dao): rated as Guangdong's most beautiful island by China's National Geographic magazine
Palace-Temple of Old Mother (Laoma Gong): dedicated to the goddess Matsu
Temple of Emperor Guan (Guandi Miao): dedicated to Guan Yu
Tropic of Cancer Symbol Tower (Beihuiguixian Biaozhita)