Shantou is a charming coastal city located in eastern Guangdong Province, China, about 420 kilometers from Guangzhou. With convenient transportation options, travelers can easily reach Shantou City via Shantou Railway Station or the nearby Jieyang Chaoshan Airport.
Shantou Weather
Shantou enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate—warm and humid all year round. Summers are rainy, while winters are mild and pleasant. The best time to visit is from October to March when the climate is comfortable—perfect for exploring Shantou Laojie (Old Street), Xiaogongyuan, and Nan’ao Island, or enjoying authentic Shantou seafood, beef hot pot, and Teochew-style rice noodles (guotiao).
🏨 Hotels in Shantou (Foreigner-Friendly)
All the hotels listed below accept foreign guests with valid passports and visas (Citizens of 52 countries can enjoy a 10-day visa-free stay):
| Hotel Name | Address | Features/Highlights | Price per Night (USD) |
| Shantou Marriott Hotel | 28 Changping Rd, Shantou | Luxury stay, prime location, ideal for business & leisure, spa & conference amenities | ~$120 |
| Golden Gulf Hotel | Haibin Rd, Shantou | Close to Old Street and seaside, local flair with a historic atmosphere | ~$50 |
| Shantou International Hotel | 22 Jinhu Rd, Shantou | City center, modern amenities, convenient for business trips | ~$80 |
| Sheraton Shantou Hotel | Longguang Century Bldg, Block 11, Shantou | International brand, professional service, well-equipped, strong English support | ~$110 |
| Holiday Inn Express Shantou City Center | 139 Changping Rd, Shantou | Modern & simple, great value, ideal for short/long stays, convenient transport | ~$50 |
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary depending on booking time, room type, and season. It is recommended to check the latest availability and rates via hotel websites or trusted platforms.
✨ 3-Day / 2-Night Itinerary for Shantou City
📅 Day 1: Cultural Exploration + Teochew Cuisine
Morning:
• Arrive in Shantou via high-speed train or flight from Guangzhou or other cities.
• Check into your hotel.
• Breakfast recommendations: Braised goose rice noodles (lu e guo zhi), oyster omelet (hao luo), rice rolls (changfen).
Midday:
• Visit Xiaogongyuan Arcade Street – explore colonial architecture, landmarks like the Old Post Office and Department Store.
• Lunch idea: Grandma’s Beef Hot Pot, Guotiao Soup.
XiaoGongYuan
Afternoon:
• Walk through Shantou Laojie (Old Street) for vintage vibes and culture. Optional stop: Shantou Museum.
Evening:
• Feast at Zhongshan Road Night Market or Jinsha East Night Market – try oyster omelets, sweet soups, and rice rolls.
• Stroll along the East Coast New City for beautiful seaside night views.
📅 Day 2: Full-Day Adventure to Nan’ao Island
Morning:
• Depart early (around 8 AM) for Nan’ao Island (1.5-hour drive/taxi).
• Cross the impressive Nan’ao Bridge, perfect for scenic photos.
Recommended spots:
- Nan’ao Bridge Viewpoint
- Tropic of Cancer Monument
- Qing’ao Bay Beach (great for swimming, sand walking, and photos)
Noon:
• Lunch at local fishing villages (Houzhai or Qing’ao) – fresh sea urchin, oysters, steamed fish – true Shantou seafood!
Afternoon:
• Visit Windmill Hill – capture panoramic views of the sea and offshore wind turbines.
Evening:
• Return to Shantou City.
• Optional: late-night snack or head to Waisanduo Beef Hotpot Street for a taste of authentic Teochew beef hot pot.
📅 Day 3: Relax and Souvenir Hunt
Morning:
• Enjoy a relaxed breakfast: Chaoyang Road beef balls or West Embankment oyster porridge.
• Take a stroll in Jinping Cultural Park to observe local life.
Noon:
• Grab lunch – try Teochew claypot porridge or marinated dishes (lu wei).
• Pick up souvenirs: local snacks, teas, and dried seafood.
Afternoon:
• Head to your next destination via train or from Jieyang Air Port (allow ~1.5 hours of travel time).
✅ Travel Tips:
• Nan’ao Island is best accessed via rental car or taxi due to limited public transport.
• Shantou weather can be humid—light clothes and sunscreen recommended.
• Keep your passport and visa handy when checking into hotels in Shantou.
• Plan transportation to and from Jieyang Airport or Shantou Railway Station in advance.
The website design looks great—clean, user-friendly, and visually appealing! It definitely has the potential to attract more visitors. Maybe adding even more engaging content (like interactive posts, videos, or expert insights) could take it to the next level. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for your kind words and valuable suggestions! We’ll keep working on adding more engaging content and making the site even better—stay tuned!
Shantou sounds like a wonderful destination for a short getaway! I love how it combines culture, nature, and delicious food in one place. The historic streets must be fascinating to explore, and Nan’ao Island seems perfect for relaxation. The visa-free policy for some visitors is a great convenience too. Have you tried any of the local Teochew dishes mentioned in the article?
Yes, Shantou is a great city for a short getaway. Of course, I’ve tried all the local dishes. I highly recommend trying the beef hotpot first!
Shantou sounds like a wonderful place to visit with its rich culture and beautiful scenery. I would love to try the authentic Teochew cuisine and explore the historic streets. Relaxing on Nan’ao Island seems like the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The visa-free stay for 10 days is a great advantage for travelers. What are the top must-visit spots in Shantou for a first-time visitor?
Shantou truly has something for everyone! For nature lovers, Nan’ao Island is a must-visit with its beautiful scenery. For a taste of the city’s charm, the parks are perfect to explore local life and culture. Both are great for first-time visitors!
Shantou sounds like a fascinating destination with its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The mention of authentic Teochew cuisine is particularly enticing—what dishes would you recommend trying first? Nan’ao Island seems like the perfect spot to unwind, but are there any specific activities or hidden gems there worth exploring? The visa-free policy for 52 countries is a great incentive, but I wonder if there are any tips for navigating the city as a foreign visitor. The historic streets must hold so many stories—do you know of any guided tours that delve into the city’s past? Overall, Shantou seems like a must-visit, but what’s the best time of year to experience it fully?
Thank you so much for your comment! Beef hotpot and rice noodle rolls are definitely worth trying. For foreign visitors, since Shantou mainly uses Mandarin and Cantonese, it’s a good idea to have a translation app handy to make your trip smoother. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is nice and not too hot.