Historic Teochew port in eastern Guangdong
A port city at the mouth of the Han River and heartland of Teochew (Chaoshan) culture and cuisine. It has a harbor and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport serving the region.
Shantou opened as a treaty port in the 1860s and became a gateway for Chaoshan emigrants to Southeast Asia. Its old town retains rows of arcaded shophouses.
Best Apr–May & Sep–Oct · Varies by region — this reflects China's seasonal weather and crowds.
Visa required (some passport holders — 6-day transit-free at select cities). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official China government or embassy before you travel.
Chinese Yuan (CNY). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
Mandarin is the primary language in China.
Dial 120 for emergencies in China.
Tap water here is generally rated "Boil first". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type A/C/I. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Shantou on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 120. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Shantou and your government's current travel advisory before you go.