1. Blissed-Out Beaches And Exotic Birdlife
Shantou's premier attraction probably lies offshore, in the form of the gorgeous Nan Ao islands. Made up of 23 islets, this archipelago can be reached by ferry from Shantou port, and you won't want to leave. Beaches like Qing Ao are idyllic spots to recline, soak up some rays, and allow the world to pass by. Huanghua Mountain is a scenic gem, with hiking trails and views across to Shantou itself, while there are excellent bird-watching stations to get to know the island's abundant migratory visitors.
2. How To Turn Rice Into Sheer Luxury
Shantou honors its businessmen like few other cities, and none more so than Chen Cihong, a local entrepreneur who made it big in the 19th century selling rice in Siam and Hong Kong. With his riches, Chen constructed this sumptuous mansion, which acts like a portal straight into the life of a 19th century merchant. It's also huge, with more than 500 rooms, and built in an interesting fusion of European and Chinese styles - as was the custom among the south coast's commercial elite. And as a bonus, there's also a folk theater on site which shows puppetry and Cantonese Opera.
3. Entertainment And Scenery Rolled Into One
Picture everything you'd want from an urban park, and Zhongshan probably has it. This relaxing spot just southwest of central Shantou was laid out in the 1920s across 50 acres, and it's a great example of Chinese landscape artistry. After crossing an elaborate entry bridge, and passing under a 30 meter tall gateway, you can choose between the tranquil eastern section, and the more lively western part, which has rides, stalls, and plenty of entertainment. Shantou's main zoo rounds off a pretty spectacular city park.
4. Candid Commemoration Of A Chinese Cataclysm
Although Shantou Museum is larger, this museum is more intriguing. It commemorates a dark period in Chinese history, when at Mao's urging, party cadres turned on each other, trying to purge backsliders from revolutionary ranks. Most of the time, it's glossed over or celebrated in Communist China, but this museum in Tashan is much more nuanced. It also includes a powerful memorial to those who died (and many thousands perished), where you'll find flowers and mourners paying their respects.
5. A Vision Across The Water
Rising over southern Shantou elegantly, Queshi is a forested expanse of semi-wilderness within walking distance of the town center. To get there, you'll have to cross the harbor bridge, which takes you into a zone of around 40 climbable hills, subtropical beaches, and exotic pavilions. If you fancy a burrow, head to Chuihong Cave in Tashan, which is 1,200 meters long, or have a clamber over the dramatic rocky terrain of Yanfeng. A little south, Su'an Village also offers a vision of traditional China, strangely close to the factories of Guangdong.
