2 nights in Shantou

Question

We have two nights in Shantou in February , arriving from Chaozhou. Appreciate if someone can advise what can we do - our interests are visiting old towns and enjoy local food. Thank you

Answer

Shantou is a vibrant city with rich history and a strong culinary culture, making it ideal for a short 2-night visit focused on old towns and local food. Given your interests, here’s a suggested plan:

Day 1 – Arrival from Chaozhou and exploring Shantou old town:

Check in to a hotel in the city center for convenience.
Start with Shantou Old Street, a historic pedestrian street with well-preserved colonial-era buildings. Enjoy the local architecture and small shops.
Try local Shantou snacks like beef hotpot, marinated duck, oyster omelets, and Teochew-style pastries along the street.
Walk along the Shantou waterfront in the evening for views of the harbor and a glimpse of local life.

Day 2 – Culture, heritage, and food exploration:

Visit Chen Cihong Former Residence, a large traditional mansion showcasing Teochew architecture and history.
Explore Shantou Museum if interested in local culture, crafts, and history.
For lunch, head to a traditional Teochew restaurant to enjoy a multi-dish Teochew meal, including famous seafood dishes.
In the afternoon, visit Queshi Scenic Area or Jinsha Temple for a combination of historical and scenic experiences.
Spend your evening sampling street food and local desserts in smaller alleys, including Teochew-style dumplings and fish balls.

Tips:

Shantou is compact; walking or using local taxis is convenient for getting around.
Bring comfortable shoes, as exploring old streets involves walking on cobblestone and uneven surfaces.
Try to plan meals around traditional Teochew dining times to experience the full range of dishes.
If time permits, a short visit to nearby Chaoyang District can provide additional old-town architecture and local markets.

With this plan, you’ll get a good balance of historical exploration and authentic culinary experiences during your 2-night stay in Shantou.