Shantou, one of the important seaport cities, a famous hometown of overseas Chinese and one of the five special economic zones (SEZ) in China, is the center of politics, economy and culture in East Guangdong.

With One orientation against the Chaoshan plain- the second largest plains of Guangdong, and the Tropic of Cancer intersecting. Shantou prefectures to South China Sea, borders Fujian to the north and faces Taiwan. Shantou has a semitropical maritime climate,with annual average temperature of 21°C to 22°C,average sunshine time of over 2000 hours and the annual precipitation of 1300-1,800mm.

Chao-Shan Culture
Shantou has a long history in traditional culture and has been called the “seaside Zou and Lu” (Zou and Lu were two ancient kingdoms in Shandong Province, where culture and education were prosperous). The culture sediment is profound and the local characteristic is strong. The local opera Chao Opera and the elegant classic Chao-zhou music, the important means to express hometown affection and homesickness, often stir the feelings of Chao-Shan (known as “Teochew” or “chiuchow” overseas) people at home and abroad. The delicate and fresh Chao-Shan food and Chao-Shan pastry attract people from all parts of the world and its favor is unforgettable. Chao-Shan Gong-fu Tea, regarded as Chinese Tea Ceremony, enjoys high reputation in the world. The exquisite Chao-Shan ceramics, drawn-work pieces, Chaozhou embroidery and golden carved lacquerwares are very popular in all parts of the world. more...

Chao-Shan Sceneries and Local Flavours
Traditional Arts and Crafts:
Ceramics, Chao-shan Embroidery, Stone Carving, Intarsia Ceramics, Drawn-work Articles, Golden Lacquered Wood Carving

Local Flavoured Food:
Xi-tian-xiang Oyster Pizza, Lao-ma-gong Rice Dumplings, Dahao Rice Cakes, Yuepu Geese, Guiyu Mooncakes, Naoao Squids, Fish Balls, Beef Balls, Single Glove Tea of Phoenix Mountains.

Shantou Tourism
Shantou, a “green diamond” on the Tropic of Cancer, is a place, with picturesque scenery, mild climate and fresh air, most suitable for living, tourism and vacation. As a coruscated “Century Commerce City”, the hometown of overseas Chinese and a special economic zone, Shantou attracts more and more tourists at home and from abroad to enjoy the “charm and romantic of the sea and wind” here, for its nature, history, human and landscapes and the strong local culture have contributed it rich tourism resources. There are about 20 famous scenic spots everywhere. The Queshi Island Scenic Area, Qing’ao Bay on Nan’ao Island, Zhanglin Ancient Port in Chenghai City, Lingshan Temple in Chaoyang City are places of interests for tourism.