The Women's Handball Competition of China's 15th National Games was held in Shantou, Guangdong Province, from September 10 to 19. Later this year, the city will also welcome surfers from across the country to Qing'ao Bay on Nan'ao Island for the National Games surfing events. Nestled between lush hills and sparkling seas, Shantou offers visitors not only thrilling sports competitions but also a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historic streets, and vibrant local flavors.
Nan'ao Island (南澳岛)
Nan'ao Island, home to Nan'ao County, is fringed with lush hills and stretches of coastline. A 68-kilometer highway encircles the island, offering scenic views of blue waters, silver beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. Along the route, visitors can explore lighthouses, historic villages, charming B&Bs, and restaurants serving fresh coastal specialties.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Qing'ao Bay is particularly famous for its soft sandy beaches and clear waters. In summer, tourists can enjoy motorboating, banana boating, windsurfing, and other water sports. During the National Games surfing events, the beach will feature dedicated viewing areas, allowing spectators to witness athletes riding and flipping on the waves. Local surfing clubs also offer beginner lessons, giving visitors a chance to try the sport right after the competition.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: Nan'ao County, Shantou City (汕头市南澳县)
Queshi Scenic Area (礐石风景名胜区)
A short ferry ride from Guangchang Ferry Terminal (广场轮渡码头) on Haibin Road, Jinping District will take visitors to Queshi Scenic Area, renowned for its striking geological formations, unique rocks, and caves. Visitors can take an aerial cable car for sweeping views of green hills and the vast ocean, arriving at Piaoran Pavilion (飘然亭). From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the inner bay, while the setting sun paints the waters in shimmering gold.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Address: No.4 Queshi Haioang Road, Haojiang District, Shantou (汕头市濠江区礐石海旁路4号)
Small Park Historical Area (小公园开埠区)
Located at the heart of Shantou's old town, Small Park Historical Area boasts row upon row of exquisite qilou (arcade buildings). Once a hub for overseas Chinese investors, the area retains landmarks such as the Nansheng Department Store, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. Today, the area is dotted with shops, restaurants, traditional handicraft stores, and time-honored brands, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Shantou's commercial heritage.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Opening hours: All day
Address: Junction of Guoping Road, Shengping Road and Anping Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区国平路、升平路、安平路交汇处)
Xidi Park (西堤公园)
Xidi Park is a memorial site dedicated to Qiaopi—letters and remittances sent home by overseas Chinese through private channels. The park witnessed Shantou's transformation from a small fishing village and dock into a bustling port. Integrating historic post roads, ancient harbor sites, coastal boardwalks, and cultural squares, the park serves as a multifunctional space for history, culture, and leisure.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Opening hours: 6:30-22:30
Address: West of Zhenbang Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头金平区镇邦路尾)
A bite of Shantou
No visit to Shantou is complete without tasting authentic local cuisine. The beef hotpot is a must-try, with freshly cut beef slices prepared at the counter—thin and tender, cooked in seconds in rich beef broth. A sprinkle of crisp celery and minced garlic enhances the flavor, making every bite aromatic and fresh.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Beyond the hotpot, Shantou is also known as a paradise for "guo (kway)", a variety of traditional Chaozhou rice cakes and pastries made with sticky rice flour, glutinous rice flour, and similar ingredients. From savory peach-shaped guo and stir-fried radish guo to herbal grass guo, these snacks come in countless forms.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Equally unmissable is Shantou's seafood, especially the famed shengyan (raw pickled seafood). Fresh crabs, mantis shrimps, oysters, and clams are marinated with chili, garlic, soy sauce, and coriander, locking in the natural freshness of the sea. The result is bold, briny, and irresistible—curiosity may bring the first taste, but the unforgettable flavor keeps visitors returning for more.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Cai Junru
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
