At Guang'ao Port in Shantou, dubbed "China's Toy Capital," cranes lift containers while cargo ships come and go. Recently inspected batches of toys are swiftly loaded for shipment to Southeast Asia, with clearance expected within 48 hours.
As the only import container port and the largest export hub in eastern Guangdong, Guang'ao Port has enhanced efficiency through smart customs operations. Services such as international transshipment and full-ship transfers help integrate the port into global logistics networks.
Foreign trade container throughput at Guang'ao Port grew from 352,600 TEUs in 2021 to 451,800 TEUs in 2024, and is expected to reach 526,400 TEUs in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth of 10.5%. From January to October 2025, the port handled import and export goods valued at 44.78 billion yuan, up 4.8% year-on-year.
Currently, Guang'ao Port operates 34 shipping routes, enhancing connectivity between eastern Guangdong and ASEAN countries. A newly launched weekly Manila service further links eastern Guangdong with key Philippine trade hubs and facilitates global transshipment via ports such as Hong Kong and Shenzhen's Shekou, providing a stable and convenient export channel for local products, including toys, ceramics, and tea.
Author | Huang Xinying
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
