Where to Stay in Shantou
China
|Pop. 3.8M
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sven Pieren / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Longhu District is the best neighbourhood to stay in Shantou. The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities. Ideal for first-timers, digital nomads, business travelers. Budget travellers can get by on CNY 250/day.
Areas to Avoid in Shantou
Safety rated "Safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longhu District | The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities. | Mid-range | first-timers, digital nomads | Generally safe with good street lighting... |
| Jinping District (Downtown) | The bustling historical and commercial center, packed with local life and older architecture. | Budget | foodies, culture | Safe during the day; be aware of crowds ... |
| Shaping District (Coastal) | A developing coastal area offering sea breezes and proximity to newer residential zones. | Mid-range | families, couples | Generally safe with good lighting in mai... |
Longhu District
Mid-rangeThe modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities.
Generally safe with good street lighting; usual precautions against petty theft ...
Jinping District (Downtown)
BudgetThe bustling historical and commercial center, packed with local life and older architecture.
Safe during the day; be aware of crowds and pickpockets at night, especially in ...
Shaping District (Coastal)
Mid-rangeA developing coastal area offering sea breezes and proximity to newer residential zones.
Generally safe with good lighting in main areas; exercise caution when walking o...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Shantou
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Jinping District (Downtown)
The bustling historical and commercial center, packed with local life and older architecture.
Our top picks in Jinping District (Downtown)
Longhu District
The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities.
Our top picks in Longhu District
Shaping District (Coastal)
A developing coastal area offering sea breezes and proximity to newer residential zones.
Our top picks in Shaping District (Coastal)
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Things to Do in Shantou
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
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Shantou at a Glance
7 categories
Top Tips for Shantou
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Venture into the smaller alleyways off Guangming Road for authentic Chaoshanese snacks like oyster omelets (xīyáo) and beef balls (niúròu wán).
Getting Around
Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) and learn basic Mandarin phrases for bus directions, as English signage is rare.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or rideshare).
Solo Female Travel
Shantou is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being aware of your surroundings are recommended.
Hidden Gems in Shantou
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Shantou Fuliang Street
FREEWander down Fuliang Street to experience a living museum of Shantou's architectural past, with beautifully preserved old buildings showcasing unique Teochew style.
Guangdong Chaoju Opera House
Catch a performance of the traditional Chaoju opera, a unique local art form that tells stories through song, dance, and dramatic expression. It's a truly immersive cultural experience.
Dongfeng Market
FREEExplore Dongfeng Market, a bustling local hub where you can find an incredible array of fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and authentic Teochew snacks. It's a feast for the senses.
Qianhuangshan Park
FREEEscape the city bustle at Qianhuangshan Park, a verdant oasis offering peaceful walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a tranquil escape with lush greenery.
Shantou Museum
Discover Shantou's rich history and culture at the Shantou Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits on local traditions, art, and the region's maritime heritage.
Laidong Street
Head to Laidong Street in the evening for a culinary adventure, sampling a variety of delicious and affordable Teochew street food from local vendors. Don't miss the oyster omelets and beef balls.
Things to Do in Shantou
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Shantou tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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What It Costs in Shantou
Daily budget per person in CNY
💡81% cheaper than London
CNY 250/day
CNY 500/day
CNY 1200/day
Where to Stay in Shantou
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Shantou University25 min
- Longhu Park15 min
Pros
- +Good infrastructure and modern facilities
- +Easier navigation for newcomers
- +Plenty of shopping and dining options
Cons
- -Can feel less historically authentic
- -May lack the charm of older areas
Best for
Walk to
- Guangming Road Pedestrian Street5 min
- Shantou Museum20 min
- Old Shantou Port Area30 min
Pros
- +Heart of local cuisine and street food
- +Rich in local culture and history
- +Excellent public transport links
Cons
- -Can be crowded and noisy
- -Accommodation options are more basic
Best for
Walk to
- Dapu Bay Beach30 min
- Coastal Scenic Area10 min
Pros
- +Relaxed atmosphere
- +Access to coastal views and parks
- +Less crowded than the city center
Cons
- -Fewer dining and entertainment options
- -Public transport can be less frequent
Areas to be cautious
- Industrial Zones on the outskirts: These areas offer little of interest to tourists and can be less safe due to heavy truck traffic and limited public services.
Insider tip: Venture into the smaller alleyways off Guangming Road for authentic Chaoshanese snacks like oyster omelets (xīyáo) and beef balls (niúròu wán).
Where to Stay in Shantou
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Longhu District
The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities.
Stay in Jinping District (Downtown)
The bustling historical and commercial center, packed with local life and older architecture.
Stay in Shaping District (Coastal)
A developing coastal area offering sea breezes and proximity to newer residential zones.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Shantou
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List Your PropertySafety in Shantou
SafeSolo Female Travel
Shantou is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being aware of your surroundings are recommended.
At Night
Main commercial streets and well-populated areas are safe with adequate lighting and people around. Be cautious in quieter residential streets or parks after dark.
Emergency
110
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or rideshare).
- 2Street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
Compare hotel deals in Shantou
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Shantou
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in China
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for China and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Shantou
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: 45-60 mins, approx. 80-120 CNY. Bus: Several lines available, approx. 10-15 CNY, 70-90 mins.
🎫
Day Pass
Not commonly available for buses; single rides are cheap.
Single: 2-4 CNY for most bus routes.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good25 Mbps
Public Transport
Bus network is extensive covering most of the city; metro system is under construction and not yet operational for tourists.
Ride-share
Didi (China's Uber); approx. 15-30 CNY for short to medium trips within the city.
Transport Tip
Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) and learn basic Mandarin phrases for bus directions, as English signage is rare.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi (often requires a local phone number for verification). Public Wi-Fi hotspots are increasing.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; some cafes offer conducive environments for short periods.
Rent a Car in Shantou
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Dec
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Hotels & Accommodation in Shantou
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Who Is Shantou Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Foodies
This is the epicenter of Shantou's renowned Chaoshan cuisine, offering countless authentic local eateries and street food stalls.
First-timers
Its modern infrastructure and clear layout make it the easiest district for newcomers to navigate and find amenities.
Budget Backpackers
Offers the most affordable accommodation and food options, alongside vibrant local life.
Families
Provides a more relaxed environment with access to coastal parks and potential for beach activities, away from the city's intensity.
Shantou on TripAdvisor
Read traveller reviews, tips, and photos
About Shantou
Shantou, alternately romanized as Swatow and sometimes known as Santow, is a prefecture-level city on the eastern coast of Guangdong, China, with a total population of 5,502,031 as of the 2020 census (5,391,028 in 2010) and an administrative area of 2,248.39 square kilometres (868.11 sq mi). However, its built-up (or metro) area is much bigger with 12,543,024 inhabitants including Rongcheng and Jiedong districts, Jiexi county and Puning city in Jieyang plus all of Chaozhou city largely conurbated. This is de facto the 5th built-up area in mainland China between Hangzhou-Shaoxing (13,035,026 inhabitants), Xi'an-Xianyang (12,283,922 inhabitants) and Tianjin (11,165,706 inhabitants).
Frequently Asked Questions About Shantou
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