Areas to Avoid in Shantou
China
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Shantou. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Shantou is generally Use Caution
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Longhu District, Jinping District (Downtown), Shaping District (Coastal)
Travel Insurance for Shantou
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Shantou are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
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.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Longhu District
The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Shantou
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Shantou Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Shantou on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Shantou Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Shantou with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Shantou: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Shantou's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Shantou: Scenic Excursion
Escape Shantou for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Shantou Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Shantou's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Shantou
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Shantou on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Shantou safely with a local guide
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Longhu District
The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities.
Generally safe with good street lighting; usual precautions against petty theft apply.
Jinping District (Downtown)
The 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 busy market areas.
General Safety Tips for Shantou
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.
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.
Emergency Number
110
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Shantou
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or rideshare).
- 2Street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
Travel Insurance for Shantou
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Longhu District
The modern commercial and administrative heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary amenities.
Generally safe with good street lighting; usual precautions against petty theft apply.
Jinping District (Downtown)
The 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 busy market areas.
Shaping District (Coastal)
A developing coastal area offering sea breezes and proximity to newer residential zones.
Generally safe with good lighting in main areas; exercise caution when walking on less populated coastal paths at night.
Safety 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.
Found your hotel in Shantou?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
Areas to Avoid in Other Popular Cities
Safety guides for other destinations travellers are researching
Areas to Avoid in London
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Paris
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Barcelona
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Rome
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Tokyo
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Plan Your Perfect Shantou Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.