Cost of Living in Shantou
How much does it cost to visit Shantou? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Pieren / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
CNY 250
per day
Weekly: CNY 1750
Monthly: CNY 7500
Examples
- 🏨Hanting Hotel Shantou Xinhuacheng BranchCNY 120
- 🍽️Local breakfast at a street stall (e.g., Chaoshan beef noodle soup)CNY 20
- 🍽️Lunch at a small local eatery (e.g., oyster omelet)CNY 30
- 🚌Public bus day passCNY 10
- 🎟️Explore Shantou Park and walk along the waterfrontCNY 0
- 🎟️Visit the Shantou Museum (free admission)CNY 0
- 🍽️Dinner at a casual restaurant trying local seafoodCNY 70
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
CNY 500
per day
Weekly: CNY 3500
Monthly: CNY 15000
Examples
- 🏨Royal Century Hotel ShantouCNY 250
- 🍽️Breakfast at the hotel or a local cafeCNY 50
- 🚌Taxi for specific trips and public transport for othersCNY 100
- 🎟️Visit the Shantou Museum and the former site of the Shantou Stock ExchangeCNY 20
- 🍽️Lunch at a popular local restaurant like Guomao Restaurant for Chaoshan cuisineCNY 100
- 🎟️Explore the historical streets of Shantou, like Guanhai RoadCNY 0
- 🍽️Dinner at a mid-range seafood restaurant with a viewCNY 180
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
CNY 1200
per day
Weekly: CNY 8400
Monthly: CNY 36000
Examples
- 🏨Shantou International HotelCNY 600
- 🍽️Gourmet breakfast at the hotelCNY 150
- 🚌Private car service for the dayCNY 400
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the historical districts and local marketsCNY 300
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at a reputable establishmentCNY 400
- 🎟️Visit the Chen Cihong's Former Residence and enjoy the architectureCNY 50
- 🍽️High-end dinner experience with local delicacies and international optionsCNY 500
Cost by Category
accommodation
100-300 CNY
food
80-150 CNY
Transport
30-60 CNY
activities
40-90 CNY
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longhu District | Mid-range | slightly above | first-timers, digital nomads |
| Jinping District (Downtown) | Budget | average | foodies, culture |
| Shaping District (Coastal) | Mid-range | above average | families, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Shantou
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Shantou Costs
How much does it cost to visit Shantou?
Budget travellers can visit Shantou for around CNY 250/day (CNY 1750/week). Mid-range travellers should budget CNY 500/day, while luxury travel costs around CNY 1200/day.
Is Shantou expensive?
Shantou is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least CNY 250/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Shantou?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Shantou, budget CNY 500/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Shantou?
Budget travellers in Shantou can get by on CNY 250/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.