Shantou Highlights

Shantou, Guangdong's second most crowded (do you mean populated?) city after Guangzhou, is –along with Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen and Hainan Island- one of China's five original Special Economic Zones. Locals belong predominantly to the Chiu Chow ethnic group, whose Taejiu dialect, differs drastically from Mandarin or Cantonese and is not always easy for visitors to understand. Three hundred years ago Shantou was a small fishing village, populated by a succession of foreign travelers who left behind a scattering of colonial architecture.
Most of the city lies on a peninsula, bordered on the south by the South China Sea and separated from the mainland and the north by a river and canals. High up on any visitors must see list are Shanpu Mountain, Qin'ao Bay, Dahao, Zhongshan Park and Lingshan Temple . Take a trip back in time by strolling around the area corralled by Waima Street, Minzu Street and Shengping Street, and get a look at the last of the colonial houses from Shantou's past. Running along the city's shoreline, Stone Fort Park , with its castle-like battery and surrounding moat is a great place to enjoy a sea breeze sojourn.
Shantou's cuisine revolves around its abundant fresh seafood and mouth-watering sauces. Specialties like Chiu Chow soy goose, deep-fried shrimp and pan-fried egg noodles served over chives are all waiting to seduce your taste buds. And no meal in Shantou is complete without thimble-sized cups of strong and bitter Ti KwanYu, a fermented tea known as 'Iron Buddha'.
If formal dining is not for you, try outside snacking at the frenetic night market west of Minzu Lu, where the entire street seems to be an endless row of tempting food stalls.

Name:Shantou Shantou
City:Shantou
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