2-Day Route
• Day1: Shantou Travel Service → General Post Office → Laomagong Stage → Kaibu Cultural Exhibition Hall → Shantou Small Park → Xidi Park
• Day2: Chaoshan Museum → Zhenbao Museum → Queshi Scenic Area → Chaoshan People's Wharf → Square Ferry → East Coast Park
Accommodation
• Recommended: Shantou Small Park / Old Town Area
• Reason: It is the core of Day1's itinerary, with most attractions within walking distance and a concentration of delicious food.
Transportation Guide
1. Arrival: Take high-speed rail to Shantou Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the old town; from Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, take the airport express line for 40 minutes to the urban area.
2. Local Transport: On Day1, the old town attractions are close together, so walking + shared electric scooters are sufficient; on Day2, which covers different areas, Chaoshan Museum and Zhenbao Museum are adjacent and can be reached on foot.
3. Ferry Tips: The Square Ferry operates from 6:30 to 20:00 daily, with a departure every 20 minutes. The one-way fare of 1 RMB offers great value.
Attraction Introduction
• Shantou Travel Service: A popular Instagram spot, featuring retro arcade buildings with eye-catching signs, blending the old town's charm with modern trends.
• General Post Office: A century-old building with a blend of Chinese and Western styles, witnessing the development of postal communication after Shantou opened as a trading port.
• Laomagong Stage: A model of traditional Chaoshan architecture, where Teochew opera is performed regularly, showcasing the charm of local folk culture.
• Kaibu Cultural Exhibition Hall: Housed in an arcade building, it displays the rise of Shantou as a "century-old commercial port" through cultural relics and historical materials.
• Shantou Small Park: The heart of the old town, with fan-shaped arcades surrounding the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, making it a perfect spot for retro-style photos.
• Xidi Park: A great place to watch the sunset over the inner bay, with the Overseas Remittance Memory Square telling the stories of Chaoshan overseas Chinese's love for their homeland.
• Chaoshan Museum: The core venue showcasing Chaoshan's history and culture, with a rich collection and unique regional architectural style.
• Zhenbao Museum: Next to the Chaoshan Museum, it focuses on gold and silver jewelry, showcasing the aesthetics of traditional Chinese ornaments.
• Queshi Scenic Area: Featuring unique granite egg-shaped landforms, the Piaoran Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the inner bay.
• East Coast Park: A long coastline with a rainbow walkway, ideal for cycling and picnics.
Notes
1. Parking is limited in the old town. It is recommended to park your car at the hotel and prioritize walking or riding shared electric scooters.
2. Zhenbao Museum requires advance reservation and is closed on Mondays to avoid disappointment.
3. When trying raw marinated seafood, choose reputable restaurants. Those with sensitive stomachs are advised to sample it sparingly.
4. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking in Queshi Scenic Area. The cable car costs 25 RMB one way, and hiking requires 2-3 hours.
5. For sunset viewing at Xidi Park and East Coast Park, arrive 1 hour in advance to avoid backlighting when taking photos.
6. When buying beef balls as souvenirs, choose shops that make them on-site. Vacuum packaging makes them easier to carry.
