Shantou Old Town Morning Tour

Shantou Old Town District is a must-visit tourist attraction you should include in your itinerary when you are in Shantou. It is located in the western part of the central Shantou which is about a short 15 minutes by car from our Happy Hotel Shantou. As I have mentioned before on the post where I introduced Shantou. 

My first impression on Shantou Old Town is that this city feels just like another European town which looks like its about to fall apart in ruins. The historical old buildings look dilapidated and torn out. At the same time, I do think this is what makes this city a pretty good place to visit if you love historic buildings. 

The whole Shantou Old Town District feels just like an old town and also there are many building that are under preservation and constructions works.

Shantou is also called by the local dialect as “Swatow“. The city is most prominent in the 19th century where the city functioned as a port that trades with Western countries.

Heritage History of Shantou Old Town

Walk down the cobblestone streets of Shantou Old Town, and you’re not just strolling through a city—you’re traveling back in time. Picture this: over 1,800 years of history under your feet, stories woven into every stone and beam.

Welcome to Shantou Old Town, a place where the Tang Dynasty shakes hands with the present day. This isn’t just an ancient town; it’s a living, breathing museum of history. And as you wander through, you’re not just a tourist—you’re part of the story now.

The story of Shantou Old Town District starts with Tang Dynasty where it prospered as a thriving port city which promoted the maritime exchange between China and other parts of the world. Back then, the town was like a bustling cultural melting pot where sailors, merchants and adventurers from all walks of life and ethnicities met, interacted and contributed to the cultural landscape.

Shantou Old Town Tour

The architecture in the Shantou Old Town is pretty impressive in general. It is like a collision of different architectural styles in the real world. The most notable are those traditional Chinese architecture courtyard type houses. At the same time, there are also those grand European style mansion which are beautifully decorated.

Here are some of the local foods we had and some of the places we visited while we explore around Shantou Old Town District during our morning tour. We shall introduce you to those good local food.

Pavilion in Little Garden Park, Old Town District (汕头市小公园)

Little Garden Park was first built in the early 1930s (but recently re-build). The pavilion in the Little Garden Park is one of the photo worthy must visit landmark for most tourists. So do take some nice photos for your memories. Little Garden Park serves as a commercial and cultural center for Shantou Old Town and is a witness to the flourishing times of the ancient Shantou.

Lao Ma Gong Zong Qiu (Chinese Dumplings)

For our second round of breakfast, we headed to Lao Ma Gong Zong Qiu, a renowned spot for authentic Chinese Teochew dumplings. The place is super easy to find (just a short 5-minute walk from the pavilion in Little Garden). But heads up, the shop is quite small with just a few wooden tables set up. So if you’re thinking of taking your family or a big group, you might wanna keep an eye out for more space. But hey, the dumplings are worth it!

Address:  No.5-7 Xinguan Street, Jinping District, Shantou, China

Shantou Bu (汕头埠)

Located at the Shantou Bu in Shantou. It is an old building which have been converted into a cultural exhibition hall. It was originally built in the 1907s and was the first Taiwanese in Shantou. As you step into the entrance, there is a big wall mural in the first which showcase the major events in the past few hundreds of years when it first open.

Shantou General Post Office

Did you know that Shantou was one of the pioneers in China to kick-start the modern postal service? It all began in the Customs Office back in the sixth year of Tongzhi, which was 1867. But wait, there’s more! In 1897, Shantou proudly set up the General Post Office right in the city. It was one of the very first 25 post offices in China!

Shantou Old Buildings

Despite the winds of change that have swept through Shantou Old Town, the townsfolk and the authorities have made great efforts to restore and conserve the old buildings in the city. Through their restoration works, it helps the town to give a new lease of life for the town’s old architectural historical buildings.

Walking down the streets of Shantou Old Town District is a real treat. Picture this: historic buildings on both sides of the road, almost making you feel like you’re walking on a small runway. It’s the perfect backdrop for snapping some killer photos.

As we strolled around, we also stumbled upon some hidden gems. Picture this: yummy local food and must-try local shops scattered all over the place. Trust me, you don’t want to miss these!

The local Shantou Old Town foods that we tried were so good, we just had to share them with you. Keep reading, and you’ll see what I mean.

Lao Zi Niang Cao Gao (老姿娘炒糕)

Lao Zi Niang Cao Gao (老姿娘炒糕) It is a famous shop for tasty Fried carrot cake and Fried oyster egg omelette. It is a very popular local shop among the locals. This shop was also the hidden gems that we only found out from reading through some review sites in Chinese.

The serving is good and the boss is generous in their seafood ingredients. If you like local food, you must try this out.

Address: Opposite to Sishun Medicine Bank, No. 44 Zhenping Road, Jinping District (near mass cinema)

Superfresh

This is a small juice shop where we spent our time waiting for our private hire van to pick us up. The shop sells nice and fresh fruit juices and also teas. They also served some pretty good chicken cutlet snacks. It seems like a shop that is fairly new.

FAQs around Shantou Old Town

Where is Shantou Old Town located?

Shantou Old Town is located in the southeastern region of China, in the Guangdong Province.

What is the historical significance of Shantou Old Town?

Shantou Old Town has a rich history that dates back over 1,800 years. It served as an important port city along the maritime Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between China and other parts of the world.

What makes Shantou Old Town’s architecture unique?

Shantou Old Town features a diverse architectural landscape that reflects influences from Chinese, Western, and Southeast Asian styles. You’ll find a mix of traditional courtyard houses, colonial-era buildings, and European-style mansions, making the town a visual delight for history and architecture enthusiasts.

What are “qilou” buildings, and why are they special?

“Qilou” buildings are a distinctive feature of Shantou Old Town. They are characterized by their covered arcade structures that run along the streets. These buildings were built as a tribute to the town’s maritime trading history and they provide shelter from the elements for pedestrians. Shops, teahouses, and eateries are often housed in these structures, adding to the town’s charm.

Can visitors explore the interiors of historical buildings?

While not all historical buildings in Shantou Old Town are open to the public for interior visits, there are several sites where visitors can explore the interiors and learn about their history. Some notable examples include the “kaiyuan Temple” and other historical landmarks.

Are there markets in Shantou Old Town?

Yes, Shantou Old Town is home to bustling markets where visitors can experience the lively local culture, sample fresh produce, and indulge in unique treats. One of the highlights is the “Qingping Market.”

How is the cultural heritage of Shantou Old Town preserved?

The local community and authorities in Shantou Old Town have made great efforts to preserve the town’s architectural heritage through restoration and conservation projects. Additionally, the town hosts traditional festivals, performances, and workshops to keep the cultural heritage alive.

What can families with children enjoy in Shantou Old Town?

Families with children can have a great time in Shantou Old Town. Exploring the historical buildings and markets can be an educational and fun experience for kids. The town also offers hands-on craft workshops, providing an interactive way for children to learn and create.

Are there guided tours available in Shantou Old Town?

Yes, guided tours are often available in Shantou Old Town, offering visitors in-depth insights into the town’s history, culture, and fascinating stories. These tours can be a great way to learn more about the unique aspects that make Shantou Old Town special.

What’s the best time to visit Shantou Old Town?

The best time to visit Shantou Old Town is during the milder months of spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant for exploring the streets, markets, and historical sites without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.

Conclusion

Shantou Old Town is more than just a place on the map; it’s a testament to the human spirit and our endless pursuit of connection. The streets, the buildings, and the people—all come together to create an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Pack your bags, grab your camera, and set off on a journey that will transport you back in time and fill your heart with stories that’ll last a lifetime. Shantou Old Town is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Are you ready to be enchanted?