Shantou Small Park Awaits You!
Shantou Small Park is a brilliant gem of Chaoshan culture, located in the old Shantou district. As the birthplace of Shantou's opening port culture, it features unique arcade buildings that blend Chinese and Western styles, bearing witness to the century-old commercial prosperity. Strolling through its antique streets, admiring the exquisite murals, and experiencing the bustling markets feels like a journey back in time. At night, illuminated by colorful lights, Shantou Small Park shines even brighter, making it the perfect place to immerse in the charm of Chaoshan culture and historical atmosphere.
Must-See Highlights
Nansheng Department Store
Nan Sheng Department Store is a landmark building in the old district of Shantou. It was established in 1932 by Indonesian Chinese businessman Li Bohan. The seven-story building was once an commercial center for shopping, dining, accommodation, and entertainment, and it was the largest commercial venue in Eastern Guangdong at that time. Its unique architectural style blends Chaoshan and Indonesian elements, and it was home to Shantou's first elevator. Today, Nan Sheng Department Store stands as a witness to the century-long changes of Shantou and has also become a spiritual home for generations of Chaoshanese overseas Chinese.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: All the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.
Shantou Port-opening Culture Exhibition Hall
Shantou Port-opening Culture Exhibition Hall is located in Jinping District. It is a three-story European-style building and was originally the site of the Bank of Taiwan, Japan. It has witnessed the history of Shantou from its forced opening in 1860 to its active opening to the foreign countries. The museum's exhibitions are divided into three floors: The first floor displays the early days of the opening of the port, the second floor tells the story of the city's development after the Revolution of 1911, and the third floor focuses on the achievements of the Special Economic Zone's opening up.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30). During public holidays, open until 17:30. Closed on Mondays.
Suggested Visit Duration: 2 hours.
Shantou Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall
Shantou Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall is located on Anping Road. It is a comprehensive venue integrating the display of artworks, hands-on experience, and the sales of cultural and creative products. The hall features 14 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) projects, including Chaozhou wood carving, Chaozhou embroidery, and bottle painting, with dedicated display and experience zones that allow visitors to closely experience the charm of ICH. Many ICH inheritors also showcase and sell exquisite works and cultural and creative products on-site, integrating ICH into daily life.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) ; Saturday and Sunday: 9:00-17:30 (Last entry at 17:00).
Closed on Mondays (except for public holidays).
Suggested visit duration: 2 hours
Can't-miss Food of Shantou Small Park
Shantou Small Park is a hub of Chaoshan cuisine, with Zhenbang Road being the epitome. Here, you can find tender and juicy Chaoshan beef hot pot with bouncy beef balls and rich broth. Oyster omelettes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, with an irresistible aroma. Traditional Chaoshan guojiu (rice jelly) is soft and flavorful, often served with preserved eggs and tofu. Other delicacies like Chaoshan seafood fried rice and braised goose are equally distinctive. For desserts, bean curd pudding and egg tarts are perfect for cooling off in the summer.
Best Time to Visit
Shantou Small Park is a great place to visit all year round, but the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring (March to May): The weather is warm during this season, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The arcade buildings and the surrounding attractions look particularly charming under the spring sunshine.
Autumn (September to November): Shantou enjoys cool and pleasant weather in autumn, with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. There are fewer tourists during this time, allowing for a more comfortable experience as you explore the historical buildings and cultural sites of Shantou Small Park.
Most of the attractions in Shantou Small Park are open from Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays. You can plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your trip.
