How to get to Shantou

Located on the picturesque coast of Guangdong Province, Shantou is a vibrant port city and the gastronomic capital of the region, attracting admirers of authentic Chinese culture. When planning a trip to Shantou, you will discover a developed transport infrastructure that allows you to easily reach the city by plane, high-speed train, or intercity bus. The question of how to get to Shantou is easily solved, opening up convenient routes for travellers to this unique corner of the Celestial Empire.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the coast is by air. The nearest air hub serving Shantou is the Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (IATA: SWA). It is located in the neighbouring municipal district but serves as the main transport hub for the entire Chaoshan region.

The airport receives regular flights from most major metropolises in China, as well as a number of international destinations. Upon arrival, travellers can easily reach their destination: comfortable express buses run between the terminal and urban districts, and taxi services are also always available. The journey from the airport to the city centre usually takes about one hour.

Travelling by train is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and punctuality. Shantou is integrated into the extensive high-speed rail network of China, allowing tourists to easily get here from neighbouring provinces and major metropolises without tiring transfers.

The city's main railway station — Shantou Station — is located directly within the city limits. Modern high-speed trains arrive here from important transport hubs such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Xiamen. This is the most convenient option for travellers wishing to be in the centre of the action immediately.

Additionally, the region is served by the major Chaoshan Station, located nearby. It receives an even larger number of train services from various directions. Regular buses and taxis run from Chaoshan Station to the centre of Shantou, allowing you to quickly cover the remaining part of the journey.

An extensive network of highways makes bus travel to Shantou an accessible and comfortable option for exploring Guangdong Province. The popular route from neighbouring Xiamen takes about three and a half to four hours, covering a distance of 260 kilometres along a scenic road. This is a great alternative to trains for those who prefer a flexible schedule and the opportunity to observe the changing landscapes of southern China.

For tourists heading from the interior of the mainland, a convenient solution would be a trip from Meizhou: the bus covers the 150-kilometre path in just two to three hours. Connections with the city of Longyan are also in demand, from where the road, stretching about 290 kilometres, will take approximately four hours, leading you to the bustling streets of the seaside port.

A car trip to Shantou is a wonderful chance to see the non-tourist side of China and personally appreciate the high quality of local expressways. The drive from the coastal city of Xiamen will take about three and a half hours (260 km), while the journey from neighbouring Meizhou takes just two hours for a distance of 150 kilometres.

If you are departing from Longyan, expect to spend about four hours on the road, covering 290 kilometres of picturesque landscapes. Travelling by taxi between cities is possible, but the fares are quite high: in addition to the metered fare, the passenger often has to cover the cost of toll roads, which can total more than 600–800 RMB.

Preparing for your trip to Shantou will help you avoid minor inconveniences and fully enjoy the atmosphere of this coastal city. We have collected useful recommendations that will make your trip around southern China comfortable and safe.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate here is subtropical and humid. In summer, choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics to cope with the heat more easily. In winter, a windbreaker or light sweater will be useful, as evenings can be cool and central heating is often absent in buildings. An umbrella will be useful at any time of the year.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is most convenient to use official taxis or popular car-hailing apps (such as DiDi). City buses run regularly, but route information is most often presented only in Chinese characters, which can make navigation difficult without knowledge of the language.
3. Finances: The national currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Cash is used less and less; even small shops prefer payment via QR codes. We strongly recommend installing Alipay or WeChat Pay apps in advance and linking your card to them. International credit cards are accepted only in major hotels and large shopping malls.
4. Health and Safety: Shantou is a safe city for tourists. However, drinking tap water is not recommended; please buy bottled water in supermarkets. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green cross, but to buy medicines, it is better to have their name in Chinese or a photo of the packaging with you.
5. Communication: Locals speak the Chaoshan dialect and Putonghua (Mandarin). English is rarely understood outside of major hotels and tourist zones. Be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone with voice input and photo translation capabilities.
6. Local Etiquette: The "Gongfu Cha" tea ceremony is the heart of local culture. If you are invited for tea, refusal may be perceived as a lack of respect. Greetings are usually reserved: a slight bow or nod is sufficient; handshakes are used less frequently.
7. What to Avoid: Do not use the services of private drivers who intrusively offer rides at the exits of train stations or the airport — their prices are often inflated. Also, try not to plan trips during "Golden Week" (national holidays), when transport and attractions are overcrowded.
8. Gastronomic Advice: Shantou is the homeland of the famous Chaoshan cuisine. Be sure to try the fresh beef hotpot and springy meat balls. While beef is the primary ingredient, Muslim travellers are advised to look for Halal-certified establishments to ensure dietary requirements are met. In local establishments, it is customary to rinse tableware with hot tea or boiling water before eating — this is a normal hygiene practice that is worth adopting.

By following these simple tips, you can minimise domestic hassles and focus on the main thing — exploring the unique traditions and magnificent cuisine of this hospitable region.