Shantou history

The history of the city of Shantou, located in the southeast of China, is closely interwoven with the sea, trade, and the unique culture of the Chaoshan region. Its journey from a humble settlement to a major port hub reflects key moments in the country's history.

Foundation and First Mentions

Originally, a small fishing village stood on the site of the modern city. In the mid-16th century, this area was known as "Shashan Ping" (沙汕坪), which translates to "sandbanks". The city received its current name later, in the 17th century, when a military post named "Shantou" was established here during the Qing dynasty. In 1717, Fort Shashantou was built to strengthen defences. For a long time, the settlement remained small and did not play a significant role in the region.

Key Factors of Formation

The 19th century became a turning point in Shantou's history. Following the Opium Wars, under the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858, the neighbouring city of Chaozhou was opened to foreign trade. However, due to resistance from local residents, foreign merchants preferred to settle in the safer Shantou, which was closer to the sea. It was officially opened as a trading port in 1860. This event gave a powerful impetus to the city's development. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Hanjiang River on the coast of the South China Sea turned it into a vital maritime gateway for the vast territory of Guangdong Province.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The status of a "treaty port" led to rapid economic growth. Shantou became one of the main centres for the export of goods such as sugar and tea, as well as a key point from which Chinese emigrants departed for Southeast Asian countries. This contributed to the formation of close ties with the Chinese diaspora worldwide. The city is the heart of the distinctive Chaoshan culture, which is distinguished by its own dialect, cuisine, opera, and tea traditions. Shantou officially received city status in 1921, separating from Chenghai County.

The history of Shantou is a journey from a small fishing village to one of the key ports and economic centres in the south of China. Below are the main milestones of this journey.

• 1563 — The first official mention of the settlement, which became part of Chenghai County in the Chaozhou Prefecture.
• 1717 — Fort Shashantou is built to strengthen coastal defences; its shortened name became the name of the city.
• 1860 — Shantou officially opens to foreign trade as a "treaty port" in accordance with the Treaty of Tianjin, jumpstarting its rapid economic growth.
• Late 19th Century — The city becomes one of the main centres of Chinese emigration to Southeast Asian countries, contributing to the formation of a powerful diaspora.
• 1921 — Shantou officially receives city status and is administratively separated from Chenghai County.
• 1922 — A devastating typhoon strikes the city, claiming the lives of more than 5,000 people and causing immense damage.
• 1939 — During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the city was occupied by Japanese troops.
• 1945 — The city is liberated from Japanese occupation following the end of World War II.
• 1981 — Shantou becomes one of the first four Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in China, marking the beginning of a new stage of modernisation and economic openness.
• 1991 — The territory of the Special Economic Zone was expanded to cover the entire city, accelerating its development.
• 1993 — The Shantou Free Trade Zone begins operations, further strengthening its status as an important trading hub.

Major Milestones in Shantou's Development

The history of Shantou is a vivid example of transformation from a small settlement to an important economic centre. Key events in its development have shaped the modern appearance of the city, its economy, and culture.

• Opening of the "Treaty Port" (1860s). This event was a turning point in the city's history. After the Opium Wars, Shantou was opened to international trade, transforming it from a humble fishing village into a bustling commercial hub. This attracted foreign investment, contributed to the emergence of unique colonial architecture in the Old Town, and laid the foundation for future economic growth.
• Centre of Emigration and Chaoshan Culture. Shantou historically served as the main "gateway" for millions of emigrants from the Chaoshan region heading to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. This formed a vast diaspora that still maintains close ties with the homeland, investing in its economy. The city remains the heart of the unique Chaoshan culture with its own dialect, cuisine, and operatic arts.
• Receiving City Status (1930). The official designation of Shantou as an independent administrative unit was a recognition of its increased importance as a major urban and trade centre in Guangdong Province.
• Creation of the Special Economic Zone (1980). The inclusion of Shantou among the first four SEZs in China was the second most important event in its history. This status opened the city to large-scale foreign investment, especially from overseas Chinese, and marked the beginning of an era of rapid industrialisation and modernisation.
• Founding of Shantou University (1981). The creation of the university, largely due to funding from Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, was a landmark event for the development of education and technology in the region. This allowed for the training of highly qualified personnel for the growing SEZ economy.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (1990s – Present). During this period, large-scale projects were implemented, such as the construction of the Queshi Bridge, the expansion of the seaport, and the creation of modern transport networks. This strengthened Shantou's position as an important logistics node in southeast China.
• Formation of Industrial Clusters. Shantou's modern economy is characterised by powerful industrial clusters. The city has become one of the world leaders in the production of toys, as well as a major centre for the plastic, textile, and food industries.

Shantou's architectural appearance represents a unique blend of European colonial styles and traditional Chinese architecture, which is a direct reflection of its history as a major trading port opened to foreigners in the 19th century. The city's development can be divided into several key architectural eras.

The "Treaty Port" Era and Qilou Style (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The most iconic architectural heritage of Shantou is the development of its Old Town, especially in the Small Park (Xiaogongyuan) area. This period is characterised by the mass construction of buildings in the Qilou style, or "arcade houses". This style, adopted from Southeast Asia, features buildings where the upper floors project over the pavement, supported by columns to create covered galleries for pedestrians. Such architecture was ideally adapted to the subtropical climate, offering protection from the scorching sun and torrential rains. The facades of these buildings are richly decorated with elements of Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Art Deco, which harmoniously intertwine with traditional Chinese patterns and bas-reliefs. This clearly demonstrates the cosmopolitan character of the city at that time.

Traditional Chaoshan Architecture

Parallel to European influences, traditional southern Chinese architecture, known as the Chaoshan style, was preserved and developed in the region. It is characterised by the following features:

• Complex Layout: Typical residential complexes, such as "Si Dian Jin" (Four Point Gold), represent symmetrical courtyards surrounded by residential and utility structures.
• Rich Decor: Buildings are adorned with intricate wood and stone carvings, as well as colourful ceramic applications on roofs and walls.
• Curved Roofs: Roofs with raised corners, often in the shape of a "swallow's tail", are a distinctive feature of temples and wealthy homes.

A vivid example of this style, which also combines Western elements, is the Chen Cihong Former Residence, located in the vicinity of Shantou.

Modern Era (1980s to Present)

With Shantou being designated as one of the first Special Economic Zones in 1980, a new stage of urban planning began. This period was marked by rapid urbanisation and the appearance of modern architecture. The urban landscape was supplemented by high-rise residential and office buildings in modernist and postmodernist styles, wide avenues, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Iconic structures of this era include the Queshi Bridge, connecting the two parts of the city across the bay, and the modern campus of Shantou University, which is a model of functional and innovative architecture.

The city of Shantou and the entire Chaoshan region have given the world many outstanding personalities. As one of the main centres of Chinese emigration, the city became a starting point for many future entrepreneurs, politicians, and cultural figures who achieved success around the world while maintaining close ties with their historical homeland.

Key Figures Connected to the City:

• Taksin the Great (鄭昭, Dênchao) — King of Siam (Thailand). Born in 1734. His father was from Chenghai County (now a district of Shantou). Taksin went down in history as an outstanding military commander who liberated Siam from Burmese rule and founded the new Kingdom of Thonburi. He is considered one of Thailand's national heroes.
• Seah Eu Chin — Entrepreneur and Public Figure. Born in 1805 in the Shantou region. In the 19th century, he emigrated to Singapore, where he became one of the most influential leaders of the Chinese community. Seah Eu Chin was a pioneer in the cultivation of pepper and gambier, made a huge contribution to the economy, and laid the foundations for the prosperity of the Chaoshan community in Singapore.
• Li Ka-shing — Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Born in 1928 in Chaozhou, near Shantou. One of the wealthiest people in Asia and founder of the Cheung Kong Group conglomerate. Although his business empire is based in Hong Kong, he has made a colossal contribution to the development of his ancestral home, founding Shantou University in 1981 — the first modern university in the region.
• Ma Huateng — Founder of Tencent. Born in 1971 in the Chaoyang District, which is today part of Shantou. Founder and CEO of the technology giant Tencent, creator of the popular messenger WeChat. Ma Huateng is one of the key figures in the modern internet industry, not only in China but globally.
• Tang Choon Keng — Founder of Tangs Department Stores. Born in Shantou in 1901. At a young age, he moved to Singapore, where he went from a street vendor to the owner of one of the most famous and prestigious department stores on the renowned Orchard Road. His story has become a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit of people from Shantou.
• Sun Shuwei — Olympic Diving Champion. Born in Shantou in 1976. At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, he won the gold medal in the 10-metre platform dive, becoming one of the youngest Olympic champions in China's history and bringing fame to his hometown on the global sports arena.