Chaoshan Railway Station is a key transport hub serving the dynamic Chaoshan region, which includes the cities of Shantou, Chaozhou, and Jieyang. The station plays a crucial role in high-speed rail connectivity, linking this part of Guangdong Province with the metropolises of Shenzhen and Xiamen. The station building features modern architecture and high capacity, ensuring comfort for thousands of travellers daily.
It is important for passengers to note that the station has North and South squares, so it is advisable to check beforehand which side is more convenient for accessing your train or bus. The station primarily serves high-speed trains of categories D and G. Navigation within the building is duplicated in English, making orientation easier for international tourists.
Contact Information
Official website: www.12306.cn (unified portal for China Railways)
Helpline: +86 12306 (hotline, knowledge of Chinese or English may be required)
Address: Shaxi Town, Chao'an District, Chaoshan Region, Guangdong Province, China
Opening hours: Daily from 06:00 to 23:30 (depends on the schedule of the first and last train)
Luggage storage: Available in the waiting hall; the cost depends on the size of the luggage
Accessibility: The station is equipped with lifts, ramps, and specialised restrooms for People of Determination (passengers with reduced mobility)
How to Get There
You can reach Chaoshan Railway Station from the centre of Shantou in several ways, as the station is located at some distance from the city limits.
The most popular option is the special express buses (Chaoshan Station Express lines). Routes run from various districts of the city (West, East, and Central). The travel time is between 40 and 60 minutes depending on traffic and the departure point. The fare is very reasonable.
For those who value comfort, taxis are available. A trip from the centre of Shantou will take approximately 30–45 minutes. It is recommended to use official services or taxi-hailing apps to avoid inflated fares. Walking from the city centre is not feasible due to the significant distance.
Services and Facilities
The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait before your journey. The main building houses spacious waiting halls with ample seating. For purchasing and exchanging tickets, there are both automatic terminals (most accept only Chinese IDs) and traditional counters, where international visitors are served using their passports.
Available throughout the station are:
Free dispensers with hot boiled water (traditional for China, convenient for making tea or noodles).
Restrooms, including Western-style cubicles.
Small shops and newsstands.
Charging zones for mobile devices (may be busy during peak hours).
For business class passengers, there is a separate VIP lounge with more comfortable conditions.
Where to Eat
It is difficult to go hungry at Chaoshan Station. Inside the building and in the station squares, there are dining outlets to suit every taste. For a quick bite, international fast-food chains such as KFC or McDonald's are excellent options, as well as local Chinese chains (for example, Kungfu), offering rice dishes with meat and soups.
If time is short, you can use convenience stores (FamilyMart or similar), which sell sandwiches, beverages, and snacks. The average bill for a substantial meal will be around 30–50 RMB. Most outlets operate from early morning until late evening, but 24-hour cafes may not be available.
Station History
The history of Chaoshan Railway Station is inextricably linked with the development of high-speed rail connectivity in Guangdong Province. The station was opened at the end of 2013 as part of the strategically important Xiamen — Shenzhen line. Its launch became a catalyst for the economic growth of the region, significantly reducing travel time to key financial centres.
Over the years, the station has undergone several stages of modernisation aimed at increasing capacity. The station squares have been expanded, and transport accessibility from the cities of Shantou and Chaozhou has been improved. Today, it is one of the busiest transport hubs in the eastern part of Guangdong.
Passenger Tips
When planning a trip via Chaoshan Station, please consider the strict security measures. It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 1–1.5 hours before the train departs to clear luggage screening and passport control without haste.
Important advice:
Tickets: International tourists must carry their original passport. China now operates an electronic ticket system, so a paper ticket is often not required — entry is granted via your travel document.
Luggage: It is prohibited to carry flammable items, knives, and large containers of liquids.
Boarding: Access to the platform (Check-in) closes 5 minutes before the train departs. Please pay attention to announcements on the display boards.
If you have an overnight transfer, please bear in mind that the station building closes at night, and staying inside is not permitted.
