'''Shantou''', also known as Swatow (__?; ''Shantou''), is a coastal city and Special Economic Zone in Guangdong Province, China.
Understand
The city came to prominence during the 19th-century when it was established as one of the treaty ports for trading with the West, and in the 1980s it was also designated as one of the original Special Economic Zones of the People's Republic of China. Shantou has a population of around 1,500,000.
Overseas visitors are not common in the rural areas around Shantou, and those of non Chinese ethnicity will definitely be an attraction to residents. Those unaccustomed to this may feel intimidated. However, this is a very friendly type of attention, and unless you really dislike interaction with people you don't know, this will almost certainly be a highlight of your trip. Do not be surprised if people want their picture taken with you, or if they yell to friends and family to come look at you as well. Any sort of communication you attempt to make, especially in the local Teo-Chew dialect, will almost always be happily received.
Get in
By plane
The airport which serves Shantou is '''Shantou Waisha Airport''', which has domestic connections with most of the major Chinese cities. It also serves international flights to Hong Kong and Bangkok.
By train
By Bus or Auto
Zhuhai (8 hours, 160 RMB), Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Xiamen (4 hours, 100 RMB). There is fairly new highway that is on par with U.S or European expressways running between Shenzhen and Shantou (and beyond). However, food and gas stops are limited so make sure your gas tank is full if you opt to pass a fueling station. Note that restrooms are far below Western standards as well, particularly if you are female.
Some Hong Kong residents prefer to drive these highways in groups of 3-4 cars, as robberies sometimes take place along the road .
Get around
See
'''Buddhist Pagoda Mountain''' in Chenhai
'''Cultural Revolution Museum''' A surprisingly candid and straightforward representation of events.
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
The hotel directly opposite the bus station is of acceptable standard. Rooms are clean and have TV, air conditioning and bathtub. 158 RMB per night.
Mid range
Splurge
Garden Hotel. en Guan Road Cheng Hai. 754-5868888. The hotel is rated four stars, but is not on par with the same rank hotels in the West.
Contact
The area dialing code for Shantou is 0754. When calling from overseas, dial +86 754 XXXX-XXXX
Get out