Back from suffering in Shantou, really don't recommend visiting in August because it's just...

Shantou is a coastal city in Guangdong Province and one of the core areas of Chaoshan culture, famous for its cuisine, island scenery, and historical heritage. Here's a practical Shantou travel guide covering food, attractions, accommodation, and transportation:

I. Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Nan'ao Island:
- Highlights: One of Guangdong's most beautiful islands featuring Qing'ao Bay Beach, Tropic of Cancer Monument (Nature's Gate), Changshanwei Lighthouse, and scenic island road trips.
- Tips: Allocate 1-2 days, rent an e-bike or drive around the island, use sun protection in summer.
- Transport: Take bus 161 or taxi from downtown Shantou via Nan'ao Bridge (~1 hour).

2. Xiaogongyuan Historic District:
- Landmark of old Shantou with arcade architecture (Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion, Department Store) and Republican-era streets, perfect for photography.
- Nearby eats: Laomagong Zongzi, Aixi Dry Noodles, Zhenping Kway Chap.

3. Queshi Scenic Area:
- 4A-grade mountain-sea landscape with cable cars offering panoramic views. Piaoran Pavilion is recommended.

4. Shantou Museum:
- Learn about Chaoshan history and overseas Chinese culture. Free entry (reservation required).

5. Chen Cihong's Former Residence (Chenghai District):
- "Lingnan's No.1 Overseas Chinese Mansion" with Sino-Western architecture, ideal for photographers.

II. Chaoshan Food Map:
Shantou is China's "culinary island" - must-tries:
- **Beef Hotpot**: Xinghua Wuji Beef (popular spot, visit off-peak), Bahlilai Haiji.
- **Kway Teow Soup/Dry Kway Teow**: Lao Hu Beef Kway, Dashu Rice Rolls (late-night).
- **Raw Marinated Seafood**: Changping Feijie, Jin'ershun (pair with congee, caution for sensitive stomachs).
- **Snacks**:
- Oyster Omelet (Xitianxiang), Sticky Rice Sausage, Horseshoe Crab Kway.
- Desserts: Square Old School Sweet Soup (try tofu pudding and yamuniang).
- **Night Congee Stalls**: Fuyuan Dining (luxury cold dishes, pricier but extensive selection).

**Tips**: Most old eateries cluster in Jinping District (e.g., Longyan South Road, Zhujiang Road). Share dishes to sample more varieties.

III. Accommodation:
- **Downtown Convenience**: Near MixC Mall/Xiaogongyuan area (e.g., Haotai Light Hotel, B&Bs).
- **Nan'ao Island**: Seaview B&Bs at Qing'ao Bay (recommend "Li Tianju") or Houzhai Town (better amenities).

IV. Transportation:
- **External**:
- Flight: Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (~40min taxi to downtown).
- Train: Shantou Station (downtown) or Chaoshan Station (transfer via bus/taxi).
- **Local**: Buses (WeChat "Transit Code"), shared e-bikes, taxis (low base fare).

V. Itinerary Suggestions:
- **2D1N**:
- Day1: Xiaogongyuan → Shantou Museum → Xidi Park sunset → Longyan South Road supper.
- Day2: Nan'ao Island day trip (or Queshi + Chen Residence).
- **3D2N**: Add overnight at Nan'ao or combine with Chaozhou/Jieyang (three Chaoshan cities are close).

VI. Notes:
1. Some eateries only accept cash - carry small bills.
2. Book Nan'ao accommodation early during peak season (May-Oct), expect holiday traffic.
3. Summer is humid - pack sun protection and mosquito repellent; mild winters suit snowbirds.

Shantou rewards slow travel - sightsee by day, feast at night, soaking in local life. Extend your trip to Chaozhou (Guangji Bridge, Paifang Street) for a complete Chaoshan cultural experience!