Shantou

Shantou, also known as Swatow in older Western texts, is a prefecture-level city in eastern Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China. It lies on the coast of the South China Sea and forms part of the Chaoshan region, which also includes the cities of Chaozhou and Jieyang. The city has long been a commercial port and regional trading center.

Historically a fishing port and market town, Shantou developed as a treaty port in the 19th century, attracting foreign merchants and missionaries. It became one of the early focal points for overseas Chinese migration, particularly to Southeast Asia, and played a role in regional commerce and cultural exchange.

Geographically, Shantou sits on coastal plains and nearby hills, with a humid subtropical monsoon climate. As a prefecture-level city, it administers urban districts and surrounding counties within its jurisdiction.

Shantou’s economy is diversified, with traditional strengths in textiles and clothing, toys, plastics, and food processing. The city is also a hub for seafood industries and port logistics, with economic activity centered on the coast and river estuaries.

Shantou is part of the Chaoshan cultural sphere, where the Teochew dialect is widely spoken and Teochew cuisine is prominent. The region has a strong diaspora network in Southeast Asia and is known for cultural forms such as Teochew opera.

Transport links include Shantou Chaoshan International Airport, serving air traffic to domestic and international destinations. The city has sea and highway connections to other parts of Guangdong and southern China.