Dahao Ancient Town

Temples and a lake on a cemetery hill. The site combines religious structures, historical grave areas, and landscaped footpaths that follow the natural slope of the hill. Visitors often walk along the terraces to view the traditional architectural features of the temples, the stone inscriptions, and the surrounding forested areas. The lake sits at a lower platform and is bordered by simple walkways and rest spots, forming a quiet environment compared with the more elevated temple courtyards. The area is generally used for worship, casual walking, and observing local cultural practices related to ancestral memorial activities. Facilities are basic, and access paths may require moderate walking, especially on uneven steps.

A large hilly park on the south bank of the Rong River, just opposite the city centre.

A fort by the sea, with replica cannons. You may be able to smell some interesting strains of mold inside, admire the moat and bridges, or go rollerskating in the middle of the fort (with Chinese techno music of course).

Longyan South Road is an urban street known for its high concentration of food vendors and small restaurants. Most eateries and night-time stalls operate in the evening, forming one of the commonly visited night-dining zones in the district. The street hosts a mix of traditional snacks and more contemporary casual food options, reflecting a diverse local food scene. Hygiene is poor on the street, where litter and vermin as ubiquitous as the food stalls.

Shantou small park is a key historic cultural district in the old urban area, featuring early commercial streets and arcade-style buildings. The district centers on Shengping road and Anping road, forming a fan-shaped layout with many preserved early twentieth-century arcades and commercial structures. It combines traditional Chaoshan commercial culture with modern dining businesses and is a representative area for experiencing the city’s historic streetscape.

Most of the lovely historic buildings are so dilapidated that it seems like a European city that has been bombed, although the city has invested to keep the ground floor operating. They are slowly being torn down and replaced with ugly modern buildings, so see it while you can! The one section that is marked for preservation is the part that is next to the renovated post office and the Shantou Founding Museum (see below).