Name: Chaozhou

Chinese name: 汕头市

Province: Guangdong

Status: Prefectural City

Population: 2,669,844 inhabitants

Area: 3,110 km²

Chaozhou is an ancient merchant city in southern Guangdong, located 60 kilometers north of Shantou in the Han River delta. Surrounded by rolling hills, Chaozhou possesses undeniable charm and is well worth dedicating a full day to exploring.

History

Chaozhou is a historic and cultural city founded during the Eastern Jing dynasty (317–420), when they established the Haiyang district.

Before the founding of the People's Republic of Chine, the county served as a major political, economic, and cultural center in eastern Guangdong.

The Haiyang district was renamed Chaoan district in 1914 to avoid confusion with the Haiyang county in Shandong province.

In 1953, after the provincial government seat had been relocated to the county, part of Chaoan district was elevated to city status and subsequently renamed Chaozhou.

In 1955, the Guangdong provincial seat moved to Shantou. In 1989, Chaozhou became a provincial city with vice-prefectural status. Just two years later, its status was upgraded to that of a prefectural city.

Today

Chaozhou is an ancient merchant city that has successfully preserved its historic character. More appealing than Shantou, the city reveals historical and cultural treasures that its neighboring city lacks.

The old town, bordering the river, features several fortifications including the seven-story Phoenix Pagoda and the impressive Guangji Gate. Its narrow streets ingeniously blend colonial architecture with traditional Chinese design, adding character to any visit. As you wander through the streets, you can pause at the former Confucian academy, now transformed into a museum.

The Kaiyuan Temple, built during the Tang dynasty, is the region's oldest temple. This religious site remains actively used and draws many pilgrims. It is not uncommon to encounter the monks living there, busy maintaining the grounds.

Not far from the Guangji Bridge stands the Hanwen Temple, another must-see during a visit to Chaozhou. Built during the Song dynasty in tribute to poet Han Yu, the temple features various pavilions, including the Yun Yuan pavilion, which offers clear views over the ancient merchant city.

For a peaceful stroll, the West Lake Park surrounding the lake of the same name is most pleasant.

Surrounded by mountainous terrain, hills, terraces, and plains, Chaozhou is nestled in a landscape conducive to escape and exploration.

Climate

Close to the coast, Chaozhou has a humid subtropical monsoon climate. The average annual temperature hovers around 21°C.

The rainy season typically arrives in April and continues through June with heavy storms.

The best time to visit Chaozhou is during spring and autumn.

Train

Daily trains connect Chaozhou to Canton.

Bus

Minibuses shuttle between Chaozhou and Shantou.

Long-distance buses connect the city from Canton, Shenzhen, and Xiamen.

Chaozhou can easily be explored on foot given the short distances between each point of interest.

Taxis are available throughout the city.

What to Do in Chaozhou?

• Wander through the narrow streets of the old town's fortified walls.
• Visit the Kaiyuan Temple, the region's oldest temple.
• Cross the Guangji Bridge to reach the Hanwen Temple.
• Take a peaceful stroll through West Lake Park.