Overview
Tucked into the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong, Shantou is a lively port city known for its distinctive Chaoshan cuisine, colourful arcade-style old town streets and easy access to the beaches and hills of Nan'ao Island. It's a fascinating alternative to China's bigger-name cities, popular with travellers visiting family in the diaspora as well as those seeking an authentic taste of southern Chinese culture. Flights to Shantou from the UK route via a major hub, so a little planning goes a long way to keeping fares down.
Best time to fly to Shantou
Shantou has a warm, subtropical climate. Fly in spring (March to April) or autumn (October to December) for the most comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Summer (July to September) is hot, sticky and carries a risk of typhoons affecting flight schedules, while winter stays mild. If you're flexible, use the When to book chart above to spot the cheapest months to travel.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Shantou from the UK, so journeys run via a connecting hub. The most reliable options are flying with China Southern Airlines or Cathay Pacific to Guangzhou or Hong Kong, then taking a short domestic or regional connection on to Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA), which serves the wider Shantou area. Gulf carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, connecting via Doha or Dubai, are also worth comparing. All-in journey times from London typically run from around 15 to 19 hours depending on the connection, so check the price charts on this page for the best-value combinations.
Things to do in Shantou
Once you land, Shantou rewards a few days' exploring with a mix of history, seafood and coastline. Highlights include:
- Nan'ao Island: a scenic island reached by bridge, with sandy beaches, wind farms and fresh seafood restaurants.
- Shantou Old Town: wander the arcade-style colonial-era streets around Xiaogongyuan for a glimpse of the city's trading past.
- Zhongshan Park: a peaceful green space popular with locals for tai chi and lakeside strolls.
- Chaozhou ancient city: a worthwhile day trip to see the Guangji Bridge and well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture.
- Chaoshan cuisine: sample beef hotpot, oyster omelettes and congee in a city widely regarded as one of China's best food destinations.
At Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA)
SWA sits around 32km from central Shantou, in neighbouring Jieyang, and also serves Chaozhou. Airport shuttle buses and metered taxis run into Shantou city centre, with the journey typically taking 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps are widely used locally and are often the simplest option on arrival.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Shantou
- Book eight to twelve weeks ahead for the best fares on connecting itineraries — the price charts above show current trends.
- Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) rather than at weekends, when hub connections tend to cost more.
- Stay flexible with dates around your preferred season, as shifting by even a few days can lower the total fare.
- Compare airlines and hub cities, since Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shenzhen routings can vary significantly in price and journey time.
Travel essentials
Most UK passport holders need a visa to enter mainland China, so apply in advance of travel; some routings via Hong Kong may involve different entry rules, so check requirements for your specific itinerary. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) — pounds sterling can be exchanged on arrival or in the city. No special vaccinations are mandatory for entry, though it's sensible to check current NHS travel health advice before you go.
