Shantou is located in Chaoshan Plain, which was originally a whole area with Jieyang and Chaozhou. Chaoshan has a long history. Before the opening of Shantou, Jieyang and Chaozhou were the centers of Chaoshan Plain, but since the opening of Shantou, the economy has dominated and Shantou has been in the position of a central city.
Knowing the urban history of Shantou, you will know that Shantou is actually a young city with foreign flavor, and you will understand why the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the old city of Shantou are European-style buildings, churches, embassies and various commercial buildings.
Overseas Chinese criticism
The history of Shantou's port opening is a modern struggle history of Chaoshan people. Many overseas tide merchants set out from Shantou Port and crossed the ocean on a unique local red-headed boat, and became business elites after making a living overseas. Overseas tide overseas Chinese miss their hometown very much and want to express their thoughts for their families, so they often write letters and remit money to their relatives, so "overseas Chinese approval" has become the mark of this period of history. In many exhibition venues in Shantou, there are introductions and physical displays of overseas Chinese endorsements. Look carefully at these overseas Chinese endorsements, which are a bit like modern postcards and money orders. Although it is only a few words, it can make people feel loved ones.
The landscape of Xidi Park, Stream of Memories, is printed with various comments from overseas Chinese on bricks.
Qiaozhai
Successful overseas Chinese will go back to their hometown to build houses whenever they have the chance. They will directly bring back exquisite materials such as ceramic tiles, stained glass, decorative ornaments for doors and windows from abroad, and combine the characteristics of Chaoshan traditional buildings to build houses with Chinese and western walls. These exquisite buildings are all built by overseas Chinese, so they are also called overseas Chinese residences. The most famous residence for overseas Chinese, Chen Cifu's former residence in Chenghai District, followed by Xiangyuan, Guiyuan and Yuan Bin in the old city, and many exquisite buildings concentrated in the open area of small parks, are masterpieces of overseas Chinese who repay their hometown with hard-earned money.
Overseas history of China
If you are a person who likes to explore the history of the city and come to Shantou, what is most worth knowing is the opening of Shantou and the history of overseas Chinese in Chaoshan. There are many scenic spots with these historical traces and many interesting historical materials, which are worthy of your in-depth study.
If you are a young man of literature and art, these places, which represent the past of Shantou's port opening, will take you through the era of active commerce and trade in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. You will find many places worth taking pictures here. If you come to Shantou to play, you can find a special place to take photos with cheongsam, national costumes or dresses.
If you are a businessman, or a person who intends to do business, and explore the history of Shantou's port opening and the culture of overseas Chinese, you will certainly benefit a lot, and you are likely to become the next Li Ka-shing and Malaysia.
If you are a photographer, many historical scenes here will stimulate your creativity and make a blockbuster that you are satisfied with.
If you are a writer, the struggle history of many hipsters here and the legendary experiences of many overseas Chinese are worth writing well.
Coastal scenery
Shantou is a city rich in marine resources and a natural harbor. It is precisely because of this special geographical feature that the historical position of a century-old commercial port has been achieved. Its coastal scenery is also unique.
In Shantou Yuan Bin Exhibition Hall, there is a very precious documentary, which was shot by a foreigner at the beginning of Shantou's opening. From this documentary, we can see that 100 years ago, Shantou was a paradise for many foreigners to visit the sea. Sailing competitions, water skiing, yacht parties and other programs were sea activities that many upper-class people loved to play at that time.
Chaoshan food
With the popularity of various food festivals, Shantou cuisine has become the first entrance for foreigners to understand Shantou. After all, there are too many delicious foods, and their attraction is enormous.
Shantou people know a lot about life, and a big part of it is reflected in food. If you come to Shantou, you can visit Shantou's vegetable market and see how Shantou people buy food. You will find that Shantou people really dare to spend money on it. Maybe you think they carry food for a week, but in fact, it may only be one day. It is common to have several dishes and one soup on the dinner table every day, and it is not a treat who can cook many dishes. Shantou people don't eat much, but they are basically full.
Shantou people are more particular about ingredients. In order to be fresh, they don't hesitate to sacrifice their sleep time and get up early to catch the morning market, just to buy fresh goods caught by fishermen early in the morning. In order to buy the best ingredients, they will go to many markets whenever they have time and buy the most famous food in each market. For example, where the spiced beef is the best, where the meat pie is the best, where the hand-torn chicken is the best, and so on, many chefs can count on it.