Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Shantou. Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 120 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into Shantou, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for China vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Shantou is roughly 120 minutes from SWA via Airport Shuttle Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CNY. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Exploring Shantou on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Shantou:
Start with Shantou Old Town (Small Park). The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything. Then, if time allows, make your way to Shantou Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SWA, you can spend time at Chaoshan Airport First Class Lounge or try Airport Retail & Souvenir Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Laoma Gongzong Hotpot (èå¦å®«ç²½ç) and Ju Yuan Restaurant (èåé家) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Shantou.
- At the airport: Chaoshan Flavors Restaurant (Airport) and Airport Cafe & Bakery will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
The Best Way Into Shantou from SWA
From SWA, the Airport Shuttle Bus gets you to Shantou in around 120 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 140 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airport Shuttle Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Shantou:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $7 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $22 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Shantou, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at SWA aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Shantou itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and SWA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Shantou and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Sleep & Lounge Options at SWA
Long overnight layover? Your options at SWA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in China also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Shantou genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.