Shantou Xiaogongyuan Historic District

小公园

A radial arcade district centered on the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, capturing the look of Shantou’s “hundred-year trading port” in the 1930s. It houses the Port Opening Culture Exhibition Hall and a concentration of time-honored snack shops.

Xiaogongyuan lies in the old urban district of Jinping District, Shantou. It grew into a commercial center after Shantou opened as a treaty port in 1860. Centered on the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, built in 1934, streets such as Anping Road, Shengping Road and Guoping Road radiate outward. Lining them are arcade buildings in the Southeast Asian style, making it one of the best-preserved radial arcade districts of modern China. After restoration, it has become Shantou’s most representative historic district. Highlights include the Shantou Port Opening Culture Exhibition Hall (free, introducing the port’s history), Nansheng Department Store (built in 1932, Shantou’s first department store), the Qiaopi Museum (overseas Chinese remittances and letters home), and nearby Laomagong and Laomagong Opera Stage. The district is home to many Shantou snack institutions: Laomagong zongqiu (rice dumplings), Ai Xigan noodles, Fuhecheng beef balls, and the shukeguo and fried cake-kueh at Piaoxiang snack shop.

The district is free to visit. At night, the arcades light up, and the area around the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion is a popular photo spot.

Getting there: From Shantou Station, a taxi takes about 20 minutes, and several bus lines serve Xiaogongyuan. Within the old town, walking is the best option. It is best to come in the evening to stroll the district, eat snacks and enjoy the night views, then head to the seaside promenade.

Tips: Some arcade buildings are still under restoration. Snack shops stay open late, though some close on Mondays. Crowds are large on holidays.

Shantou Xiaogongyuan Historic District

Opening hours

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Places to eat nearby