SHANTOU, China — Shantou, established as one of China's original special economic zones in the 1980s, now faces sluggish economic growth and widespread corruption, a sharp departure from its early role as a center of China's economic reforms.
Unlike peer zones such as Shenzhen, Xiamen and Zhuhai, Shantou failed to achieve comparable prosperity. The city remains the economic center for eastern Guangdong and is home to Shantou University, which participates in the provincial Project 211 program.
According to the 2020 census, Shantou had a population of 5.5 million, up from 5.4 million in 2010, across an administrative area of 2,248 square kilometers. Its built-up metropolitan area, including adjoining districts and cities, encompasses roughly 12.5 million people, making it mainland China's fifth-largest urban agglomeration.
Shantou holds historical significance as a treaty port opened to Western trade in 1860 following the Treaty of Tientsin. The Queshi district, historically home to American and British consulates, now functions as a scenic park preserving structures from that era.
The city originated as a fishing village during the Song dynasty and took its present name in the 17th century after a cannon platform, the Shashantou Cannon, was erected there. It became an official city in 1919.
In 1922, the Swatow Typhoon devastated Shantou, killing approximately 5,000 of its 65,000 residents and destroying several nearby villages. An estimated 50,000 additional casualties occurred in surrounding areas.
By the 1930s, Shantou Port ranked third nationally in cargo throughput and served as a vital distribution hub for Southeast China. Japanese forces invaded the city on June 21, 1939.
