History of Shantou

Shantou, a coastal city in Guangdong Province, has a rich history that spans over several centuries. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to becoming a major port and cultural hub, Shantou’s past reflects both local and global influences. Here’s a deeper look at the history of Shantou.

Early History: Song and Yuan Dynasties

Shantou’s history can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), when it was a small fishing village under the administration of Tuojiang Du (鮀江都), located in what is now Jieyang County. During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), the village began to gain prominence and was known as Xialing (廈嶺).

  • Key Events:
    • Shantou, initially a small coastal settlement, began to grow during the Yuan Dynasty.
    • The name “Xialing” gradually evolved as Shantou became an important regional settlement.

Becoming a Town and the Name Change (16th Century)

In 1563, Shantou became part of Chenghai County in Chao Prefecture (Chaozhou), which marked its first steps toward becoming an official settlement in the region.

  • 1574: Shantou was referred to as Shashanping (沙汕坪), a name that would later be associated with the area in the 17th century.
  • 17th Century: A cannon platform called Shashantou Cannon (沙汕頭炮臺) was constructed here, leading to the region being called Shantou. The name was a shortened version of Shashanping, which in turn became synonymous with the area.

Shantou has also been known locally as Kialat, a name that reflects the area’s cultural ties with various local dialects.

Colonial Era: Opening to Foreign Trade (19th Century)

In 1860, Shantou opened up to foreign trade following the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin, which was part of a series of unequal treaties with Western powers. The city became a bustling trading port during this period.

  • Key Development:
    • Queshi (礐石), a neighboring area across the Queshi Bridge, became the site for the American and British consulates.
    • The area also became an important site for foreign diplomatic and trade relations.
    • The architecture in Shantou reflects a blend of Western and Chinese styles, particularly in the historic quarter, which still stands today as a testament to its colonial past.

The Devastating Swatow Typhoon (1922)

The year 1922 was marked by a major natural disaster—the Swatow Typhoon—which devastated Shantou. The typhoon claimed the lives of around 60,000 people, with estimates suggesting the toll could have been higher than 100,000.

  • Impact:
    • 5,000 people in Shantou itself perished, with many nearby villages destroyed.
    • Ships were wrecked, and some were blown inland as far as two miles.
    • The typhoon’s catastrophic impact severely affected the local population, infrastructure, and economy.

20th Century: Modernization and Wartime Struggles

Economic Growth in the 1930s

By the 1930s, Shantou had established itself as a major transport hub and a merchandise distribution center for Southeast China. The port’s cargo throughput ranked third in China during this period.

  • Global Recognition:
    • Max Relton, an English accountant, described his visit to Shantou in the book A Man in the East: A Journey through French Indo-China (1939), highlighting the city’s economic vitality during this era.

Japanese Occupation (1939–1945)

In 1939, Shantou was occupied by Japanese forces during their invasion of China in the lead-up to World War II.

  • Occupation Period:
    • Shantou remained under Japanese control until 15 August 1945, when Japan surrendered at the end of World War II.

Communist Capture (1949)

On 24 October 1949, Shantou was captured by the People’s Liberation Army of the Chinese Communist Party, just 23 days after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Recent History: Economic Reforms and Growth

Shantou as a Special Economic Zone

In the 1980s, as part of China’s broader economic reforms, Shantou became a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This allowed for foreign investments and the development of the city’s infrastructure, which spurred rapid economic growth.

  • Governance Changes:
    • Shantou briefly governed Chaozhou and Jieyang cities from 1983 to 1989, further cementing its importance in Guangdong province.

From its early days as a small fishing village to its rise as an important port and trading hub, Shantou’s history is one of resilience and adaptation. Despite the challenges posed by natural disasters and foreign invasions, Shantou has managed to evolve into a vibrant and modern city, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, historical architecture, and economic dynamism. Today, it remains a testament to China’s complex and multifaceted history.