Slow Living in an Urban Oasis|Shantou Zhongshan Park Travel Photography Guide
🌳 Capture the beautiful essence of Chaoshan people's daily life among green trees and arched bridges
After traversing mountains, seas, and alleys, we chose to slow down in downtown Shantou and step into a century-old park—Zhongshan Park. Neither bustling nor commercial, it holds the gentlest routines of Shantou locals: morning exercises, tai chi, Chaozhou opera singing, feeding pigeons, and sitting on benches watching sunlight dance on the lake. This is a travel photography journey about the flavor of life.
🏞️【Park Introduction】Zhongshan Park
📍Location: Middle section of Minzu Road, Jinping District, Shantou
💡Established: 1928, one of China's earliest memorial parks named "Zhongshan"
Though compact, the park is rich in layers—featuring classical pavilions, Southeast Asian-style tropical plants, and a blend of Chaoshan folk culture. Perfect for slow exploration, photography, and immersion.
🌿【Recommended Photography Spots】
① Front Square of Zhongshan Memorial Hall
The solemn statue of Sun Yat-sen, framed by red bricks, glazed tiles, and greenery, makes an excellent backdrop for commemorative shots.
📸 Tips: Backlit portraits or low-angle shots combining people + statue
② Nine-Turn Bridge + Artificial Lake
With willows and pavilions reflected on the water, the winding bridge is the most popular photo spot. Egrets play on the lake in the morning, and slanting sunlight creates ideal conditions for fresh, minimalist portraits.
📸 Tips: Silhouette shots on the bridge + lake reflections combo
👗 Outfit: White dress/light trench coat + straw hat or linen-toned palette
③ Banyan Square & Chaozhou Opera Corner
This is the "cultural hub" for Shantou's elders—some dance, others sing Chaozhou opera. Capturing these slices of life adds rich documentary appeal.
📸 Tips: Street-style candid shots with a 35mm lens
🐦【Interactive Experiences】
Feed pigeons (flocks are released at the square every morning)
Listen to live Chaozhou opera/drumming (weekend community performances often held)
Macro plant photography + urban forest-themed portraits in the flower zone
🥤【Nearby Eats & Drinks】
📍Lin Department Store Café (10-min walk): Converted Japanese-style building, nostalgic + artsy
📍Minzu Road Dessert Street: Local Chaoshan sweets like tofu pudding, mung bean soup, and sweet potato syrup
📍Deji Rice Noodle Rolls: A hidden gem with long queues, tucked under old residential buildings—authentic flavors!
📅【Visit Tips】
🕘 Best shooting times: 8:30–10:30 AM / 4:00–5:30 PM
📷 Gear: Wide-angle + prime lens for architecture and candid details
☁️ Weather: Sunny days for fresh vibes; overcast days for moody B&W documentary shots
💤【Post-Trip Stay | Yunji Hotel】Chaozhou Yunji CINEMA•ECOLOGICAL DESIGNER• Boutique Hotel (Chao'an HSR Station Branch)
📍Address: No. 26-27 Wenhua Road, Anbu Town, Chao'an District, Chaozhou
🕑 ~40-min drive from Shantou Zhongshan Park—a serene wrap-up to your city itinerary
🏨 Hotel Highlights:
- Close to Chao'an HSR Station, convenient transport
- Nature-inspired decor, great value
- Surrounded by amenities: late-night snacks, convenience stores
- Attentive front desk: taxi booking, luggage storage
✨ Closing Notes:
Zhongshan Park won’t make you gasp “Wow!” but lets you feel the authentic rhythm of slowing down amid its greenery and lakes.
If you seek urban daily-life travel photos, this is the place to wander and pause.
📍Destination: Zhongshan Park · Jinping District, Shantou
🏨 Return Stay: Yunji Hotel, Anbu, Chao'an
“Hearing birdsong, seeing life unfold—this is travel at its truest pace.”