Shantou Xiaogongyuan: A Historical Landmark of Shantou

Shantou Xiaogongyuan (Small Park) serves as the central hub of the old town district in Shantou. It is a significant cultural site and a major tourist attraction in the city. Below are some of the key attractions: #### Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion - **Description**: Located at the heart of the small park, this octagonal pavilion was built in the early 1930s to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Featuring red pillars and a green roof, it blends traditional Chinese architectural styles and stands as one of Shantou's iconic landmarks. - **Highlights**: The surrounding streets radiate like a honeycomb. Standing in the pavilion offers a panoramic view of the park and showcases the unique urban design. #### Nan Sheng Department Store - **Description**: Built in 1932, this seven-story building was once the tallest in Shantou and housed the city's first elevator. - **Highlights**: Combining shopping, dining, accommodation, and entertainment, it reflects Shantou's prosperity as a port city. Its architecture merges Western and Eastern elements, representing modern buildings in Shantou. #### Chao Tian Hao (Theater) - **Description**: Also known as Chao Tian Theater, it is located near Chao Tian Temple and serves as a cultural landmark of the Chaojiang region. - **Highlights**: The theater features intricate carvings on its pillars and beams, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. It hosts Chaojiang opera performances and other folk cultural activities, allowing visitors to experience the charm of Chaojiang culture. #### Shantou Open City Culture Museum - **Description**: Situated near the small park, this museum exhibits the historical changes, economic development, and cultural heritage of Shantou since its opening. - **Highlights**: The museum displays historical artifacts, photographs, and important documents, using multimedia to recreate the city's history and development. It serves as a key window into understanding Shantou's history. #### Old Shantou Post Office - **Description**: Built in 1922, it was one of the first post offices established after the city's opening. - **Highlights**: The building's unique architecture combines European styles with traditional Chaojiang elements. Now a postal museum, it showcases postal history, stamp culture, and the development of postal services. #### Anping Post Office - **Description**: Established in 1897 during the 23rd year of the Guangxu reign, it was the second post office after the city's opening. - **Highlights**: The building retains the style of the Republic of China era. Inside, visitors can explore postal services and historical exhibits, send postcards, and experience traditional postal culture. #### Xiti Park - **Description**: Located west of the small park along Shantou's harbor, this seaside park combines leisure, sightseeing, and cultural history. - **Highlights**: The park displays well-preserved "Qiaopi" documents, showcasing the connection between overseas Chinese and their homeland. It is also a great spot for sunset and sea views, offering relaxation and a sense of the ocean's grandeur. #### Central Red Spy Station (Shantou) - **Description**: Situated near the small park, this station was a key part of the Red Spy network established by the Chinese Communist Party during the revolutionary war. - **Highlights**: The site commemorates the bravery of revolutionary ancestors. Now a cultural and patriotic education site, visitors can learn about China's revolutionary history and experience Red culture. #### Chunxin Charity Association - **Description**: Founded in 1899 during the 25th year of the Guangxu reign, it is a long-standing charitable organization in the Chaojiang region. - **Highlights**: The building combines Western and Eastern architectural styles. Inside, exhibitions showcase the association's charitable work and traditional Chinese medicine culture in the Chaojiang region. **Shantou Xiaogongyuan** is not just a tourist destination but also a cultural memory and shared pride of Shantou residents. Walking through its alleys and streets, visitors can feel the deep historical and cultural roots and the unique charm of Shantou.