The Former Residence of Chen Cihong is one of the strongest heritage excursions from Shantou, a large mansion complex built by a wealthy Chaoshan merchant family with overseas connections. The buildings mix Chinese courtyard planning with imported materials, carved decoration, and details that show how migrant money reshaped villages around Shantou.
It lies outside the city centre, so it takes some effort, but the site gives a much clearer sense of Chaoshan culture than another generic urban stroll. Go for the architecture, the wood and stone carving, and the story of how trade, emigration, and family networks fed back into the region.