After watching “A Letter to My Grandmother,” you might as well take a trip to Shanwei.

Published on:

2026-05-08 10:18

Shanwei, a small city once described in the Book of Songs as “Southward lie fine fish, steaming and shimmering,” bears in its name an enduring bond with the sea. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, early settlers gathered at the southern tip of a sandbar formed by tidal currents; the words “line” and “sand,” when pronounced phonetically, sound like “shan,” giving rise to the name Shanwei. Here, the azure coastline exudes a clear, romantic charm, while the red threads of history lend a weighty, profound depth, and the timeless elegance of its cultural heritage imparts a gentle, lingering warmth. Each story etched into the passage of time makes every stroll through this place a journey rich with meaning and memory.

Time leaves its mark—those commemorative historical tales hidden in Shanwei.

The story of Shanwei is marked by the fiery spirit and heroic struggles of revolutionary pioneers, the steadfast resilience of overseas Chinese descendants, and the enduring cultural legacy of millennia‑old ancestors—each chapter worthy of careful reflection, making it the most treasured memento of any journey.

What is most moving is the red memory embodied by the Haifeng Red Palace and Red Square— This is the birthplace of China’s first county-level Soviet regime, a red land nurtured with the passionate blood of Peng Pai, the “King of the Peasant Movement.” Comrade Mao Zedong once hailed Peng Pai as the “King of the Peasant Movement,” and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China also issued a declaration, offering high praise for Peng Pai’s life: “The history of his courageous revolutionary struggle has long been etched in the hearts of the broad masses of working people across the country, making him the leader most cherished by the people.”

On December 1, 1927, the people of Haifeng celebrated the establishment of the Soviet in Red Square.

The Red Palace was originally the Haifeng Confucian Academy during the Ming Dynasty. In November 1927, the Haifeng–Lufeng Workers’, Peasants’, and Soldiers’ Soviet Congress convened here; the walls surrounding the venue and the street façades were painted red, and red cloth covered the surfaces, giving rise to the name “Red Palace.” To the east lies the Red Square, which once served as the “Eastern Granary” in the Qing era. Peng Pai came from a wealthy family but renounced a life of privilege; upon returning from his studies abroad, he devoted himself to the peasant movement, dedicating his life to his ideals. At the center of the Red Square stands a bronze statue of Peng Pai, with hands on hips and gaze fixed into the distance, as if still guarding the land he so deeply loved. Here, every red wall and every stone stele bears witness to the heroic years when Haifeng’s farmers fought side by side. This enduring red legacy is Shanwei’s most precious spiritual foundation.

Haifeng Red Square (Source: Haifeng County Local Records Office)

In the Shanwei Overseas Chinese Administration Zone, the touching tale of the “27 Hoes” endures, embodying the deep sense of patriotism and indomitable spirit of the children of returned overseas Chinese. In November 1952, 27 repatriated overseas Chinese from Malaysia and Thailand arrived in Shipai Village, Lufeng County—then a desolate wasteland—with 27 hoes in hand. They erected makeshift shelters, dug wells, and toiled under extremely harsh conditions to reclaim and cultivate the land, transforming barren fields into their home. These 27 pioneers came to be known as the “27 Pioneer Oxen.” Over the decades that followed, the Shanwei Overseas Chinese Administration Zone welcomed nearly 20,000 repatriated overseas Chinese from 13 countries and regions, including Indonesia and Malaysia, becoming one of the nation’s earliest resettlement bases for this community. Today, the zone has been completely revitalized: orchards stretch across the landscape, and industries thrive. The descendants of those early returnees carry forward the resilience of their forebears, forging new chapters of life through hard work. This story stands as a vivid testament to the vibrant fusion of Shanwei’s diverse cultures, bearing witness to the enduring bonds of homeland and family that transcend mountains and seas, and to the warmth of human connection.

Tracing back even further, Jiesheng Town along the Red Bay boasts evidence of a civilization dating back more than 6,000 years—the discovery of the Shakeng Cultural Site. This site confirms that as early as the Neolithic period, ancient peoples had already thrived on these lands. Moreover, the Shakeng Culture here is directly linked to the Yangshao Culture of the Yellow River Basin, bearing witness to the fusion and transmission of primordial civilizations and lending this small coastal town a profound historical depth.

The flavors of fireworks linger, a tender warmth of Shanwei tucked between your taste buds.

As in “A Letter to My Grandmother,” it’s the quiet, everyday moments that touch the heart most deeply; and the gentle charm of Shanwei is hidden in every bite of its authentic local cuisine. This small city, known as the “Seafood Capital of China,” lives off the sea, offering fresh seafood with every meal, through all four seasons. Each dish carries the wisdom and warmth of local life, imbued with a comforting, grandmotherly flavor that soothes both the palate and the soul.

When it comes to Shantou’s culinary delights, Chenzhou oysters take center stage. Hailing from Chenzhou Village, which boasts a more than 300-year tradition of oyster farming, this locale is known as the “Oyster Capital of China.” Its unique environment—where brackish and freshwater meet—gives Chenzhou oysters a lusciously tender, sweet, and succulent texture, with a delightfully crisp yet ungritty finish, earning them the nickname “milk of the sea.”

The purple sea urchin of Honghai Bay is another “golden hallmark” of Shanwei’s seafood. Each preparation unlocks the sea urchin’s ultimate umami; with one bite, you’re enveloped in the ocean’s sweet, briny richness—a truly unique culinary feast found only in Shanwei.

Fishing boats at the seaside of Windmill Island, Honghai Bay, Shanwei. (Source) ： China National Geographic Books )

Beyond the seafood, Shanwei’s humble street snacks hold the most authentic warmth and flavor of everyday life. Erma Road, a time-honored food street in Shanwei, is lined with verandas and filled with the lingering aroma of cooking, offering an array of traditional delicacies—a true paradise for food lovers. A savory‑sweet pancake wrapped around crushed peanuts, dried radish, and shreds of lean pork delivers a delightful contrast of crispiness and softness in every bite. And though “cai cha” isn’t tea at all, it brings together spinach, dried shrimp, dried squid, and more, drizzled with piping‑hot chicken broth and sprinkled with fried rice and peanuts—crisp, tender, and richly fragrant, a taste of home etched into the very soul of the people of Shanwei.

There’s also the Fair‑Trade beef patty—springy, firm, and refreshingly savory, with juices bursting with every bite. Haifeng millet dumplings boast a tender, slightly sticky outer skin and a fragrant, flavorful filling; paired with a specially crafted sauce, they’re pure heaven in one mouthful. Jiǔmáo paste offers a light, refreshing finish that cuts through richness—a comforting dessert perfect for summer. And then there’s dingliu kueh and preserved radish omelet—each humble, home‑style snack carries the warm, heartfelt spirit of Shanwei, evoking the taste of grandma’s loving hands: cozy, comforting, and utterly soul‑warming.

Where mountains and sea embrace,邂逅 the local charm and gentle warmth of Shanwei.

After watching “A Letter to My Grandmother,” a trip to Shanwei will not only let you appreciate the weight of history and savor the fresh, sweet flavors of its cuisine, but also introduce you to breathtaking landscapes where mountains meet the sea, and allow you to truly experience the local customs and way of life.

As the largest coastal lagoon on mainland China, Pinqing Lake is affectionately known as Shanwei’s “Mother Lake.” Its brackish‑freshwater ecosystem nurtures a rich tapestry of natural landscapes. The scenic lakeside greenway offers sweeping vistas, with shimmering waters and flocks of gulls soaring overhead. The interplay of the lake’s reflections and the city’s skyline creates a picturesque scene, while strolling along its banks, a gentle evening breeze leaves one feeling utterly at ease. Meanwhile, the Chalang Peninsula in Honghai Bay proudly bears the title of “China’s Premier Wave‑Watching Bay.”

Fengshan Ancestral Temple was first built during the Ming Dynasty. Its intricate inlaid porcelain and woodcarving techniques perfectly capture the timeless charm of Lingnan architecture. At the mountaintop stands a solemn 16.83-meter-tall stone statue of Mazu; from its summit, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city and the vast expanse where lakes meet the sea. Here, visitors can both pray for blessings and savor the harmonious blend of Shanwei’s maritime heritage and local folk culture. Windmill Island is encircled by the sea on three sides, with white windmills turning gracefully in the breeze. Along the coastal road, the “two‑tone sea” offers a stunning visual spectacle. Stroll along the sandy shores, watch the windmills spin, and listen to the sea breeze—every snapshot feels like a soothing, picturesque scene, making this a natural haven far from the hustle and bustle.

The people here possess a simplicity and warmth as vast as the sea. The joyful songs of fishermen returning from their voyages, the warm greetings of street‑side vendors, and the tender stories shared by elderly overseas Chinese all lend this small town an extraordinary sense of warmth. Like the heartfelt concern in “A Love Letter to My Grandmother,” every cherished moment in Shanwei is worth treasuring, savoring, and holding close.

Let’s make a rendezvous with Shanwei. Here, you’ll see mountains and sea embracing one another, hear history whisper its tales, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and experience the purest essence of this land and its people—allowing every moment to be filled with warmth and meaning. May Shanwei’s sea breeze and heartfelt hospitality become the most cherished memories in your heart.

Shanwei residents, please proactively introduce yourself as being from Shanwei!

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