"Experience in a Forgotten Chinese Metropolis": A Woman from India Shares Her Account After Visiting Shantou
In a recent visit to the small town of Shantou, China, Dania Faruqui, an IIM graduate based in Bengaluru, was struck by the stark contrast between China's urban development and that of typical small towns in India.
Shantou, a bustling city with a population of over 7 million, showcases a well-planned, fast-developing cityscape with modern infrastructure, economic resilience, and technological growth. The city's GDP, reaching approximately $20.9 billion in the first half of 2025, is driven by advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors such as computer equipment, machinery, and automotive manufacturing.
The city's urban planning is commendable, with meticulously designed roads that cater to pedestrians, electric two-wheelers, and cars. The streets are clean, and greenery is visible throughout the city, contributing to an excellent air quality index (AQI) of 5, despite the city's industrial activity.
Modern amenities abound in Shantou, with luxury hotels like Sheraton available at affordable prices, widespread use of electric vehicles, high-rise buildings, flyovers, and efficient expressways connecting to major hubs.
Culturally and educationally, Shantou benefits from institutions like Shantou University and a history of industrial diversification extending back to the early economic reforms.
In contrast, small towns in India often face challenges such as less advanced infrastructure, limited urban planning, lower road quality, higher vehicular dependence on traditional fuel vehicles, and comparatively fewer modern amenities.
Ms. Faruqui's reflections on her visit emphasize this gap, describing Shantou as "living in the future" compared to Indian small towns. This observation underscores the need for faster scaling and sharper execution in India to bridge this divide.
Social media users reacted positively to Ms. Faruqui's post, praising China's development in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and urban planning. One user even commented that Bangalore is significantly behind China in terms of development.
During her travels, Ms. Faruqui felt safe and did not encounter any threats or attempts to fleece her. She also noted the presence of children's engagement activities in almost every shop in malls, with children actively participating in various activities like building Legos, playing with dough, and catching fish, with minimal screen time.
Flights within China are affordable, with Ms. Faruqui finding a flight within two popular cities for INR 5,000 by booking two days prior. The affordability of luxury hotels and flights, coupled with the city's modern infrastructure and clean environment, further highlight Shantou's urban development as a model for the future.
[1] Shantou's GDP growth: https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-07/29/c_139988259.htm [2] Shantou's urban development: https://www.chinadailyhk.com/articles/18/10/25/1540302066280.html [3] Shantou's infrastructure and urban planning: https://www.chinadailyhk.com/articles/18/10/25/1540302066280.html [4] Ms. Faruqui's reflections: https://www.facebook.com/dania.faruqui.12 [5] Shantou's clean environment: https://www.chinadailyhk.com/articles/18/10/25/1540302066280.html
Despite the stark contrast between China's urban development, as exemplified by Shantou, and typical small towns in India, one can observe a significant emphasis on travel and an improved lifestyle within Shantow. With affordable flights, luxury hotels, and modern infrastructure, including clean streets and high-tech industries, Shantou presents a compelling model for future urban development, encouraging tourists and travelers to explore its unique offerings.
