As dawn breaks, the waters of Shantou's Inner Bay shimmer with golden light. Heading south along Taixing Road, a stretch of beach approximately 1.3 kilometers long glitters in the sunlight—this area, commonly known as "Yaliaowan," is a coastal sanctuary shaped by time and tides. Geographically and culturally, it stands as a unique testament to land reclamation memories, traditional fishing and farming lifestyles, and the city's march toward modernization. This valuable land, bridging the main urban area and the new East Coast City, is poised to transform into the "urban living room" of Shantou's Inner Bay, becoming a new home where residents can share access to blue seas and silver sands, and embrace coastal romance. Yaliaowan is undergoing ecological enhancement and landscape upgrades, attracting many citizens to visit.

Geographical Code: A Scarce Gift of the Inner Bay The formation of Yaliaowan is rich with interwoven natural and human influences. Over thirty years ago, following the completion of the Shantou Sea Wall, this naturally formed coastal beach landscape gradually emerged through the scouring and accumulation of waves and currents, becoming a rare area within the Inner Bay with a developed sandy beach morphology. Its total shoreline length is about 1.3 kilometers. The central section, measuring 215.45 meters, was designated as an ecological restoration shoreline approved by the provincial government in 2022, flanked by artificial shorelines. The western beach section is not well-developed, while the eastern side features a straight rubble revetment structure. The geological conditions here hold secrets—proximity to the north channel of Shantou Port means steep underwater slopes and thick layers of silt. Looking north, a 58,000-square-meter state-owned plot south of Taixing Road has been zoned for a mixed-use area comprising parkland, urban roads, protective greenbelts, and hydraulic engineering facilities. Its privileged location makes this land both a natural gift and a potential space for urban development.

The "previous life" of this land is closely linked to "Shengli Wei." In the Chaoshan coastal area, "Wei" is a typical symbol of land reclamation, from which the Shengli community derives its name. This beach area skipped the traditional agricultural village stage, leapfrogging directly from coastal mudflats and reclamation zones to a modern urban community, witnessing the rapid pace of the city's development. Historically, coastal villagers (believed to be from the original Zhuchi area and surrounding villages) built simple duck sheds here, raising ducks in the brackish waters of the intertidal zone. This "semi-agricultural, semi-fishing" or "farming the sea" production model was not only a livelihood for local communities but also a microcosm of the traditional economic patterns of the Chaoshan coastal region. In eras with underdeveloped transportation, a folk ferry crossing likely existed near Yaliaowan, serving as a vital link for people and goods traveling between the north and south shores. These ferry memories form a vivid chapter in the transportation history of Shantou's Inner Bay.

It is worth noting that this area also possesses deep historical roots. It has witnessed Shantou's coastal development since the port opened, continuing the unique maritime cultural lineage of the Chaoshan region. The transformation from a land of fishing and farming on reclaimed mudflats to a coastal park today records not only the natural evolution of the coastline but also carries the historical depth of urban development. This profound cultural accumulation endows the area with a unique spiritual core and provides a solid cultural foundation for its future renewal.

Current Focus: A Beacon of Hope for Ecological Restoration Today, this coastal beach belonging to the Shengli community in Longteng Subdistrict, Longhu District, has embraced a new mission—the Yaliaowan Coastline Beach Protection and Restoration Project has been included in Shantou's Ten Key Livelihood Projects for 2026. Currently, a preliminary project plan has been drafted. Based on a "sediment trapping groynes + sand replenishment and beach nourishment" approach, the plan involves constructing two sediment trapping groynes along the central and eastern shoreline sections, complemented by landscape facilities such as sea-viewing boardwalks. Sand replenishment will be carried out on both sides, extending the restored shoreline to approximately 520 meters and widening the average dry beach width to about 30 meters. These measures undoubtedly inject strong momentum into the ecological restoration and future development of this beach.

For nearby residents, this place holds deep emotions and memories. It was once where they raised ducks and labored diligently; those days by the sea, though hard, were filled with hope. Now, seeing the beach poised for ecological restoration and upgrades, residents are full of anticipation. An elderly resident who has lived nearby for decades remarked emotionally, "As a child, I followed my family to Yaliaowan to herd ducks. The beach was vast, and the sea water was clear then. Later, as the city developed, this place gradually changed. Hearing about the ecological restoration and new landscape facilities is wonderful! We'll have a great place for leisure again, and we can teach children about the history here." Mr. Zhang, a permanent resident of a neighboring community, said he often walks here with his family after dinner. Knowing the project is among the city's top livelihood initiatives, he eagerly awaits its completion. "Having a clean beach and smooth pathways right at our doorstep will genuinely enhance our quality of life—we can bring the elderly and children to enjoy the sea breeze and sand on weekends. I hope it becomes a new calling card for Shantou, attracting more tourists and boosting the local economy," Mr. Zhang said. Young community volunteer Xiao Wu places greater emphasis on the value of public space: "After the restoration, people can watch sunrises and sunsets here, host beach cultural activities—that will create a true coastal memory for our city."

Name Change Campaign: Inviting Broad Public Participation With the advancement of the Yaliaowan Coastline Beach Protection and Restoration Project, this area is transitioning from a sparsely documented shoreline into a window for Longhu District and Shantou City to preserve maritime memories and showcase a new coastal vista. To better reflect the area's historical and cultural significance and align with its future positioning, the public is now invited to suggest a new official name for the "Yaliaowan (common name)" area, gathering opinions and encouraging widespread participation. This campaign warmly welcomes citizens, compatriots at home and abroad, and individuals from all sectors of society to contribute ideas. Participants are encouraged to consider the area's historical evolution, the maritime and overseas Chinese culture of the Chaoshan region, along with the project's core functions of ecological restoration, coastal recreation, and cultural-tourism integration, to propose a new name that is both culturally rich and catchy, collectively opening a bright future for this coastal area.

Journalist's Notes: Exploring Urban Memory in Transition During the reporting process, it felt like traveling through time, witnessing the remarkable transformation of this land from coastal mudflats to a modern community. Every inch of soil bears traces of history; every stretch of sand tells a story of the years. The sweat and laughter of the villagers who once labored here have long merged with the sea's waves. Now, with the ecological restoration project underway, this beach is embracing new opportunities for development. It is not merely a beach in need of protection but a significant node in Shantou's urban development, a bridge connecting the past and the future. This naming campaign is more than just seeking a new designation for an area; it is about finding a new vessel for a piece of history, a culture, and a shared sentiment. Each submitted name embodies the love and expectations people hold for Shantou and carries aspirations for a better future. I am confident that with collective effort, this beach will unveil a new appearance to the world, becoming a brilliant name card for Shantou, preserving maritime memories, showcasing a new coastal landscape, and allowing more people to experience the city's unique charm and boundless vitality.