Ceramics are a cultural symbol for Chaozhou at home and abroad, as they have been produced here since the Tang and Song dynasties. Now, the thousand-year-old ceramic industry has developed as the pillar industry of Chaozhou, making it one of the largest production bases of ceramics in China. Empowered by science, technology and innovation, the city has been striving to stand out among international competitors by upgrading the traditional ceramic industry. Innovations in 3D printing for ceramics, advanced microwave high-speed drying and firing, R&D in ceramic electronic components and glass ceramics are the major drivers that steer the industry towards automatic, smart and clean production.

Teochew opera (潮劇) is a traditional art form which has a history of more than 500 years and is now enjoyed by 20 million Teochew people in over 20 countries and regions.[citation needed] Based on local folk dances and ballads, Teochew opera has formed its own style under the influence of Nanxi Opera. Nanxi is one of the oldest Chinese operas and originated in the Song Dynasty. The old form of choral accompaniment still preserves its distinctive features[which?]. Clowns and females are the most distinctive characters in Teochew opera, and fan-play and acrobatic skills are prominent.

Kaiyuan temple was first established in 738, in the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang dynasty (618–907) with the original name of "Lifeng Temple" (荔峰寺). The name was changed to "Kaiyuan Wanshou Chan Temple" (开元万寿禅寺) during the Yuan dynasty (1172–1638). And then it was renamed "Kaiyuan Zhenguo Chan Temple" (开元镇国禅寺) in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). During the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), people usually called it "Kaiyuan Temple" (开元寺) which is still use now.

Chaozhou is famously known as one of the greatest cultural centres in the Lingnan region of China. Chaozhou culture is known worldwide as a unique part of world heritage. Throughout history, the Chaozhou region was able to flourish and thrive as a prosperous cultural centre, enabling the nourishing of a unique and distinctive character epitomized in the Chaozhou Dialect, Chaozhou opera, Chaozhou cuisine, Fenghuang Dancong tea, Chaozhou music, Chaozhou lion dance and Chaozhou embroidery.