Foshan

Introduction to Foshan City Foshan is located in the central part of Guangdong Province, in the heart of the Pearl River Delta. It is a city with a long history and rich culture, known as the "Famous City of Lingnan", the "Pottery Capital of Southern China", and the "Hometown of Martial Arts". History: Foshan was founded during the Sui and Tang Dynasties and developed into a major center of handicrafts and commerce during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, famous for iron smelting, ceramics, and textiles. Culture: Foshan is one of the birthplaces of Cantonese culture, with intangible cultural heritage items such as Cantonese opera, paper-cutting, and woodblock New Year pictures. Its martial arts culture has a far-reaching influence (hometown of Huang Feihong and Ip Man). Economy: Foshan is a modern city with a strong manufacturing industry, with developed industries such as home appliances, furniture, and ceramics. It is also a National Historical and Cultural City. Attractions 1. Zumiao Temple (Lingnan Tiandi) Features: The most famous landmark in Foshan, dedicated to the Taoist deity Zhenwu. The architecture blends Lingnan style with Qing Dynasty decorations. Inside, there are ancient trees, brick carvings, stone carvings, and other works of art. Surroundings: Within walking distance of the "Lingnan Tiandi" commercial district, which brings together traditional Cantonese teahouses, souvenir shops, and cafes. Tickets: Approx. CNY 15 (Zumiao Temple) + free entry to Lingnan Tiandi. 2. Qing Hui Garden Features: One of the four famous gardens of Lingnan, a typical Qing Dynasty garden building. The pavilions, terraces, rockeries, and ponds are well-arranged, full of Lingnan charm. Tip: You can visit Shunde Qing Hui Garden (another garden with the same name) for comparison. 3. Xiqiao Mountain Features: Foshan's "natural oxygen bar", a national geological park, mainly featuring mountain scenery and religious culture. Attractions include the Nanhai Guanyin Statue and Tianhu Park. Activities: Mountain climbing, praying to Buddha, and tasting farmhouse dishes in the mountains. 4. Nanfeng Ancient Kiln Features: The world's oldest existing firewood-fired dragon kiln, a 500-year-old ceramic kiln site. You can experience the pottery-making process. The Shiwan Ceramics Museum is also nearby. Fun fact: The kiln fire has never been extinguished, and visitors can try their hand at pottery making. 5. Shunde Qing Hui Garden (different from Foshan Qing Hui Garden) Features: One of the four famous gardens of Guangdong, originally the residence of a Zhuangyuan (top scorer in the imperial examination). The garden is small and exquisite, famous for its "Hundred Longevity" wood carvings and glass window lattices. Food connection: Adjacent to Shunde Food Street, it is convenient for tasting authentic snacks such as double-skin milk and Lunjiao Cake. Food Classic Cantonese Dishes and Snacks Double-Skin Milk (recommended restaurants: Minxin Lao Pu, Renxin Dessert) A Shunde specialty, with a rich milky aroma, delicate texture, sweet but not greasy. Blind Man's Rice Balls (recommended restaurant: Blind Man's Rice Balls Main Store) Traditional Foshan glutinous rice balls with delicious fillings and a rich soup base. Chen Cun Rice Noodle Rolls (recommended restaurant: Xi Mei Five-Spice Beef Offal) Thin as cicada wings, smooth texture, can be mixed with other ingredients or cooked in soup. Jun'an Steamed Pork (recommended restaurant: Jinbang Shangjie) Crispy skin and tender meat, fatty but not greasy, a local favorite. Lunjiao Cake (recommended restaurant: Lunjiao Cake Family) Crystal clear rice cake, soft texture, slightly sweet and salty. Time-honored Restaurants Guiyuan Restaurant: A century-old restaurant specializing in traditional Cantonese cuisine. Recommended dishes: Black Char Siu, Fish Sashimi. Shiwan Fish Tofu: A Shiwan specialty snack, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with porridge or soup. Braised Finless Eel with Rice (recommended restaurant: Bing Ji Braised Finless Eel with Rice): Distinct rice grains, fragrant finless eel. Food Streets Zumiao Lingnan Tiandi: A concentration of teahouses and snack bars. Around Shunde Qing Hui Garden: A snack street where you can enjoy Shunde cuisine in one stop. Oriental Plaza: A popular shopping area for locals, with a lively night market atmosphere. Travel Tips Best season: Spring and autumn (avoid the hot and rainy summer). Transportation: Foshan and Guangzhou are integrated cities. The Guangfo Metro Line goes directly to Foshan. Taxis or bicycles are recommended for traveling between attractions. Souvenirs: Ceramics, Shunde mahogany furniture, Blind Man's Rice Balls, and Double-Skin Milk gift boxes.