Foshan: Where History Meets Modern Energy
Foshan is a dynamic city where traditional Lingnan culture and modern industry come together. Located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, just next to Guangzhou and within easy reach of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau, it is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a deeper and more authentic experience of southern China. Famous as the birthplace of Cantonese culture, Cantonese opera, and Southern Chinese martial arts such as Wing Chun, Foshan also stands out as one of China's leading manufacturing centers. Visitors can explore historic temples, enjoy renowned local cuisine, discover living kung fu traditions, and even experience industrial tourism - all within a city that combines cultural depth, economic vitality, and excellent transport connections.
Top Attractions & Must-Do Experiences
Foshan offers a wide range of experiences, from history and nature to industry and food. You can mix and match based on your interests:
History & Culture:
Must-see sights include the Foshan Ancestral Temple, the historic Lingnan Tiandi district, and Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, a living center of traditional ceramic culture. Xiqiao Mountain (Nanhai District) combines scenic landscapes with rich cultural heritage and is considered one of southern China's most important mountains.
Nature & Leisure:
Visit Qiandeng Lake Park for its impressive night views and light-and-water shows, or head to Pingsha Island in Sanshui District - often called a "hidden paradise" - for relaxed cycling around the island.
Business & Industrial Tourism:
Foshan is a major exhibition city, with Tanzhou International Convention & Exhibition Center hosting large-scale trade fairs. Travelers interested in industrial tourism can visit ceramic factories or explore the Guangdong Industrial Design City to experience Foshan's innovation and manufacturing strength. (More exhibition-related information is available later on the page.)
Food & Local Flavors:
Shunde, a part of Foshan, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Don't miss local classics such as double-skin milk pudding, Lunjiao rice cake, and Jun'an steamed pork. For the best food experience, explore Huagai Road Pedestrian Street in Daliang or Ronggui Food Street, where snacks and full meals are easy to find in one area.
Classic Itinerary Ideas
You can plan your Foshan trip based on how much time you have:
Ancient Town & Cultural Highlights (1–2 days)
Explore Chancheng District in depth: Foshan Ancestral Temple → Lingnan Tiandi → Liang Garden → Nanfeng Ancient Kiln.
Shunde Food Discovery Trip (1–2 days)
Focus on Shunde’s world-famous cuisine, combined with light sightseeing at Qinghui Garden and Fengjian Water Town.
"Four Mountains & Two Rivers" Nature Escape (2–3 days)
Visit Foshan's scenic and cultural landmarks such as Xiqiao Mountain, Pingsha Island, and Kundou Mountain (Sixianjiao area).
Getting There & Around Foshan
Nearest International Airport:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the closest major hub. From late September 2025, you''ll be able to take an intercity train from Foshan West Railway Station directly to the airport in under 60 minutes.
Rail Network:
Foshan West Railway Station is a major transport hub combining high-speed rail, intercity trains, and metro lines. Frequent connections make it easy to reach Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and other Greater Bay Area cities.
Getting Around the City:
Foshan's metro system continues to expand and is directly connected with the Guangzhou Metro, allowing smooth transfers to key attractions and transport hubs in both cities.
Private Transfers:
Private car services are a fast and convenient way to travel within Foshan and to nearby cities across the region.
Best Time to Visit Foshan
Best Seasons:
Autumn (October–December) and spring (March–April) offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing.
Festivals & Events:
Chinese New Year: Lively lion dance performances
Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of the lunar 5th month): Famous Diejiao drifting dragon boat races
Lantern Festival: Join the local "Walk Tongji Bridge" folk tradition
Major Trade Fairs in Foshan
Foshan is a key exhibition city for manufacturing and industry, with several important annual trade shows:
China (Shunde) Home Appliances Expo - Held twice yearly (March & August) in Shunde; one of China's top home-appliance exhibitions.
China (Foshan) International Ceramics & Bathroom Fair - April & October; a major global event for the ceramics industry, ideal to combine with factory visits and ceramic heritage sites.
Foshan International Industrial Expo - Usually in June; focuses on smart manufacturing, robotics, and industrial automation.
Luxury Hotels & Boutique Stays
Foshan offers a wide range of upscale accommodations, from well-known international hotel brands to culturally rich boutique guesthouses.
Pullman Foshan Shunde
Close to the Midea headquarters and major business areas, with excellent transport links - ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Location: Beijiao, Shunde District
Cordis Foshan / Crowne Plaza Foshan
Clustered around the historic city center and Lingnan Tiandi, making it easy to explore Foshan's main cultural attractions on foot.
Location: Zumiao area, Chancheng District
Zhuojian Courtyard (Nanfeng Ancient Kiln Branch)
Located inside the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln scenic area, this boutique guesthouse blends ceramic art with Zen-inspired design, offering an immersive cultural stay.
Location: Chancheng District
Recommended Foshan Tours

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One Day Foshan Cultural Tour from Guangzhou
Education; Temple; Culture Lessons;
One Day Foshan Cultural Tour from GuangzhouOn Request



