Foshan travel guide
Nicknamed "Chanchow", Foshan lies in central Guangdong Province. As a cradle of Cantonese opera and Lingnan culture, it is hailed as the "Hometown of Cantonese Opera", "Ceramics Capital of the South", and "City of Martial Arts".
Foshan administers 5 districts - Chancheng, Shunde, Nanhai, Sanshui, and Gaoming.
Visit the Ancestral Temple of Cantonese Opera. Learn ceramic arts preserved for centuries. Watch martial arts masters at the ancestral temple of Wing Chun. In Foshan, experience the living heritage of Lingnan culture.
Consumption level
Shantou has a relatively affordable cost of living and travel. Budget hotels range from 100-200RMB per night. Meals at local restaurants normally cost around 20RMB per person.
To maximize your budget, stay in express business hotels located near top attractions like Chen Cihong Memorial Hall and Nan'ao Island. Use public buses, walking, or taxis to get around for just a few RMB per ride. Enjoy local delicacies like Teochew-style crab soup dumplings and cold sesame noodles from small eateries.
By opting for budget accommodations, getting around via public transit and foot, and sampling inexpensive food stalls, travelers can immerse themselves in Shantou's mix of culture and coastal scenery without overspending. Focus your time and money on just a couple highlights each day. With good planning, you can experience Shantou's unique Teochew heritage for around 200RMB or less per day.
Tongji
Xing Tongji Festival in Foshan
The Xing Tongji festival has been celebrated in Foshan for over 200 years since the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, it is a traditional parade for good fortune during the Lantern Festival period.
Locals believe "Xing Tongji, no obstructions" as the saying goes. On the festival day, crowds walk from north to south over Tongji Bridge, waving windmills, ringing bells and holding bok choy greens. They burn incense, toss greens into the water, and spin windmills while praying for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
The vibrant procession fills the streets with color and noise. The customs symbolize clearing away evil spirits and beckoning good luck. Xing Tongji encapsulates Foshan's folk culture and heritage. Visitors can witness the lively street parade and join the auspicious traditions for an authentic local experience.
Location: Foshan, Guangdong
Time: 15th day of the first lunar month
Dance Awakening Lion
Lion Dance in Foshan
The lion dance is an iconic folk art of Guangdong. During the Lunar New Year, lion dances are an integral part of celebrations in Foshan's traditional customs.
Troupes begin performing on New Year's Day, with reverberating drums and cymbals sounding through temple courtyards and streets as the colorful lions prance and leap. The lively dances are said to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year.
The acrobatic performers manipulate the lions made of cloth and paper to mimic life-like movements. The larger lion head and smaller tail end take coordinated teamwork. Their dance tells stories with gestures and poses.
Visitors can thrill to the pulsating beats and gravity-defying stunts as the lions cavort. The traditional lion dances showcase local culture and heritage in Foshan during the most important holiday. It is a highlight for tourists and locals ushering in the Lunar New Year.
Location: Foshan, Guangdong
Time: Lunar New Year, beginning New Year's Day
The Dragon Kiln Fire that has not been cut off for a hundred years
Nestled in the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln heritage site, the 500-year-old Longyao dragon kiln earned its name from its serpentine form hugging the mountainside. Still burning today, its centuries-long firing has earned Longyao a place in the Guinness World Records. Legend tells of "kiln metamorphosis" occurring during firing, transforming the glazes on select vessels into precious treasures. If you're lucky enough to witness Longyao's rarified openings, watch for these one-of-a-kind ceramic gems born of the inferno. When the kiln master unseals the fiery cave, feel the waves of heat and marvel at the mysterious alchemy of wood, fire, earth, and air that melds raw clay into eternal artworks. As a living legacy spanning 24 dynasties, Longyao kindles connections between past and present, continuing an unbroken tradition of Chinese Dragon Kiln ceramics fired relentlessly through the centuries.
Where the lights are dim, a thousand lights reflect the waves
As dusk descends upon Foshan's largest free public park, Qian deng Lake illuminates into a vision of tranquil beauty. Thousands of neon lights flicker to life along the lakeshores, their reflections dancing across the rippling waters. Take a serene lakeside stroll and admire this sea of lights blossoming amid the nightscape. Stop on one of the decorative bridges to capture the perfect photo when the glowing bulbs align with the gentle waves. Continuing a charming Foshan tradition, Qian deng Lake's illumination profoundly transforms the space from day to night. Linger into the evening hours to fully experience this romantic metamorphosis. Here, time seems to stand still - it's just you, the soft lap of water, and an infinite field of luminous lotus flowers blossoming on the lake's glassy surface. When it's reflecting a thousand points of light, Qian deng Lake shimmers with dreamlike splendor.
Feng Jian Shui Xiang in Film and Television Dramas
The hit Hong Kong drama Guardian Angel brought the picturesque landscapes of Fengjian Village to dazzling life on screen. Many idyllic scenes were filmed around this charming Foshan "water town," showcasing its beauty to enraptured viewers. Stroll along the same quaint lanes and rustic footbridges that graced television sets across Asia. Marvel at ancient banyans and tranquil canals draped in green foliage. Duck into a cozy teahouse, sample regional delicacies, and soak up the relaxed village ambience. As a site of cultural heritage steeped in Guangdong’s native traditions, Fengjian offers an authentic window into local life. Let your everyday cares melt away during a blissful boat trip down flower-fringed waterways. With picture-postcard country vistas around every turn, it’s easy to see why film crews flock to capture Fengjian’s idyllic pastoral charm and old-world allure.
Best Travel Time
The average annual temperature in Foshan ranges from 21.2 to 22.2 ℃, with a mild climate and evergreen throughout the four seasons. April October is the best travel time for Foshan.Ships
Foshan has 3 ports - Shunde Port (passenger transport), Gaoming Port (freight transport), and Sanshui Port (freight transport).
Of these, Shunde Port is the only passenger ferry port in Foshan. It operates ferry routes to Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The main terminal is located in Chencun, Shunde District, providing convenient transportation options for visitors.
Ferries from Shunde Port take around 60-80 minutes to reach downtown Guangzhou, running frequently each day. Services to Hong Kong operate 4-5 times daily, taking approximately 3 hours per trip.
When planning ferry travel from Foshan, check schedules in advance and arrive early, especially for Hong Kong ferries which are popular. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal. Expect lines and crowds on weekends and holidays.
While less scenic than high-speed rail or driving, ferries give travelers a chance to relax en route and enjoy river views. For visitors going between Foshan and Guangzhou or Hong Kong, the ferries remain a viable transportation choice. Just be sure to account for sufficient connection time when booking ongoing travel.
