Foshan travel guide: attractions, weather, food, hotels, local culture, itinerary, etc.

Foshan, located in the heart of Guangdong Province, is a remarkable city adjacent to Hong Kong and Macau, to the east of Guangzhou, and to the south of Zhongshan. with a population of over 9 million people. It is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling economy.

Foshan boasts a strong manufacturing base and historical landmarks like the Foshan Ancestral Temple Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, and Xiqiao Mountain blending modernity with deep-rooted traditions. Foshan offers a captivating experience to both residents and visitors.

Culture of Foshan

The name "Foshan" originates from a Buddhist tale: in Tang Dynasty (628 AD), locals discovered three bronze Buddha statues and a Buddhist inscribed stone tablet on Tapopo Hill. Seeing this as a divine sign, they built a temple and renamed the area "Foshan," meaning "Mountain of Buddha," a name that reflects the city's rich Buddhist heritage.

As a national historical and cultural city, it's history can be traced back to 279 BC, when it was a county town of Nanhai Prefecture. Over time, Foshan gradually became a prosperous commercial and cultural center.

Foshan is one of the four famous towns in China, renowned as the birthplace of Southern Chinese martial arts and Cantonese Opera, earning the title of the "Hometown of Lingnan Martial Arts and Cantonese Opera." The city is also famous for its traditional cultural heritage, including ceramics, paper cutting, Qiuse Parade, and pottery. Additionally, Foshan is a cultural hub for the dragon boat and lion dance traditions in China.

Must-visit Attractions, what to visit

Foshan boasts a variety of tourist attractions, with 35 A-level or above tourist sites, including the Ancestral Temple, Xiqiao Mountain, Lingnan Tiandi, Ancestral Home of Bruce Lee and Daqitou Ancient Village. Other notable sites include the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln and Qinghui Garden, both of which are national key cultural relics protection units. These various cultural landmarks, make it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Lingnan culture and enjoy the serene natural beauty.

Zui Miao (Ancestral Temple): It is a folk museum that combines the architectural art of the Ming and Qing dynasties with Foshan's traditional culture. During Chinese traditional holidays, locals will pay respects and pray for blessings in the temple.

The temple features a group of ancient buildings, the Confucius Temple, the Huang Feihong Memorial Hall, the Ip Man Museum, and more. In addition to the traditional Lingnan architecture, the most captivating aspect of the Ancestral Temple is its exhibitions on Foshan martial arts, which attract many martial arts enthusiasts.

Nanfeng Ancient kiln: Listed as one of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourist Attractions, the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln was built during the Ming Zhengde period in 1506 and is known as the "living fossil of ceramics."

The name "dragon kiln" comes from its construction along a mountainside, winding down like a giant dragon. Due to the kiln's south-facing opening, it is also known as the "Southwind Kiln," as cool breezes are often present during the summer.

The kiln's most famous feature is its dragon kiln, built during the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty. This dragon kiln has been in continuous use for 500 years and remains well-preserved. It is recognized as the oldest continuously operating dragon kiln in the world.

Ancestral Home of Bruce Lee: is a significant place associated with the legendary martial artist and attracts fans and enthusiasts from all over the world who come to pay tribute and gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to martial arts and popular culture. The ancestral home serves as a reminder of Bruce Lee's influence and his status as an icon in the world of martial arts and beyond.

Xiqiao Mountain: is known for its magnificent landscapes, the mountain features high peaks, serene lakes, and majestic waterfalls. The mountain is home to the largest Guanyin statue in China. It has long been one of the important sacred sites for Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Qinghui Garden: a Lingnan-style garden architecture built during the Ming Dynasty, this harmonious integration showcases various Chinese arts, including architecture, garden design, and carving, reflecting the essence of Lingnan courtyards and the distinctive features of Jiangnan gardens.

Read More Attractions in Foshan »

Local Food and Snacks

Foshan cuisine is part of Cantonese cuisine, specifically the Guangzhou style, and is one of the important origins of this culinary tradition. As the saying goes, "The art of dining is in Guangzhou, the essence of flavor is in Foshan", Foshan cuisine is known for its rich variety of ingredients, characterized by fresh, delicate, smooth, and tender flavors. Signature dishes include Jun'an steamed pork, Shunde fish sashimi, Foshan pig's trotters, Zhuhou chicken, and Shiwang tofu. Foshan snacks, with their long history and variety, are particularly famous, including classics like Xiqiao big pancakes, Foshan nine-layer cake, double-skin milk, and fried milk.

Jun'an Steamed Pork /均安蒸猪 : is a traditional local delicacy from Guangdong, typically reserved for banquets and ceremonial occasions. The dish involves marinating the pork for six hours before steaming it using a special method. During the steaming process, steel needles are repeatedly inserted into the meat to allow the fat to drip out, resulting in pork that is rich but not greasy, while preserving its natural, fresh aroma.

Shunde Fish Sashimi / 顺德鱼生: Typically made with a robust 750-gram fish, known for its tender, fresh, and smooth texture. The fish is left in spring water for two days to allow it to use up internal fat, enhancing its taste. The preparation requires skilled knife work, ensuring the fish is crystal clear and translucent. It is served with a variety of condiments, including sliced garlic, shredded ginger, crushed peanuts, sesame, chili, and onions, among others.

Braised Pig’s Trotters Wrapped in Water Grass / 扎猪蹄：is a traditional specialty from the Foshan region. It begins with the pig’s trotters being carefully skinned, tendons removed, and bones taken out. Then, marinated pork is wrapped inside the pig’s skin and secured with water grass. The whole package is then placed in a marinade and simmered over low heat until it is about 80-90% cooked. Afterward, the pork is wrapped again with fresh water grass and cooked further. This dish is known for its tender meat and rich flavor, making it a beloved local delicacy.

Zhuhou Chicken /柱侯鸡 : This dish was created by Chef Liang Zhuhou from the Sanpinlou Restaurant during the Qing Dynasty. The key ingredient in Zhuhou Chicken is Zhuhou sauce, which was invented by Liang Zhuhou, giving the dish its distinctive flavor. The chicken is tender and smooth, complemented by the rich taste of fermented black beans.

Shiwang Fish Tofu / 石湾鱼豆腐: Made with fresh loach fish meat and eggs, then deep-fried, Shiwang Fish Tofu is known for its fresh, aromatic taste and smooth, tender texture. Its unique flavor makes it suitable for all ages, offering a delightful experience for both young and old.

Weather, when is best time and season to visit

When is best time and season to visit Foshan? The best times to visit Foshan is from September to April. Foshan's annual average temperature is between 21.2-22.2℃, with a mild climate and evergreen all year round, making it very suitable for tourism.

Spring (January-March): Foshan's spring climate is warm and humid, often accompanied by overcast and rainy weather. The humidity is high, and while temperatures gradually rise, it can still feel a bit cool.

Summer (April-June): Foshan experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and high humidity. There may be extended periods of heat, and summer is the season with the highest rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms and typhoons. Meteorological disasters such as tropical cyclones and heavy rain are quite common.

Autumn (July-September): Autumn in Foshan is sunny and pleasant, with moderate temperatures, making it a comfortable season. Rainfall is lower, and the weather is clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter (October-December): Foshan's winter is relatively warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 10°C. It is a mild and dry season, with average temperatures around 13.9°C. The climate is generally dry during winter.

Best Things to do in Foshan

Foshan offers unparalleled natural beauty and rich traditional culture, making it an ideal travel destination. Here, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility and harmony of nature while experiencing the unique charm of colorful Foshan.

You can explore Foshan's historical and cultural heritage, such as the Ancestral Temple , Daqitou Ancient Village, and Nanfeng Ancient Kiln . These sites offer a glimpse into the city's natural scenery and historical ambiance.

You can stroll through Foshan's streets and indulge in local delicacies such as Braised Pig’s Trotters Wrapped in Water Grass , Xiqiao big pancakes , and Foshan nine-layer cake . A culinary journey here promises top-tier gastronomic delights.

You can also engage in various outdoor activities like Admire Lingnan Tiandi, cycling around Qian Deng Lake, ‌rock climbing at Xiqiao Mountain, or Enjoy Lion Dancing and Learning Kung Fu in Ancestral Hall, connecting with nature and appreciate its beauty.

Interesting hand-on activities

Foshan celebrates a rich array of festivals, each with its unique customs and significance.

you can immerse yourself in various intriguing cultural activities, such as Chinese lion head assembling，learning to cook Cantonese cuisine, enjoying Cantonese opera, participating in kung fu classes, and watching lively lion dance performances, among others.

Foshan Kung Fu Festival: Held at the Foshan Creative Industry Park, this month-long event celebrates Foshan's traditional kung fu, culinary skills, manufacturing craftsmanship, and more. The festival features over a hundred activities, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and modern achievements.

Qiuse Parade in Foshan (1st to 3rd in November): It is typically held in Zumiao Street of Chancheng District. The event has a 600-year history and is an annual cultural celebration of Foshan's rich history, traditions, and customs. The parade often includes elements like the lion dance, dragon dance, Chaoshan Yingge Dance, traditional martial arts performances, and Cantonese opera.

Zu Miao Bell Chiming: Held at the Foshan Ancestral Temple, this ceremony involves the ringing of bells to pray for blessings, symbolizing the start of the new year and hopes for a prosperous life.

Ancient Town Lantern Festival: As part of the Foshan (Chancheng) Lingnan New Year Customs Festival, the Ancient Town Lantern Festival showcases a variety of exquisite lanterns and decorations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Luxury hotels, where to stay in Guangdong

Foshan is not only a vital t bustling economy hub in Guangdong China, but also a popular tourist destination attracting numerous visitors. Foshan boasts numerous high-quality hotels. When choosing hotels in Foshan, travelers often prioritize high value for money and comfort to ensure a perfect travel experience.

InterContinental Foshan Dongping: As one of the most popular luxury hotels in Foshan, the hotel is located in a prime area with direct access to the Foshan Ancestral Temple, Lingnan Tiandi, and Guangzhou. It offers 310 luxurious rooms equipped with comprehensive amenities, all clean and well-maintained, with attentive service. The hotel features a 600-square-meter outdoor lawn, self-service laundry, laundry services, and 24-hour room service, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing holiday.

Foshan Hilton Hotel: The hotel is located in Chancheng District, Adjacent to the Guangdong Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center. It is about a 15-minute drive from popular attractions such as Lingnan Tiandi and the Foshan Ancestral Temple. The hotel offers a variety of spacious and comfortable rooms, including themed family rooms and a children’s playground. Making it an ideal choice for both business and family weekend getaways.

Travel itineraries for Foshan

How to Plan an Itinerary in Foshan? You may be drawn to Foshan’s rich culture or perhaps its Chinese kung fu. If you're interested in exploring the Ancestral Temple culture, kung fu, and traditional heritage, visiting Foshan's top highlights would typically take two to three days.

Day 1: Arrive in Foshan and check in at a hotel. Explore the city center and visit Qinghui Garden, a classic Lingnan-style garden in Foshan. Visit Qiandeng Lake Park. take a gentle boat ride on the lake or simply sit and enjoy the view of the surrounding gardens.

Day 2: Visit the Xiqiao Mountain , for lush landscapes, temple, some relaxation and enjoy a scenic sunset. Xiqiao Mountain is one of the famous places in Foshan for hiking and offers panoramic views. Taste the Xiqiao pancake, which is soft, fragrant, sweet and smooth.

Day 3: visit Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, a historic site where traditional ceramic firing methods are still practiced. Visit the Foshan Ancestral Temple (Zum Miao), a beautiful historical temple with intricate carvings and gilded statues. Enjoying kungfu class. Finish the 3-day trip with wonderful experience.

If you are interested in one of the Guangdong travel itineraries, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.