Foshan, a city with a rich history and culture, is located in the southern part of China’s Guangdong Province. It is the second-largest city in the province, after Guangzhou, and is known for its thriving manufacturing industry, particularly in the areas of furniture, ceramics, and electronics. In recent years, Foshan has also become a popular tourist destination, thanks to its many attractions, including historical sites, museums, and parks.
Historical Sites
Foshan has a long and storied history, dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The city was once a major trading hub, and was home to many wealthy merchants and artisans. Today, there are many historical sites to be found in Foshan, including:
- The Foshan Ancestral Temple, built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), is one of the most famous temples in China. It is dedicated to the worship of Guan Yu, a legendary Chinese general who lived during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280). The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture, and is home to many valuable artifacts.
- The Foshan Museum is a modern museum that tells the story of Foshan’s history and culture. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including ceramics, furniture, and paintings.
- The Foshan Crafts Street is a lively street lined with shops selling traditional Chinese handicrafts. Here, you can find everything from ceramics to furniture to jewelry.
Museums
In addition to its historical sites, Foshan is also home to a number of excellent museums. These museums offer a variety of exhibits on topics such as art, history, and science.
- The Foshan Art Museum is home to a large collection of Chinese paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum also has a number of temporary exhibits featuring the work of contemporary Chinese artists.
- The Foshan Science and Technology Museum is a fun and interactive museum that is perfect for kids of all ages. The museum has a wide range of exhibits on topics such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
- The Foshan Drum Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Chinese drum. The museum has a collection of over 1,000 drums from all over China.
Parks
Foshan is also home to a number of beautiful parks, which are perfect for a relaxing day out. These parks offer a variety of amenities, such as walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- The Foshan Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden that is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers. The garden is a popular spot for picnics and weddings.
- The Foshan Zoo is home to a variety of animals from all over the world. The zoo is a popular spot for families with children.
- The Foshan Cultural Park is a large park that is home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as a museum, a theater, and a library. The park is a popular spot for locals to relax and socialize.
What to Do in Foshan: A Day Trip to Xiqiao Mountain
Xiqiao Mountain is a beautiful mountain located just outside of Foshan. The mountain is home to a number of temples, monasteries, and other historical sites. It is also a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
To get to Xiqiao Mountain, take the bus from Foshan to the town of Xiqiao. From there, you can take a taxi or a cable car up to the mountain.
Once you arrive at Xiqiao Mountain, there are a number of things to see and do. You can visit the temples and monasteries, hike the trails, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Xiqiao Mountain:
- Morning: Take the bus from Foshan to Xiqiao. From there, take a taxi or a cable car up to the mountain. Visit the Nengren Temple, one of the most famous temples on Xiqiao Mountain.
- Afternoon: Hike one of the trails on Xiqiao Mountain. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic along the way.
- Evening: Visit the Baolin Temple, another famous temple on Xiqiao Mountain. From there, take the cable car or a taxi back down to Xiqiao. Take the bus back to Foshan.
What to Do in Foshan: A Night Out at the Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater
The Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater is one of the most famous opera theaters in China. The theater is home to a resident company of Cantonese opera performers, who perform a variety of traditional and contemporary operas.
Cantonese opera is a unique form of Chinese opera that is characterized by its beautiful melodies, elaborate costumes, and highly stylized acting. The Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater is a great place to experience this traditional Chinese art form.
To get to the Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater, take the subway to the Xincheng Station. From there, walk for about 5 minutes to the theater.
Tickets for Cantonese opera performances can be purchased online or at the box office. Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and the seat location.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a night out at the Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater:
- Evening: Arrive at the Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater. Purchase tickets for the performance you wish to see. Enjoy the performance.
- After the performance: Take a walk around the theater and explore the surrounding area. There are a number of restaurants and bars in the area where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
Where to Stay in Foshan
There are a number of hotels to choose from in Foshan. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Foshan Marriott Hotel is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Foshan. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
- The Crowne Plaza Foshan City Centre is a four-star hotel located near the Foshan Railway Station. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a business center.
- The Holiday Inn Foshan is a three-star hotel located in the Chancheng District of Foshan. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
Where to Eat in Foshan
Foshan is known for its delicious Cantonese cuisine. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Foshan:
- The Nanhai Restaurant is a popular restaurant that serves a variety of Cantonese dishes. The restaurant is known for its delicious dim sum.
- The Xinyuan Restaurant is another popular restaurant that serves a variety of Cantonese dishes. The restaurant is known for its seafood dishes.
- The Li Yuan Restaurant is a restaurant that serves traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its Peking duck.
Getting Around Foshan
Foshan has a good public transportation system. The city is served by a number of bus and subway lines. You can also take a taxi or rent a car to get around.
Conclusion
Foshan is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Foshan.
Here is a table summarizing the top things to do in Foshan:
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Foshan Ancestral Temple | A beautiful temple dedicated to the worship of Guan Yu, a legendary Chinese general |
| Foshan Museum | A modern museum that tells the story of Foshan’s history and culture |
| Foshan Crafts Street | A lively street lined with shops selling traditional Chinese handicrafts |
| Foshan Art Museum | Home to a large collection of Chinese paintings, sculptures, and ceramics |
| Foshan Science and Technology Museum | A fun and interactive museum that is perfect for kids of all ages |
| Foshan Drum Museum | Dedicated to the history and culture of the Chinese drum |
| Foshan Botanical Garden | A large botanical garden that is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers |
| Foshan Zoo | Home to a variety of animals from all over the world |
| Foshan Cultural Park | A large park that is home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as a museum, a theater, and a library |
| Xiqiao Mountain | A beautiful mountain located just outside of Foshan that is home to a number of temples, monasteries, and other historical sites |
| Foshan Cantonese Opera Theater | One of the most famous opera theaters in China that is home to a resident company of Cantonese opera performers |
I hope this article has given you some ideas for things to do in Foshan. I encourage you to come and explore this vibrant and exciting city for yourself.
