Things To Do
in Foshan
Foshan, located in Guangdong Province just southwest of Guangzhou, is a historic city renowned for its rich Cantonese heritage and thriving ceramics industry. It is the birthplace of Wing Chun martial arts and features well-preserved temples and traditional kiln sites. The city balances modern development with scenic parks, riverside promenades, and Lingnan-style architecture.
With world-class Cantonese and Shunde cuisine on offer, Foshan is a vibrant cultural hub that appeals to foodies, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the grand Foshan Ancestral Temple, wandering through its intricate pavilions and ancestral halls. Admire the ornate carvings and steep red columns that reflect centuries of Lingnan architectural heritage. Capture photos of the temple’s main hall adorned with vibrant murals.
Stroll along the bustling Zumiao pedestrian street, sampling traditional Cantonese snacks like lotus root buns and rice rolls. Browse local craft shops selling hand-painted ceramics and paper cuttings. Pop into a teahouse to sip fragrant oolong while observing the lively street scene.
Return to the temple grounds for a captivating Cantonese opera performance under lantern-lit eaves. Savor dinner at a nearby restaurant specializing in double-skin milk and Shunde roast duck. End the evening with a leisurely walk through the temple plaza, enjoying the gentle glow of red lanterns.
Start at the historic Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, exploring the red-brick furnace and learning about the region’s porcelain legacy. Watch skilled artisans shape clay on traditional wheels before firing in centuries-old kilns. Read interpretive panels to understand the evolution of ceramic technology in Foshan.
Head to the adjacent Ceramics Museum to admire delicate porcelain displays spanning dynasties. Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop where you can craft and paint your own mug. Enjoy a light lunch at the museum café featuring local tea and dim sum.
Explore the nearby Ceramic Street night market, browsing stalls of colorful pottery and artisan crafts. Sample street food favorites like skewered beef and fried tofu. Cap off the night with a cold Guangdong beer at a sidewalk café.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Street food meal | $3–6 |
| 🥢Casual restaurant meal | $8–15 |
| 🚇Metro ride | $0.40–1 |
| 🚕Taxi start (3 km) | $2–3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel | $40–80 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Cantonese and Shunde culinary heritage
- Less crowded than Guangzhou but easily accessible
- Abundant historic sites and cultural museums
- Scenic parks and nearby mountains for outdoor activities
- High humidity and heat in summer
- Limited English signage outside major districts
- Occasional air pollution during winter
- Public transport still developing compared to Guangzhou
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (Duō shǎo qián?)" - How much?
- "这个在哪里？ (Zhè ge zài nǎ li?)" - Where is this?
- "我不吃肉。 (Wǒ bù chī ròu.)" - I don’t eat meat.
Places to Visit in Foshan
Visit one of these nice places.
Historical complex with intricate wood carvings, colorful murals and ornate roofs.
Working kiln site and museum where you can photograph potters at work and centuries-old brick architecture.
Lush peaks, waterfalls and a towering Buddha statue set against dramatic sky views.
Recreated traditional streets with colonial-era storefronts illuminated after sunset.
Food in Foshan
Foshan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, clear soup made with premium fish maw, prized for its texture. Try it at local banquet houses in Daliang District.
Must-Try!
A silky milk custard dessert with a delicate skin, best sampled at old-style teahouses near Ancestral Temple.
Succulent pork with crackling skin served in Cantonese restaurants around Nanhai.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Outdoor stalls offering skewers, rice noodle rolls, congee and bubble tea late into the evening.
Street fair featuring peanut candy, tofu pudding, and local snacks in Shunde District.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or slight bow is common; handshakes are fine among businessmen, but avoid firm grips.
Avoid public criticism or confrontation; be polite, indirect and maintain harmony.
If invited home, bring fruit, tea or sweets. Refuse a gift once before accepting to show modesty.
Safety
Tipping in Foshan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in China and may be refused. Exceptional service in high-end hotels sometimes accepts a small tip.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous. Cash (CNY) is still accepted in markets and small stalls; credit cards work in major hotels and malls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm temperatures and occasional rain; ideal for gardens and temple visits before the summer heat.
Hot, humid and rainy. Plan indoor museum visits in the afternoon and carry an umbrella.
Comfortable weather with clear skies; peak season for hiking and outdoor photography.
Mild but damp, with temperatures rarely below 10 °C; pack a light jacket for evenings.
Foshan at Night
Hiking in Foshan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trails, waterfalls and cultural sites under the 60 m tall Buddhist statue.
Walk through centuries-old Lingnan architecture and farmland near Nanhai.
Forest paths, streams and caves in a quieter, less-touristed setting.
Airports
How to reach Foshan by plane.
Main international hub 40 km away. Metro Line 3 and airport shuttle buses connect to Foshan in about 1 hour.
Approximately 150 km away. High-speed rail to Guangzhou then metro/train to Foshan totals 2–2.5 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The main local group speaking Cantonese and reading in Chinese characters.
Present particularly in rural outskirts with distinct dialect and customs.
Large population from inland provinces working in factories and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional summer festival races on the Shishan section of the Pearl River.
Local schools teach the style pioneered by Ip Man, with demonstrations held at Foshan Ancestral Temple.
Widely played in community courts and parks across the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Foshan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Cantonese soups use meat stock; seek out dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Chancheng or request vegetable-only dim sum at teahouses.
Limited options; best to dine in Guangzhou or rely on mainstream chains in Foshan malls that label halal items.