Foshan
Martial arts, traditional ceramics
and Cantonese opera
Standing on the Pearl River Delta and effortlessly bridging the gap between ancient and modern, Foshan wears its illustrious history with pride. It’s a beguiling mix of waterside skyscrapers and centuries-old alleys, and you’ll find that many cornerstones of Cantonese culture have their origins here.
Reconnect with the city’s colourful past as you pay homage to martial-arts superstar Bruce Lee among the memorabilia at his Ancestral Home, or get in touch with the local vibe by joining a morning Tai chi class in Jihua Park. Revisit Shiwan Town’s ceramics stores and you’ll recognise pottery styles that have been popular for 500 years, from reproduction Ming vases to porcelain figures playing ancient instruments.
The old and new co-exist peacefully. Watch spirited Lion Dance and classical Cantonese opera performances at Foshan Ancestral Temple, and then shop for Western designer brands at glittering Baihua Plaza mall nearby. Relive the Foshan of old along carnival-like Tian Yifang Women’s Street, a prime spot for picking up dazzling embroidered silks, puppets dressed in red and gold, and jade trinkets. Trawl for indie fashions in the ornate, stonework mansions of leafy Lingnan Tiandi and sip green tea in its traditional teahouses, or visit after dark as the area becomes a neon-lit bar and clubbing hub.
Foshan’s culinary skill matches its status as a cultural hotspot. Dine out in style at global restaurants around Shunde District, or rekindle your passion for Cantonese street snacks like shrimp-stuffed wonton noodles and rice-flour Xiqiao pancakes at Ririxian Food Street.
Our hotel in Foshan
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