Foshan 3-Day, 2-Night Quick Getaway: Must-Visit Ancestral Temple, Ceramic Museum, and Shunde Food Guide!

Looking for a travel spot that's packed with culture, close to Hong Kong, and full of mouth-watering food? How about a quick 3-day, 2-night trip to Foshan! Our Kinnso travel team has put together a handy guide for your visit. Explore the historic Ancestral Temple, dive into the world of ceramics, and savor the must-try dishes in Shunde. It's all set to make your mini-adventure both delightful and unforgettable.

We kicked off our journey early in the morning and made our way to Foshan. Our first stop was the hotel to drop off our bags. For ease of travel, staying in the Zhumiao or Lecong areas is highly recommended. Once we were settled, we headed straight to the "Ancestral Temple," a must-see landmark in Foshan. This temple, which honors the esteemed monks of the "Nanhua Temple," dates back to the Song Dynasty and is one of Guangdong's four famous temples. The temple's architecture is awe-inspiring, and just nearby, you'll find the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln Cultural Street. This charming area is perfect for sampling local Foshan treats like rice rolls, fried dumplings, and boat congee.

Our afternoon was spent exploring another cultural gem, the "Nanfeng Ancient Kiln," just a short 10-minute walk from the Ancestral Temple. This site, established during the Ming Dynasty, showcases beautiful architecture from the Ming and Qing eras. Walking along the cobblestone streets, we felt like we had stepped back in time, surrounded by quaint arcades and corridors. The area is dotted with creative shops and tea houses, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a leisurely afternoon tea.

As evening approached, we indulged in the renowned Foshan dish, "Poon Choi." This dish, which dates back to the Song Dynasty and is also known as "Taiping Huadiao Chicken," is a sumptuous mix of mountain and sea delicacies, slow-cooked to perfection. It was an incredibly delicious way to end our day.

Kick off your morning with a fascinating ceramic culture tour. Foshan has long been a hub for porcelain production in southern China. Begin your adventure at "Nanhai Film and Television City," where you can wander through film sets and try your hand at pottery making. Next, visit the "Shiwai Ceramic Museum," home to stunning ceramic pieces from the Ming Dynasty, offering a deep dive into Foshan's rich ceramic heritage. Be sure to pick up some locally crafted painted porcelain as unique souvenirs.

Come afternoon, make your way to Shunde, famously known as the "Gourmet Capital." As the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Shunde boasts a delightful array of specialty dishes and snacks. Head to the "Fengjian Fishing Port" in Fengjian Water Town, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the scenic riverside walkway. Choose a cozy tea house to indulge in Shunde's signature dish, "Golden Garlic Pork Ribs." This mouthwatering dish features succulent pork ribs paired with a distinctive sauce, delivering a burst of rich, savory flavors.

As evening falls, return to a spot near your hotel and treat yourself to a relaxing foot spa to unwind and recharge for the next day's adventures. Foshan is known for its abundant mugwort, and soaking your feet in mugwort-infused water is a perfect way to soothe away the day's fatigue. This rejuvenating experience will cost you around 60-80 RMB.

Our third day began with a scenic drive to Xiqiao Mountain, located about 40 minutes from Foshan. Known as the "First Peak of Guangdong," this northernmost peak of the Nanling Mountain Range is a must-see. We hopped on a cable car to the top, where we were greeted with stunning panoramic views of Foshan. The fresh air and beautiful scenery made it a photographer's paradise. We spent the morning exploring the hiking trails, taking in the natural beauty and cultural sites like waterfalls, unique rock formations, and ancient temples. Xiqiao Mountain is also famous for its lychees, and if you visit in June, you can enjoy them fresh from the source.

For lunch, we made our way to "Yamen Ancient Village" at the base of Xiqiao Mountain. This village, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, features Guangdong's characteristic humpbacked buildings. We dined at a local restaurant called "Yamen Chicken," where we savored dishes like "Suckling Pigeon with Rice" and "Stir-Fried Dried Oysters with Chives," all washed down with the local "Ancient Charm Tea." It was a delightful and relaxed dining experience.

In the afternoon, we headed back to downtown Foshan for some last-minute shopping. We visited the "Wanglong Shakou Cotton Market," a well-known spot for textiles, bedding, and other fabric goods at reasonable prices. It’s the perfect place to pick up some home essentials. After shopping, we took a leisurely walk to the nearby "Tapo Stone Archway Group," which has the largest collection of preserved archways in Guangdong. This gave us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient scholars and gentlemen.

• By MTR: Hop on the train and transfer at Lok Ma Chau or Luo Hu Station to the Guangzhou Metro. From there, switch to the Foshan Metro. The whole trip will take you about 2 to 3 hours.
• By High-speed Rail: Catch a train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South Station, then transfer to the Foshan Metro. You’ll be there in roughly an hour.
• By Bus: Take the Trans-Island Bus No. 991 from Tsuen Wan West Station, which offers a direct route to Foshan. This ride takes around 2 hours.

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in Foshan and settle into your hotel
• Lunch: Head over to the Ancestor Temple and treat yourself to some local Foshan snacks
• Afternoon: Wander through the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln Culture Street and indulge in some afternoon tea
• Evening: Savor a delicious Pen Cai dinner at a spot like Changsheng Restaurant

Day 2:

• Morning: Dive into ceramic culture with visits to Nanhai Film City and Shiwai Ceramic Museum
• Lunch: Make your way to Shunde's Fengjian Water Town and enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverside path
• Afternoon: Feast on famous Shunde dishes, such as Golden Garlic Ribs
• Evening: Unwind with a relaxing foot bath at the Zujun Health Club

Day 3:

• Morning: Drive to Xiqiao Mountain and take in the stunning views from the cable car
• Lunch: Relish local specialties in Yamen Ancient Village, like Pigeon and Chives Stir-fried Dried Oysters
• Afternoon: Browse the Wangdong Shakou Fabric Market and take a leisurely walk around the Tapu Stone Archway area
• Evening: Head back to Hong Kong by car

While Foshan might not have the same level of fame as its neighbor Guangzhou, it offers a distinctive Lingnan cultural appeal that makes it a perfect weekend getaway for those living in Hong Kong. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or someone who loves to snap stunning photos, Foshan has plenty to keep you entertained. We hope this guide provides you with useful tips for your trip to Foshan.