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The Foshan Ancestral Temple is located in Chancheng District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province. It was first built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1078-1085 AD). At that time, it was called the Zutang and Beidi Temple. In the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed Lingying Temple. It is a temple dedicated to Xuantian Emperor of the North. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, it has been a place for public meetings in Foshan's various ancestral halls. The Ancestral Temple was burned down in the late Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1372). By the early Qing Dynasty, it had become the temple complex it is today.
The Ancestral Temple comprises the Wanfu Terrace, the Lingying Memorial Archway, the Jinxiang Pond, three gates, the main hall, and the Qingzhen Building. Its architectural decorations incorporate pottery, wood carving, brick carving, and plaster sculpture. Foshan Ancestral Temple, along with the Dragon Mother Temple in Yuecheng, Zhaoqing, and the Chen Clan Academy in Guangzhou, are considered three of the greatest treasures of ancient Lingnan architecture. Besides its traditional Lingnan architectural décor, the Ancestral Temple's most captivating attraction is its exhibitions on Foshan martial arts. The Ip Man Hall and the Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall, showcasing biographical materials on the two martial arts masters, attract numerous martial arts enthusiasts.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons;
Regular ticket: 20 RMB
Half-price ticket: Students, children between 1.2m and 1.5m, and senior citizens aged 60-69 can enjoy half-price discount with valid ID.
Free of charge: Children 6 years old and below or 1.2 meters tall and below, soldiers, retired cadres, people with disabilities, journalists, Foshan citizens over 65 years old, and people over 70 years old with valid ID.
08:30-18:00;
Ticket sales stop at 17:30
Tips: 08:30-17:30 provide explanation service
The Ancestral Temple in Foshan is a historical and cultural site dedicated to honoring the Zhu family, one of the most significant families in the region. Built in the 11th century during the Song Dynasty, it represents traditional Chinese architectural styles and is a symbol of respect for ancestors and family traditions.
The Ancestral Temple is located in the center of Foshan, Guangdong. It is easily accessible by taking Metro Line 1 to the "Zumiao" station, then walking for about 10 minutes. Taxis and buses are also convenient options.
The temple is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded, making them the best times to visit. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.
The entrance fee is around ¥10 to ¥20. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Tickets can typically be booked a few days in advance.
It typically takes about 1-2 hours to explore the Ancestral Temple, depending on how much time you spend admiring the details of the architecture and artifacts.
Guided tours are available at the temple, often provided in Mandarin and Cantonese. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, may also be available at the entrance.
Start at the entrance and make your way through the courtyards to the main hall. Afterward, explore the surrounding gardens and take time to admire the artwork and sculptures in the smaller halls.
Night visits are not available, but the temple is beautifully lit up in the evenings. Special performances, including Cantonese opera, are held at times throughout the year.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during festivals. Weekdays and early mornings are the best times to avoid the crowds.
Toilets are available inside the temple. There are also souvenir shops where visitors can buy traditional handicrafts. Food and water are available in the nearby area, but not inside the temple grounds.
The Ancestral Temple is mostly accessible for elderly and children, though there are some stairs and uneven paths in certain areas. Wheelchair access may be limited in certain parts of the temple.
Cards and mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. It’s also advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or donations.
Vegetarian options are available at most Cantonese restaurants nearby. Vegan and halal food options are limited but can be found in specific restaurants catering to these diets.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the temple and nearby. Common souvenirs include traditional Chinese handicrafts, calligraphy works, tea sets, and local art pieces.
After visiting the Ancestral Temple, you can easily take a taxi or public transport to nearby attractions. Foshan’s Metro Line 1 offers convenient connections to other parts of the city.
