Foshan has been tough but I'm back, here are some brutally honest truths

Location

Foshan, Guangzhou’s “handsome neighbor,” boasts the gentle charm of Lingnan water towns and the bold spirit of the Kung Fu city. August is hot, but the night market’s lively atmosphere, the icy sweetness of dessert soups, and the shade of ancient gardens will make you forget the summer heat in no time～

🚗 Super detailed 3-day itinerary

🌞 Day 1: Stroll through ancient charm + night market frenzy

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Morning: Rush into [Foshan Ancestral Temple] (20 RMB ticket), watch the gray clay “Feitian” dancing on the eaves, and don’t miss the lion dance performance at the Huang Feihong Memorial Hall (the 10:30 show is the most exciting)! Hide under the century-old banyan tree where even the air smells of history～

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Noon: Near the temple, try “Minxin Old Shop” double-skin milk pudding, the milk skin is thick and wobbly, paired with crispy fish skin, a perfect hot and cold combo!

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Afternoon: Explore [Lingnan Tiandi] (free!), enjoy the aroma of coffee under the arcade, creative shops, and wedding houses—every snap is a vintage masterpiece📸. When the red lanterns light up at dusk, the aroma of roasted pigeon is irresistible, and the fried milk from street stalls is crispy outside, tender inside, so delicious you’ll stomp your feet!

🌿 Day 2: Healing mountains and waters + Shunde flavor explosion

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Morning: Climb [Xiqiao Mountain] (55 RMB ticket), the volcanic lake shimmers silver, and the four-sided bamboo leaves look like alien plants! Have a cup of herbal tea in the tea fields to cool off the heat～

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Noon: At the foot of the mountain, slurp a bowl of mountain water tofu pudding (5 RMB), Xiqiao pancake is milky and soft, carb happiness maxed out!

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Afternoon: Venture into [Qinghui Garden] (15 RMB ticket), the rockery caves hide cool shade, and the lotus pond is perfect for stunning Hanfu photos! At night, visit [Shunfengshan Park] (free), enjoy a night tour of the lotus pond and watch the aunties dance “Lingnan disco” in the square～

🎨 Day 3: Intangible cultural heritage crafts + romantic Ferris wheel

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Morning: Have fun at [Nanfeng Ancient Kiln] (25 RMB ticket), do a pottery DIY and make a cute ugly cup, the creative market at the ancient kiln square is great for shopping～

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Noon: Eat congee hotpot in an old Shunde alley, fish slices cooked for 3 seconds are incredibly fresh, pan-fried fish cakes are crispy outside and soft inside, and Chen Village rice noodles are silky smooth!

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Evening: Head to [Happy Coast PLUS] (free entry), the Ferris wheel night view is super romantic, and the nearby night market dessert stalls will fill you up!

🌟 Must-visit TOP 5

1.
Lingnan Tiandi: Free! Arcade old street + modern artsy vibe, the roasted pigeon at the night market is a must-try～

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Qinghui Garden: 15 RMB, one of the four famous Lingnan gardens, the lotus pond and Manchu window light and shadow are breathtaking!

3.
Shunfengshan Park: Free! Asia’s largest paifang archway is stunning, night boating is super chill～

4.
Minxin Old Shop: Rich milky double-skin milk pudding, fried milk crispy outside with a molten center, dessert heaven!

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Happy Coast PLUS: Free entry, perfect Ferris wheel photo spot, night market snacks cost about 30 RMB per person for a full meal!

🏨 Accommodation recommendations

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Atour Hotel (Shunde Overseas Chinese Town Branch): 348 RMB/night, Ferris wheel view rooms + family-themed rooms, soaking in the bathtub while watching the night view is amazing!

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Foshan Hilton Hotel: Adorable family rooms, the lobby aquarium is a great photo spot, book on Trip.com and get breakfast vouchers～

🚌 Transportation tips

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Day 1: Exit D at Zumu Station on the Guangfo Line, 5-minute walk to Ancestral Temple; Lingnan Tiandi is right next door, after the night market take a taxi back to the hotel for 10 RMB.

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Day 2: Take Metro Line 2 to Xiqiao Mountain Station, transfer to the sightseeing bus up the mountain; Shunfengshan Park is a 20-minute taxi ride away.

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Day 3: Take Guangfo Line to Nanfeng Ancient Kiln Station, taxi to Happy Coast is 15 minutes, remember to check real-time routes on Trip.com!

📸 Photo spots

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Red lantern corridor at the wedding house in Lingnan Tiandi

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Manchu window light and shadow at Bixi Caotang in Qinghui Garden

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Rainbow stairs under the Ferris wheel at Happy Coast

🍜 Food highlights

1.
Double-skin milk pudding: After chilling, the milk skin wrinkles, and the spoon jiggles DuangDuang, sweet but not greasy!

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Congee hotpot: Rice soup with raw oysters is so fresh it makes you scream, finish by drinking the congee broth essence, eyebrows will fall off from freshness!

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Fried milk: Golden crispy shell with molten milk filling like molten cheese, so hot you can’t stop eating!

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Fish skin: Sour and spicy sauce + crushed peanuts, crispy like fireworks in your mouth!

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Chen Village rice noodles: Thin enough to see through, soaked in soy sauce and sesame, who understands the joy of slurping noodles!

💰 3-day expense summary

Two nights at Atour about 700 RMB, three days of eating crazily 600 RMB (Shunde snacks are so cheap!), tickets about 100 RMB per person, transportation by taxi + metro 150 RMB. Total 1550 RMB, feels like a steal—great stay, amazing food, and crazy fun!

⚠️ Tips

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August is super sunny! Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen trio～

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DIY pottery at Nanfeng Ancient Kiln requires advance booking, beginners better watch pros in action!

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Shunde dishes are large portions, better to eat in groups, remember to bring digestive tablets 😂

😭 Tough parts: Climbing Xiqiao Mountain stairs left my legs weak, but the view from the top was worth it! Night market choice overload, I wish I had eight stomachs…

This Foshan trip was like finding treasure! Daytime ancient garden photos, night market feasting, midnight soaking while watching the Ferris wheel～ Any hidden gems? Experts, please share your tips in the comments! 🎉