Perched atop a mountain in the rugged forests of Guangdong is the picturesque Yinxian Resort. Built to commemorate Ming Dynasty official Li Juesi, the spacious resort features a Li Juesi memorial hall, built in classic Ming-era style (complete with original furnishings), as well as several Buddhist monuments.  Welcoming visitors at the foot of the mountain is a 15m (49ft) statue of the Maitreya Buddha's human form, while on the mountain's pinnacle stands a 29m (95ft) tall white marble statue of Kwan-yin, China's Goddess of Mercy - it's the biggest one of its kind in China. From Li Juesi's residence near the top of the mountain, you can look down upon Yinxian Temple and the placid, aquamarine waters of the lake beside it. The resort is a good place to get away from the bustle of nearby Dongguan (about 15km or 10 miles away), but don't expect complete peace and quiet. Th... more >>

  The best place to get a clear understanding of the Opium wars from a Chinese perspective, the Opium War Museum records not only the history of the events, but commemorates Lin Zexu, the Ming-era official who fanned the flames of the conflict by disposing of nearly 1,200 metric tons (2,619,372 pounds) of British opium at Humen Beach in 1839. Enraged by Lin's defiance and the huge economic losses resulting from the destruction of their product, the Brits brought their superior weaponry and naval tactics to bear on Canton, thus firing the first shots of the Opium Wars. You'll find lots of fascinating info here, as well as many conspicuously-displayed, patriotic calls for Chinese to help fight the war on drugs.      Set in the Humen Fortress, the museum is distributed into three general sections; the museum, the Shajiao Emplacement and the Weyuan Emplaceme... more >>

  Built in 1850 by deposed military officer Zhang Jingxiu, Keyuan Garden, one of Guangdong's historic "four famous gardens," makes for a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Replete with picturesque gardens, and a multitude of pavilions and kiosks served by 130 doorways and 108 gates, the grounds are usually host to strollers looking for an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city, as well as poets and painters looking for a little inspiration. After Zhang quit the military, he focused on his other talents, poetry, calligraphy, chess and painting - for which he is best known. After retiring from the military, he invited two renowned painters, Ju Chao and Ju Lian, to come paint in the Keyuan grounds year-long. As a result, the trio founded what is known as the Lingnan School, which sought to absorb some Western cultural elements into traditional Chinese... more >>

  Reminiscent of a huge warship surging out of the waves, the Humen Naval Battle Musuem is a sprawling, 200,000 square meter (49 acres) complex which details the events of the Opium wars. The museum is split into three main areas: the main hall, the sea wall and the memorial square.  The main hall comprises four exhibits, the first two of which detail the sea warfare waged during the Opium War using media such as paintings and small-scale models. Exhibit number three examines the naval war as it happened specifically around Humen. This exhibit's media are accompanied by flashing lights and sound effects to give the viewer a more immediate, immersive experience of the battles that took place in the museum's proximity just over 150 years ago. Finally, the fourth exhibit is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of illegal drugs; not surprising considering... more >>

A crucial transport junction and testament to China's rapidly accruing engineering know-how, the Humen bridge is not only a major organ in the Pearl River Delta's transportation network, but is also a landmark tourist attraction. Completed in 1997, this 15.76 kilometers (9.8 miles) long bridge represent a significant first for the Chinese people, as it was the first large-scale suspension bridge independently built and designed by China. By reducing the distance needed to travel from Hong Kong and Shenzhen to Zhuhai by 120 kilometers (74.6 miles), the bridge has also significantly contributed to Guangdong's economic development.  The bridge is located over Weiyuan Island, near the site of the Weiyuan Emplacement, site of major battles during the Opium War. The bridge is especially beautiful in the evening, its symmetrical lengths compliment the landscape of sea and island... more >>