It's said that if you don't visit Foshan's Zu Miao (Foshan Zu Temple), then you simply haven't seen Foshan.  An essential Foshan attraction, the temple is a magnificent example of ancient Chinese architecture. Built by Taoists during the Northern Song Dynasty, the temple survived a devastating fire in the late Yuan Dynasty, and the Cultural Revolution, perhaps owing to the presence of an enshrined, 2.5 tonne bronze statue of Beidi (literally: north pole), the Taoist god of water and guardian of the city.  At the temple, you'll find ample statues of water creatures like snakes and frogs, sleepless sentinels meant to protect the city from the floods that often afflict this part near the Pearl River delta. The temple, lavishly decorated and ornate, is part of a larger complex, the Foshan Museum, which contains rich displays and collections pertaining to Cantonese op... more >>

  An ancient extinct volcano shaped the textured cliff faces and strange hollows that make of Xiqiao Mountain a nature-made masterpiece. Endowed with ample rivers, waterfalls, peaks, hollows, trails and cultural relics, it's a great place to spend a day exploring one of the most beautiful spots in Guangdong. Long touted as one of Guangdong's four most famous mountains, it was recently designated a national level scenic area.   Though none of its 72 peaks manage to get very high (the average height is just 300 meters or 984 feet) there is ample terrain to cover. The range is divided into a collection of scenic spots with typically florid Chinese names like White Cloud Hollow and Yellow Immortal Holy Garden, but it also contains monasteries, temples, pavilions and even an Wushu hall (kung fu hall) dedicated to legendary kung fu master Huang Fei Hong's "Lion Skill.&q... more >>

To get a taste of an ancient trade, visitors can visit the ancient Nanfeng Kiln, where Foshan's legendary ceramics industry originated. Its history can be traced back at least five hundred years, to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).  You'll most likely be impressed by the mere fact that the ancient kiln still functions, most of the original parts are intact, and you can even try your hand at making some pottery of your own for a truly "hands on" historical experience.   more >>

  The wealthy Liang clan built this residence over the course of 40 years and made of it a luxurious oasis in the middle of a bustling city. The exquisite oriental gardens and lily-pad covered ponds were originally arranged in the 1800's, but the whole complex fell into disrepair during the formation of the Republic and further damaged during the Cultural Revolution. Fortunately, the 1990's saw extensive restoration work done, preserving this Qing-era gem for future generations. You'll find nice traditional architecture, peace and quiet, but also a collection of ancient paintings, including, strangely enough, some examples of ancient Chinese erotic art. more >>

  Of course, no introduction of Bruce Lee is necessary; the man is a legend, probably the greatest kung-fu legend of modern times. To commemorate his genre-defining career exploits and fiery, magnetic personality, his grandfather built him a small, wood and brick ancestral hall, underlining Bruce Lee’s humble origins.   Located in Shang Village, Shunde District, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Guangzhou, the hall contains simple furnishings and displays briefly detailing Lee’s life and career. A dooryard beyond the threshold once doubled as a training area.   A tourist attraction for everyday China tourists this is not, with little to offer beyond the fact that a famous action star grew up here. This place is for serious kung fu fans only, most of which will be making the pilgrimage to see the site where kung fu's glorious new era on  t... more >>

    A sprawling park covering 80 hectares (198 acres), Lotus World claims to be the largest lotus-themed ecological park in the world. Though some of the Disneyland-like statues and arches look a little cheap and campy, there is definitely something here for nature enthusiasts and orchid lovers alike. The collection includes over 300 species, including lotuses cultivated in space (we're not kidding) and ancient lotuses unearthed in Liaoning Province.   Though the fifty foot (15m) plastic-looking "Lotus Fairy" statue is a bit of a put-off to some, you'll be well rewarded if you ignore the tacky-tourism alarms ringing in your head and push on. This AAAA tourist area has many areas to explore. The grounds are divided into eight main areas: the Culture Square; the Central Area; the Species Appreciating Area; the Water Platter and Water Lily Area; the Dinin... more >>