8 Best Things To Do In Foshan, China - Updated 2024

Rauf
Rauf 
Updated
| 5 min read

Foshan holds the distinct honor of being the hometown of one of China’s most universally recognized icons, the legendary Bruce Lee! Kung fu runs deep in the heart of Foshan and the city is the birthplace of two kung fu icons Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s master) as well as Wong Fei Hung. The Wing Chun style of kung fu was also developed here. Literally translated as ‘Buddha Hill’, the city of Foshan has a rich past and has been famous for its ceramics, Chinese opera and art for thousands of years.

Steeped in Chinese culture and tradition and containing a vast number of historical attractions, this modern, forward thinking city combines its manufacturing sector with its vibrant tourism industry and blends shopping centers with lush nature parks. The result? A one of a kind experience for travelers. Possibilities abound as you chow down on tantalizing shrimp wonton noodles with a dessert of ‘double layer’ milk pudding or simply get lost in Foshan’s inspiring scenic landscapes, pick up some local handicrafts and souvenirs or take a long walk into the distant past while enjoying the warm, temperate climate.

Here are the best things to do in Foshan, China.

1. Book a tour with locals and see Foshan's best in just eight hours! (from USD 179.0)

As China boasts its endless contributions to the evolution of several renowned industries, spend one day on your trip learning about the city’s craft-making heritage. Learn a whole lot about the resourcefulness and crafty nature of many Chinese people in this tour and appreciate beautiful artistry in furniture, ornaments, and decors that we often just come by in stores or houses. Book this convenient day tour from Guangzhou to Foshan and see the best of Foshan with the help of a local and private tour guide to help you understand the historical notes behind each structure or place you come by. Guests who book this tour will also get the chance to buy souvenirs from every stop, and a great Chinese lunch meal fo rin between stops throughout the eight-hour voyage. Those who book this tour are entitled to hotel pick up and drop off, private tour guide, private driver, and lunch.

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Foshan Cultural One Day Tour including Ancestral Temple & Nanfeng Ancient Kiln

Duration: 8 hours

3 reviews

2. Be dazzled by the Chimelong International Circus' performances (from USD 134.0)

Travelers who are more visual and enjoy watching more cultural and entertaining features are in for a treat when they visit Foshan. The Chimelong International Circus is a one-stop-shop for all things “extra” and showcases superb talent, brilliant artistry, and consistent talent in every set of the show. The acts are breathtaking and showcase several animals like horses, giraffes, and elephants doing cool and fascinating tricks. Acrobats, clowns, dancers, and magicians that truly make the illusion of wonder alive by rocking every set and dance number. Those traveling with family and children should definitely grab the chance to see this circus show and get to see China’s take on circus events.

Chimelong International Circus

Address: Huanyuan Middle Rd, Panyu, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Website: Chimelong International Circus

Duration: 80 minutes

Price: 132 USD

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Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus 2-Hour Show Ticket

Duration: 4 hours

3 reviews

3. The Bruce Lee Ancestral House

The meteor falls----bruce lee Being to the ancestral house of bruce lee while inspecting the pre made doypack filling and sealing machine .

Posted by Ava Duan on Friday, 16 December 2016

If you were one of those who spent hours copying the slick moves of the great kung fu masters, the Bruce Lee Ancestral House is a mandatory stop over on your journey through Foshan. For aspiring martial artists and die hard kung fu fans, Bruce Lee’s ancestral home would definitely seem like hallowed ground. Today, the slightly unassuming shuttered house still stands, a testament to Bruce Lee’s roots. Located in the Shang Village area of Shunde District’s Jun’an Town, the house was built by Bruce Lee’s grandfather, Lee Zhenbiao. Bruce Lee’s father Lǐ Hǎiquán, who was a Cantonese opera actor, trained just next door. Although Lee lived here for only a few days (he spent the majority of his childhood and teen years in Hong Kong), the seed of his greatness can be felt everywhere as you walk throughout the house.

The construction of the residence closely follows the local folk style that is typical of Foshan, with its black roofing tiles and gray bricks. The modest house is filled with simple furniture and contains a hall, bedroom, kitchen and yard which altogether cover only 51 square meters (about 61 sq yards). In the hall, a brief introduction to the life of Bruce Lee as well as several large stills from Bruce Lee’s films hang. There is also a wooden stake which is used for practicing kung fu and an incense burner table used to make sacrifices to Bruce Lee’s ancestors. Opening hours are from 8.30am to 5.30pm. You should try and avoid visiting the Bruce Lee Ancestral House during Golden Week in October as well as the summer holidays if you don’t like to get stuck in crowds.

The Bruce Lee Ancestral House

Address: Shapu Road, Junan Town, Shunde, Foshan

Website: The Bruce Lee Ancestral House

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4. Wong Fei-hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum

Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum

Posted by Rico Lee Wei-Jie on Monday, 23 November 2015

Established in 1996, the Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Art Center represents Wong Fei Hung’s noble medical ethics and virtue as a martial artist. The subject of numerous kung fu movies and Hong Kong dramas, it was here in Foshan that the legendary Wong Fei Hung and his students operated out of Poh Chi Lum, a famous Chinese Medical Hall to help the needy.

You can expect to see martial arts performances as well as lion dances and if you are fortunate, you may just catch a glimpse of the gigantic lion head carried by Wong Fei Hung in one of the lion dance competitions on display. There is also a multimedia room exhibiting the great man’s achievements, Baicao Hall, the Po Chi Lam clinic and more.

Wong Fei-hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum

Website: Wong Fei-hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum

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5. Foshan Hongsheng Martial Arts Center

Yup hometown of my ancestors - Foshan where this great Shfu Wong Fei Hung was born and still has his martial arts centre

Posted by Julie Jam on Wednesday, 10 December 2008

With braches in Hong Kong and abroad, Foshan Hongsheng Martial Arts Center is a deeply influential place with a large following. It was established in 1851 by Zhangyan, a martial arts master during the Qing Dynasty. Members of Hongsheng were involved in the anti-feudalism and anti-imperialism wars with many of its members sacrificing their lives. With its disciples now spread all over the world, the center continues to recruit students in order to develop martial arts disciplines.

Foshan Hongsheng Martial Arts Center

Website: Foshan Hongsheng Martial Arts Center

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6. Wong Fei-Hung Memorial

Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Katelulu used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the north part of the Ancestral Temple in downtown Foshan City, the building contains Huang Feihong Cinema and a patio for practicing Wushu. The building is modeled after the wok-handle fire-walled houses of the Qing Dynasty. The architecture of the memorial hall reflects ancient Chinese sentiments, in particular, the traditions of Lingnan style ancient buildings.

Wong Fei-Hung Memorial

Address: 21 Zumiao Rd, ZuMiao, Chancheng Qu, Foshan Shi

Website: Wong Fei-Hung Memorial

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7. Bruce Lee Park

Just in, renaming Lee Park to Bruce Lee park. Replacing statue with iconic warrior who uses martial arts to defeat racism. #Charlottesville #IWish

Posted by Jeremi Rimel on Tuesday, 6 June 2017

Bruce Lee Park is a one-stop theme park which is built around the legacy of Bruce Lee. It is situated in Jun'an Town, Foshan and surrounded by more than 20 green hills with flourishing vegetation. There are mountains, lakes and lush vegetation everywhere as well as nearly 60 species of birds in addition to the Bruce Lee Commemorative Museum, Cao Chong’en Sculpture Gallery, pavilions, Li Yaxin Art Museum, ecological farm and other attractions. Here you will also find the biggest statue of Bruce Lee in the world, as well as a stone-carved phoenix, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest stone-carved phoenix in the world.

Bruce Lee Park

Address: Sha Pu Road, Jun’an Town, Shunde District, Foshan

Website: Bruce Lee Park

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8. Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park

Xiqiao Mountain is one of the four famous mountains of Guangdong Province. It is endowed with both picturesque scenery...

Posted by Ninjutsu Kojiki-Ryū Dōjō 忍術古事記流 道場 on Sunday, 4 December 2016

Located in the Nanhai district, this mountain is actually an extinct volcano. This park contains a giant Guanyin goddess atop the mountain with a view of the whole city, a four story museum with the history of the Guangzhou area and more. There are also descending tiers, each containing its own set of temples and within the wider park visitors will be able to explore the Peach Garden, Bamboo Forest, several lakes and a small cable car. There are also caves to explore and a spectacular view of the whole city below.

Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park

Address: Huanshan Ave, Xiqiaozhen, Nanhai Qu, Foshan Shi

Website: Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park

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Kung fu and Chinese culture in Foshan, China

Experience kung fu in the heart of Foshan, the hometown of Bruce Lee and birthplace of two kung fu icons, Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s master) as well as Wong Fei Hung. Steeped in Chinese culture and tradition and containing a vast number of historical attractions, Foshan is sure to not disappoint any traveler looking for an exciting and memorable itinerary.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rauf is a freelance writer and traveler who has a rich tapestry of passions – reading, writing, boxing, cooking, and cultivating a collection of art. Known for engaging in profound discussions on...Read more

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