Foshan
From ChinaTravelGuide
South China (华南) » Guangdong (广东) » Foshan (佛山)
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[edit] Overview
Foshan is a prefecture-level city in central Guangdong province, People's Republic of China. The city has jurisdiction over an area of about 3,840 km² and a population of 5.4 million of which 1.1 million reside in the city proper (year 2000 figures).
[edit] History
The town of Foshan is many centuries old. It is famous for its porcelain industry. Now it is the third largest city in Guangdong. The city is relatively affluent when compared to other Chinese cities, and it is home to many large private enterprises. Foshan recently has seen a transformation brought by China's booming economy. Foshan is also famous for it's numerous Wing Chun schools where many come to train and spar.
[edit] Weather
Current Conditions (2010-03-17 15:00:00, local time)
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Foshan |
Temp: 68°F (20°C) |
Foshan Weather Forecast
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[edit] Map
Click here to open Foshan map.
[edit] Video
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[edit] Getting in & Getting out
[edit] By Air
The closest large airport is the New Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场, IATA: CAN, ICAO: ZGGG, [1]). You can fly into that airport and get to Foshan by bus.
[edit] By Train
Foshan is a main interchange for railway routes linking Guangzhou, Hong Kong and the western Guangdong Province. It is connected with Hong Kong via the KCRC Guangdong Through Train service from Foshan railway station. The inter-city through train service was extended from Guangzhou to Foshan since the 1990s.
Being a prominent link to Guangzhou city, the Guangfo Line of the Guangzhou Metro, presently under construction, will connect the city to Guangzhou. The metro is supposed to be finished by 2010 in time for the 2010 Asian Games making it very convenient to go from Foshan downtown area to any place in Guangzhou.
[edit] By Bus
There are coaches that arrive in Foshan from Guangzhou every fifteen minutes. It takes approximately one hour to get there from Guangzhou. It will cost approximately ¥10-20.
[edit] By Ship
[edit] Getting Around
[edit] By Public Bus
The public bus system is the most inexpensive way to get around the city, the fare is only ¥2 (make sure you have exact change). Most of the busses are modern and air conditioned. However, the bus system is only recommended if you are familiar with the routes and the city or if you know ahead of time exactly which bus to take and which stop to get off. Most people will not know any English so you will have trouble finding directions if you get lost and can't speak Chinese.
[edit] By Tour Bus
[edit] By Metro
[edit] By Taxi & Rental Car
This is the most convenient way to get around Foshan since they can be found all over. However, most taxis are filled during rush hour or when it is raining meaning you'll have to wait a while to find one that's available. You will know that a taxi is available when the small red "空车 For Hire" sign is raised up on the dashboard. The fares are very inexpensive by Western standards, it starts at ¥7 for the first 2.6 kilometers and increases by ¥1 increments as you go farther. Drivers are supposed to add a ¥1 fuel surcharge to the fare displayed on the meter, but some may forget to do this. Most drivers speak Cantonese, though many only speak Mandarin (though they can usually understand Cantonese). It is very rare to find a taxi driver who can speak or even understand English so it is best to have your destination written or printed out in Chinese characters if you cannot speak Chinese. Some of the locations in this guide are have their names shown in Chinese characters.
[edit] Attractions
- Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area (佛山西樵山风景名胜区)
- Zumiao Temple
- Liangyuan Park. Formerly the residence of the Liang clan, the park is actually a large garden housing a number of traditional Chinese-style buildings. Well worth a visit.
- Zhongshan Park (中山公园). Located along the Fenjiang River, the park offers nine specific scenic areas and family entertainment facilities.
- Taocicheng (陶瓷城). A small village with a long tradition of pottery making. An excellent place to find some pieces of traditional-style Chinese porcelain.
- Leigang Park. located in the center of Nanhai. The park hosts children's attractions and a large lake.
- Lotus World (荷花世界). Sanshui's Lotus World is the largest lotus ecological park in the world
- Renshou Temple, Zumiao Road. Founded in 1925. The temple originally belonged to the Vajrayana school, but later was converted into a Chan (Zen) temple. Houses a an exotic pagoda, and is an interesting mix of colorful Vajaryana icons and simple Chan aesthetics.
- Shiwan's Nanfeng Ancient Furnace, founded during Zhengde period of Ming Dynasty(1506-1521). A reminder of Foshan's once great porcelain industry.
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid Range
[edit] Luxury
- Butterfiy Valley Resort
- Changcheng Hotel
- Courtry Garden Holiday Resorts
- Courtyard by Marriott Shunde
- Deerhill Hotel
- Ever Profit Hotel
- Foshan Carrianna Hotel
- Golden City Hotel
- Jin Du Hotel
- Nanguo Hotel
[edit] Restaurants
[edit] Shopping
Bai Hua Square is one of the tall building in Foshan and has a great shopping mall with restaurants offering Japanese and continental cuisine. It's located near Foshan Hotel and Zu Miao temple.
[edit] Night Life & Entertainment
The bar areas are scattered in different locations in Foshan. The most famous chill out area is near Jihua garden called Jiuba jie.
A couple of decent clubs include: Mini Club, Unlimited and Rave Party
