Explore Zhongshan: best places to eat, see and stay

When describing Zhongshan to visitors, locals always say it’s “a liveable city”. Indeed, this city of 4.4 million is more laid-back than some of its neighbours in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). A stroll around town reveals a refined, rich sense of cultural heritage that permeates its quaint streets and alleys.

Where to start 

Zhongshan is the birthplace of Dr Sun Yat-sen and many of the city’s most prominent sites revolve around the legacy of the man who played an instrumental role in modern Chinese history. The Tourism Area of Sun Yat-sen’s Hometown, consisting of the Sun Yat Sen Memorial House, Cuiheng Village and the Xinhai Revolution Memorial Park, offers a comprehensive overview of the revolutionary’s life. 

At the Sun Wen Xi Lu Tourism Zone, now a popular shopping and leisure destination, well-preserved historic buildings offer a glimpse into the past. The former sites of the Sihao Hotel, Bank of China and Xiangshan Chamber of Commerce are all of living artefacts of Zhongshan’s history as a commercial hub.

What to do

Zhongshan is a book lover’s dream. Explore its literary culture at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Library before checking out bookshop chain Xiangshan Study’s Zimaling Park outlet, which opened in 2023. This pure white modernist building is set well within the park itself, offering a green sanctuary for readers to relax and get lost in the pages. 

Many of Zhongshan’s famous scholars and literati hailed from Shaxi Town, a neighbourhood popular with overseas Chinese who returned to settle down in their motherland. In the ancient villages of Shengshi, Houshan and Longrui, visitors will find their residences and watchtowers, which feature architectural and design influences drawn from both local Lingnan culture and the West. Some of these houses are still occupied by the descendants of those who built them, and the families’ literary prowess is proudly displayed on the elegantly handwritten couplets posted on their doors.

Besides its rich cultural heritage, Zhongshan also has an active modern side. Repurposed from an old aluminium factory and flea market, the Art Zhongshan Cultural and Creative Industrial Park is now an enclave for the hip and artsy, thanks to a vibrant mix of low-key, laid-back cafés, multi-brand gift shops, florists, theatres and design studios. For a fully modern approach, the Zhongshan Shiqi MixC mall houses top international brands and restaurant chains, as well as an open-air atrium with pop-up installations. 

What to eat

The people of Zhongshan take their food very seriously, and each part of the city has its signature specialities. Shiqi district is the place for roasted pigeon while the town of Huangpu is famous for its Chinese-style cured meats. Those who love seafood should head to Nanlang for its crab dishes, Dongsheng for crispy grass carp, and Guzhen for its traditional fish cakes. Pressed for time? The Sheraton Zhongshan Hotel’s Yue restaurant has a “Taste of Zhongshan” menu, which will give you a taste of these regional delicacies in a single meal. 

Another dish that defines Zhongshan’s cuisine is Shaxi braised pork belly. Enjoy it at Liyuan Longdu Restaurant, housed inside a cluster of historical buildings, along with other signatures like lychee wood-roasted chicken. For something sweet, Xiaolan Town, also known as Chrysanthemum City, is best known for desserts made with the flower it’s named after. Try it at Zijuyuan Tianpin, whose stewed chrysanthemum milk with snow fungus and olives is a feast for the eye and palate, thanks to its mild fragrance from the flower and just the right amount of sweetness. 

Fancy a drink after dinner? Back Room in the East District is the place to be. Tucked away in a busy car park, this evening-only bar is best known for its inventive cocktails. Whether it’s a cold brew coffee- infused whisky or a shiso leaf-infused gin topped with a touch of matcha and yoghurt, the drinks strike a perfect balance in flavours and go down smooth as silk

Where to stay

Located next to the Qijiang River, Sheraton Zhongshan Hotel puts guests right in the heart of the action while also offering a comfortable place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The buzzing Sun Wen Xi Lu Tourism Area and the tranquil Qijiang Park are on the hotel’s doorstep, while the neighbouring Central Power Plaza offers plenty of shopping, entertainment and dining options. Its spacious rooms and suites come with all the essential modern amenities and offer a bird’s eye view of the nearby river and park, making the hotel an ideal stay for families and business travellers. 

How to get there

From Hong Kong International Airport, you can travel to Zhongshan Port via ferry from the SkyPier Terminal . The journey takes about 80 minutes. From the city centre, bus services take you to Zhongshan via the Shenzhen Bay Port in about 3.5 hours.

Cathay passengers also have the added convenience of booking Direct Air+Sea to Zhongshan. Simply insert “Zhongshan Port, (ZGN)” as your final destination when booking your flights, and your baggage will be checked through to Zhongshan.* Just like hopping onto a connecting flight, passengers need only head to Transfer Area E2 upon landing at HKIA to collect their codeshare ferry tickets. When you arrive at the transfer area, present your tags to the ferry operating staff to ensure your belongings arrive safely in Zhongshan, then board the vessel at SkyPier Terminal without the need to even pass through Hong Kong’s borders. 

*Direct Air+Sea is available for selected routes on our website. For regions where this service is unavailable, please book via a travel agent. If you're departing from Taiwan China, please purchase your ferry tickets separately. We’ll arrange your bags to be checked through when you check in at your departing airport.