Diving into Dongguan's diverse delights

In just a few decades, Dongguan has transformed from a tranquil fishing village to a vibrant manufacturing powerhouse, boasting a highly transient population of eight million and a substantial GDP per capita. A beacon of resilience and transformation amid challenges, the dynamic city nicknamed “the world’s factory” is testament to the non-stop spirit of the Greater Bay Area. Located on the Pearl River Delta in the Guangdong province, it's also a great base from which to explore the sights of southern China.

Where to start

Dongguan’s districts reveal a diverse tapestry, where history collides with rapid progress. Start exploring the city on the east side of the Humen Strait in Humen Town, the site of several major battles of the First Opium War. Today, visitors can learn more at the Opium War Museum. A short drive away is the Humen Bridge, where the Naval Battle Museum sits. 

Down south in Guancheng district is where you’ll find Keyuan Garden, lauded as inspiration for art, poetry and perhaps a love story or two. On the west side, in Zhangmutou Town, there’s the famed Guanyin Mountain National Forest Park, where a 33-metre-tall statue of the goddess of mercy watches over the city. To learn more about the city’s focus on developing sustainable industries like renewable energy, head to Nancheng District and stop by the Dongguan Science and Technology Museum. End your journey with some relaxing retail therapy in the centre of Wanjiang district, home to New South China Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centres.

What to do

As one of the birthplaces of Lingnan culture, the city is host to myriad forms of folk customs, such as Cantonese opera. Catch a show or two at the Dongguan Exhibition International Convention Center or the Yulan Grand Theater. Dive into the lively markets on Dongguan Walking Street in Dongcheng district, which comes alive with local artisans and vendors displaying their crafts. No visit is complete without attending a game at the Dongguan Basketball Center, the first NBA-standard stadium in the Chinese Mainland. 

Culture vultures will enjoy the #33 Art District, where gentrification means art and where creation knows no bounds. Home to the South China Art Museum and a range of cafés and cultural spaces, the area has become a popular hangout for young creatives. If you’re travelling with kids, check out the Centennial Chinese Comic Art Museum in Hongmei Town and the Senhui Natural History Museum for its palaeobiological fossil exhibit.

What to eat

Besides being a good place to shop, Dongguan Walking Street is also an ideal place to start your gastronomic journey. Here, you’ll find dozens of vendors offering tantalising street food dishes like beef offal and stir-fried rice noodles. For a seated dining experience, the Tai Chung East Ocean restaurant chain serves dim sum, fresh seafood dishes and other Cantonese classics. Even more refined is Cai Feng Lou at the InterContinental Dongguan, where you can enjoy elegantly presented fare including the signature crispy roasted farm chicken topped with Kaluga caviar. When the city is about to sleep, head to Lychee Bar at the Hyatt Regency Dongguan, the perfect setting to unwind with a drink or two.

Where to stay

Pamper yourself with a stay at InterContinental Dongguan , one of the most popular Dongguan hotels. Part of the Dongguan International Trade Centre, the centrally located hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Farther afield, the just-opened Banyan Tree Dongguan Songshan Lake adds a touch of tranquillity to the bustling cityscape. The secluded lakeside luxury resort allows guests to soak in nature and experience the charming local way of life, making it the perfect place to stay for a short weekend getaway. Avid golfers can opt for Mission Hills Resort Dongguan , a family-friendly resort that stretches over 20 square kilometres and features several world-class golf courses designed by the sport’s greatest legends.

Get there 

From Hong Kong International Airport, you can travel to Dongguan by ferry from the SkyPier Terminal. The journey takes about 90 minutes. In addition to buses and private car services from the city centre, the high-speed rail departs multiple times a day from West Kowloon railway station and also makes stops at Guangzhou and Shenzhen.