Located on the west side of the Pearl River Delta, Foshan – which translates to Buddha Mountain – is just a stone’s throw from Guangzhou. Said to be the birthplace of Cantonese opera, this Greater Bay Area (GBA) city is also renowned for its ancient crafts, such as pottery, papercutting and woodblock printing; lion dancing; and martial arts, with museums dedicated to revered martial artists Wong Fei-hung and Ip Man, both of whom were born in Foshan.
The city is also home to a thriving food scene: scrumptious fish cakes, finger-licking rice noodles in mouth-watering broth, decadent Dalong stir-fried milk, a panoply of pastries and the sweet, silky double-boiled milk are but a few must-tries.
Filled with lush parks and gardens, Foshan is especially appealing to history buffs. Take a walk down the Ming Qing Ancient Streets, a protected heritage zone. While there, admire the five-century-old Nanfeng Kiln, a national 4A-level attraction that’s recognised by the Guinness World Records as “the oldest and best-preserved firewood and dragon kiln in the world”. Make a pilgrimage to Chinese deity Guanyin at Mount Xiqiao, a dormant volcano home to shapely rocks, hot springs, caves and beautiful waterfalls. Or get your Instagram fix at the 1300-acre Sanshui Lotus World, boasting the most lotus flowers – in quantity and variety – in the world.
Though home to two airports – the Pearl River Delta International Airport and the military-cum-public Foshan Shadi Airport – direct flights from Hong Kong are non-existent due to the proximity of the cities. But fret not, as getting to Foshan is no difficult feat.
Credit: Winhorse/Getty images
Credit: Winhorse/Getty Images
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The quickest way between the two cities is via high-speed train departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon station and arriving at Foshan Xi (or Foshan West). The two daily trains leave late afternoon and take approximately an hour and a half. Be sure to check the timetable here prior to departure.
Fares range from HK$253 for second class to HK$755 for business class, which glams up getting from A to B with more leg room, meals, slippers and earplugs. Make yourself at home with reclining seats that also swivel. Note well that the fares are based on RMB with exchange rates subject to change.
Ticket pre-purchases are exclusive to passengers with a Chinese Mainland phone number via the 12306 ticketing website or app, available on both iOS and Android . Foreign passport holders can book via the English version of the aforementioned platforms – otherwise, in-person ticket purchase at West Kowloon station with identity verification is also possible.
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The only seabound option is Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company Limited