A business traveller’s guide to Jiangmen

Located in the south-central region of Guangdong Province, Jiangmen is poised to deepen its integration into the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) “one-hour living circle” with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Western Extension and the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway, which is due to open in 2028. These major transport links will strengthen the city’s role as a gateway between the GBA and western Guangdong.

Jiangmen’s economy is anchored by metal and electronics manufacturing, as well as agricultural by-product processing. Among its urban centres, Pengjiang and Jianghai stand out as the city’s key business districts, drawing entrepreneurs with their well-developed investment and commercial ecosystems.

Read on for our curated guide to Jiangmen – designed to help you discover the very best of the city and connect with local partners and clients.

Where to start 

Jiangmen’s jurisdiction covers five smaller cities – Xinhui, Taishan, Kaiping, Enping and Heshan. It has a population of 4.8 million, though it’s also the ancestral home of almost 3 million overseas Chinese in more than 100-plus countries and regions worldwide – earning it the moniker “China’s number one overseas Chinese hometown”.

Begin your journey at the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages , home to more than 1,800 striking watchtowers built in the unique blend of Eastern and Western styles. Many were built in the 1920s and 1930s by returning overseas Chinese, and in 2007, 20 of these remarkable structures were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list.

For a deeper dive, visit the Wuyi Overseas Chinese Museum, which spotlights the region’s global connections. Then stroll along Sanshisanxu Street – once Jiangmen’s busiest commercial district – where arcaded buildings offer visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the past.

Where to take clients

Established in 1950, Maple Forest Bistro is a Michelin-starred icon of Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong. Its Jiangmen flagship highlights premium local ingredients – including aged tangerine peel – while showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship for which the restaurant is known. For quiet elegance, book a private dining room at Zhen Chinese restaurant in Wanda Realm Jiangmen. The setting is polished, discreet and ideal for conversations that matter.

Where to stay 

The Crowne Plaza Jiangmen Binjiang enjoys a strategic location in Binjiang New City, right beside Yuanshan Park and within walking distance of the Guangdong Zhuxi International Convention and Exhibition Center and the surrounding industrial park. With a 30-minute drive to the high-speed railway station, it’s ideal for business travellers prioritising convenience and efficiency.

Over in the lively Pengjiang District, Wanda Realm Jiangmen features more than 300 rooms and suites, plus 4,000 square metres of banquet and conference space. Its neighbour, Wanda Plaza, caters to all your shopping needs. Jianghai Country Garden Phoenix Hotel (Jiangmen East Station Jianghai Wanda Plaza Branch) offers three well-appointed conference venues and easy access to the Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone.

What to say 

Language is one of the best ways to connect with Jiangmen’s culture. Picking up a few greetings in the Siyi Yue dialect – a branch of Cantonese – goes a long way. If you’re curious about the history of the overseas Chinese community, ask locals about the traditional architecture, such as the watchtowers, arcaded buildings and ancestral halls. Many residents are happy to share family stories and memories tied to these heritage sites. For a lighter conversation, ask for recommendations on local dishes or culinary specialities.

What to know

Lingnan ancestor veneration is central to the city’s cultural identity, a fact reflected in the myriad ancestral halls across the city. When visiting, maintain a respectful demeanour: avoid wearing revealing clothing and refrain from touching altars or ancestral tablets. The same applies when visiting temples and historic villages – never handle incense burners or offerings without permission.

Downtime done right 

The century-old Chikan Ancient Town boasts the Chinese Mainland’s largest and best-preserved collection of arcaded buildings, spanning some 600 blocks. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Guifeng National Forest Park , which changes dramatically with the seasons. Visit from October to January for its fiery autumnal foliage, or from January to late March to admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Take something home

Jiangmen is renowned for chenpi (dried tangerine peel) from Xinhui, prized for its fragrance and texture. The terroir-specific Xinhui red tangerine is considered the only “authentic ingredient” for premium chenpi. Stop by Xin Bao Tang or explore Chen Pi Cun (Tangerine Peel Village) to learn more about this beloved snack, and shop for gifts. Other notable specialities include mandarin peel Pu-erh tea, a traditional brew made with Xinhui mandarin and Yunnan Pu-erh tea since 1847. It was even listed as an intangible cultural heritage in Guangdong in 2015. Alternatively, you can join complimentary brewing and tasting workshops at Liangxi Ancient Village, before picking up some vintage tea leaves to take home to friends and family.