4 Days Guangzhou and Foshan Cultural Tour
Tour Overview
Foshan is a national-level historical and cultural city, boasting Cantonese Opera, ceramics, paper-cutting, and other traditional cultures. This 4-day Guangzhou tour will extend to the city of Foshan.
First in Guangzhou, a mega-city and the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, you can understand the unique Lingnan culture with a knowledgeable local private guide, learn about the history of overseas trade, and visit some famous city attractions such as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shamian Island, and the night view of the Pearl River.
In Foshan, you will be taken to watch live lion dance performances, catch a glimpse of Chinese martial arts, and experience pottery making and paper cutting.
Travel destinations: Guangzhou, Foshan
Suitable for: Cultural Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Gain insights into the rich heritage of Guangzhou megacity by visiting the historic Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
- Appreciate traditional arts at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.
- Admire European-style architecture on Shamian Island.
- Experience Foshan’s local crafts and traditions through the art of pottery making and paper cutting.
- Enjoy a cultural exploration of Foshan with visits to the Lion Dance at Ancestral Temple, the ancient Nanfeng Kiln, and Lingnan Tiandi.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in GuangzhouOpyionally Enjoy a Pearl River Night Cruise
Guangzhou, a mega city, has been an important port city for China's foreign trade. It is the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 2,000 years.
Upon your arrival at Guangzhou Airport, your private driver will greet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall. He/she will then escort you to your comfortable hotel. After check-in at the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax.
In the evening, you are highly recommended to take a Pearl River night cruise (at your own expense). The cruise will last 70 minutes, during which you can witness the beautiful skyline illuminated by colorful lights. This is a perfect way to begin your Guangzhou tour.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Guangzhou
Pearl River Night Cruise - Day 2: Guangzhou City TourExplore Guangzhou's History & Culture, Enjoy Tree-lined Streets with European-style Architecture
After a bumper breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you at 8:30 am to start the Guangzhou city tour. The first stop is Yuexiu Park, which is beautifully landscaped and perfect for a stroll. Here, you will see the Five Goats Sculpture, the symbol of Guangzhou. Nearby, you can see the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which has a majestic and magnificent appearance. Your guide will tell you about Dr. Sun's great contribution to the country.
Next, move to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which has a majestic and magnificent appearance. Your private guide will tell you about the founding father of modern China, Dr. Sun's great contribution to the country.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall After lunch, explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall for a deeper dive into Guangdong's cultural heritage. It is a well-preserved and representative folk building of the late Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). You will enjoy a large number of exquisite wood and stone sculptures here. Apart from that, the scenic spot also displays art exhibitions and photo exhibitions.
Later in the afternoon, take you across the Pearl River to explore Shamian Island, featuring 19th-century European style architecture such as Baroque, Gothic, and Classical. Take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined streets.
Shamian Island The last stop for the day is Huacheng Square, the largest square in Guangzhou. Over 600 large and ancient trees are planted here. You can enjoy the iconic Canton Tower as well as the modern cityscape. At the end of each year, it hosts the International Light Festival, which is one of the world's top three light festivals, along with those in France and Sydney. After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Guangzhou
- Day 3: Day Trip to FoshanExperience Foshan's Culture, Combining Historical Sites with Traditional Crafts
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Foshan, which is about 1 hour drive from Guangzhou.
Our first destination to visit in Foshan is the Ancestral Temple, a magnificent and well-preserved temple complex. It is dedicated to three outstanding figures in Chinese history: the Beidi (the God of the Northern Lands), Guanyu, (the God of War), and the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius. Here, you have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Chinese lion dance performance, symbolizing good luck and prosperity (not available on rainy days).
Lion Dance Performance in Ancestral Temple Afterwards, transfer you to Lingnan Tiandi, which preserves the traditional Lingnan architecture. The whole neighborhood consists of more than 20 heritage buildings and modern buildings. Follow your guide to explore the narrow and classical alleyways, where you will find art galleries, traditional tea houses, boutiques, and more. This is a cultural tour that seamlessly blends old world charm with modern elements.
Continue your Foshan tour to the Nanfeng Kiln. This ancient kiln complex can be traced back over 500 years ago. Enjoy a guided tour of the kilns and traditional houses, with detailed explanations. Then, strolling along Shiwan Doll Street, you can see skilled artisans making exquisite ceramic figurines.
At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel in Guangzhou's downtown area.
In the evening, you can choose to experience Foshan culture by learning the art of pottery making or paper cutting (at additional cost). These traditional crafts will deepen your impression of local culture and art.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Guangzhou
Experience Paper Cutting in Foshan - Day 4: Departure from Guangzhou
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey to your next destination. Your Guangzhou and Foshan tour ends here. Bon voyage! Hope you had a great time with us this time.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.