Foshan Travel Guide
Foshan Facts
Chinese Name: 佛山 (fó shān)
Population: 7,905,700
Area: 3,797.72 square kilometers (1,466.31 square miles)
Location: in the center of Guangdong Province, south China
Administrative Division: five districts (Chancheng, Shunde, Sanshui, Nanhai and Gaoming)
Area Code: 0757
Zip Code: 528000
GDP (2018): CNY 993.59 billion (USD 150.16 billion)
Foshan is located in the northern part of the Pearl River, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The city is made up of five districts: Chancheng, Shunde, Sanshui, Nanhai and Gaoming Districts. The government seat is located in Chancheng District. It is a vital part of an active economic zone comprising of Guangzhou in the east, and Hong Kong and Macau in the south.
With a long history dating back to approximately 5,000 years, the city gained its name from the three Buddha statues unearthed in this area in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Having a temperate climate with abundant rainfall, it has been a land of fish and rice. Besides fishing and farming, the local craftsmen were also known for their skills in making ceramics. Thriving handicraft industries, commerce, and the arts made Foshan one of the four most famous towns in Tang and Song (960-1279) dynasties. It has a reputation as the home of Chinese ceramic arts, Cantonese operas and martial arts.
Foshan is a modern city. It was one of the earliest ports to engage in foreign trade since China's open door policy. It also has become the third largest city in Guangdong Province, combining its manufacturing industries with tourism. In recent years, Foshan has committed its resources to further expand its vibrant tourism industry.
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Recommended Guided Tour
1 Day Guangzhou to Foshan Tour from $169
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The Zumiao Commercial Street in Foshan is a must-go place for shopping. There are big shopping malls and plazas where all kinds of local handicrafts can be found. In addition, there are many famous restaurants that serve fresh, tasty local delicacies. Cafes, pubs and teahouses add varieties for visitors to enjoy.
See More: In-depth Guide to Top 10 Guangdong Destinations