Foshan is a prefecture-level city in the Pearl River Delta, directly southwest of Guangzhou and linked to it by the Guangfo metro line. It is the birthplace of Cantonese martial arts and lion dance, home to the Ming-Qing Zumiao Ancestral Temple, the ceramics kilns of Shiwan, and Shunde, widely regarded as the cradle of Cantonese cuisine. Visitors fly into Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong and reach Foshan by metro or intercity rail.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Guangzhou (Canton Tower, Shamian, Yuexiu) from Foshan
Provincial capital with Canton Tower, Shamian Island colonial architecture, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Yuexiu Park, easily reached by metro from Foshan.
Zhongshan (Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence, Cuiheng) from Foshan
Birthplace of Sun Yat-sen, with his former residence and museum at Cuiheng, plus Zhongshan's Xiaolan chrysanthemum town and Qijiang old streets.
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (UNESCO) from Foshan
UNESCO World Heritage fortified watchtowers built by overseas Chinese in the early 20th century, including Zili Village and Li Garden.
Zhaoqing (Seven Star Crags, Dinghu Mountain) from Foshan
Limestone karst peaks around the lakes of Seven Star Crags, ancient city walls and Dinghu Mountain forest reserve; one of the nearest classic Guangdong scenic areas.
Zhuhai (Fisher Girl, Lovers' Road) from Foshan
Coastal city on Lovers' Road with the Fisher Girl statue, Zhuhai Opera House and Macau border access at Gongbei.
Shenzhen (Civic Center, Shekou, OCT Loft) from Foshan
Modern Greater Bay Area metropolis with skyscrapers, the Civic Center, OCT Loft and the Shekou seafront.
Qingyuan (Feilai Gorge, Gulongxia) from Foshan
Mountain and river landscape north of Foshan with Feilai Gorge, hot springs and river rafting.
Macau (Ruins of St Paul's, Senado Square) from Foshan
Portuguese-era Historic Centre of Macau (UNESCO) with Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul's and Macanese food culture; passport required.
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised group day tours from Guangzhou and Foshan to Kaiping Diaolou, Zhaoqing or Macau run from about CNY 250-450 (approx. USD 37-67) per person on Trip.com, Klook and KKday
- Private
- A private car or DiDi chauffeur for a full day to Kaiping, Zhaoqing or Zhongshan is about CNY 700-1,200 (approx. USD 104-179)
- Public
- Foshan West Railway Station is the best rail departure point; use 12306, Trip.com and Amap for tickets and routes
- Rental
- Self-drive is not permitted for holders of foreign licences without a mainland Chinese licence
Multi-day tours from Foshan
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from FoshanWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Carry your passport for every day trip; Macau and Hong Kong are immigration-controlled and hotels and stations may also request ID
Book Macau, Zhuhai and Kaiping rail tickets ahead on Trip.com or 12306 on weekends and public holidays (Golden Week 1-7 October, Spring Festival)
Foshan West has the most high-speed departures; Foshan Railway Station suits the historic centre but has fewer long-distance trains
Kaiping Diaolou and Qingyuan's Feilai Gorge need a taxi or chartered car for the last leg, so start early
Carry Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a foreign card for tickets, buses and DiDi rides