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Guangzhou · Self-guided tour

Explore the exquisite delicacies of China's food capital, along with a garden and shopping tour

Guangzhou·8-12 hours·——A Day of Feasting—— Cantonese cuisine, known for having the most dishes among the eight major cuisines of China, is quite a concept. According to the first large-scale ‘Guangzhou Famous Dishes and Delicacies Exhibition’ held in 1956, there were 5,457 dishes and 825 dim sum items displayed and introduced at that time. Therefore, the saying that ‘food is in Guangzhou’ indeed has its merits. However, Guangzhou is not the ultimate destination for food lovers; in the hearts of its people, the true food capital is actually Shunde. Shunde, one of the important birthplaces of Cantonese cuisine, is known for its exquisite, fresh, and diverse food, earning it the titles of ‘World Food Capital’ and ‘Hometown of Chinese Chefs.’ The chefs here focus on inheriting and innovating culinary skills, combining traditional and modern cooking methods to create countless classic dishes. So, if you are a food enthusiast visiting Guangzhou, you must not miss out on Shunde. The food here is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a cultural heritage. They carry different temperatures and flavors, different ingredients and aromas, embodying the Shunde people's love and pursuit of life, jumping into your stomach and mind, leaving a lasting impression. Today, let’s step into this paradise for foodies, loosen our cheeks, and indulge in the ultimate culinary pleasure.
Self-guidedNo group to follow
8-12 hoursMake time for discovery
Explore in the appYour local companion

A day with a different perspective.

Breakfast → Qinghui Garden → Huagai Road Pedestrian Street → Huagai Mountain Boardwalk → Jinbang Shang Street → Xinyong Movie Street → Diesel Engine 1959 → Fisherman’s Wharf → Dinner

A look at your route

Daliang Zhonglou Metro Station, Exit A

Guangzhou South Railway Station is one of the key transport hubs in the city, with multiple metro lines passing through. You can easily reach it from most hotels in Guangzhou, as many metro lines connect to the station. From Guangzhou South Railway Station, take Metro Line 7 (towards Meidi Dadao Station) and travel for 7 stations until you reach Beijiao Park Station. From there, transfer to Foshan Metro Line 3 (towards Shunde College Station) and travel for another 6 stations, getting off at Daliang Zhonglou Station. The entire journey will take about 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Daliang Zhonglou Station, you can start your day’s food adventure—beginning with breakfast.

Breakfast

In Shunde, breakfast holds a very special place in daily life. It's not just about enjoying a delicious and hearty meal that sets a positive mood and provides energy for the day—it’s also a time when locals gather with family or friends to savor the leisurely morning hours together. The culture of Yum Cha in Shunde is more than just a dietary tradition; it’s a form of socializing and family bonding, similar to how dinner is valued in many Western cultures. Because of this, breakfast in Shunde offers a wide variety of options, from traditional shenggun congee (porridge cooked with raw ingredients), cheung fun (steamed rice rolls), and wonton noodles to an array of dim sum and tea snacks. Each dish is crafted with its own unique flavors and techniques, representing a deep-rooted culinary heritage. This is a key experience you would not willing to miss during your visit. We’ve carefully selected three breakfast spots for you, where you can fully immerse yourself in the local breakfast culture of Shunde. Take your time, savor every bite, and enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace.

Qinghui Garden

💰 Ticket price: 15 RMB for adult. Free admission for seniors over 65 and children. 7 RMB for children. ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1.5 hours The only entrance is at Southeast Gate 1. You need to bring identification, scan the code at the entrance to purchase tickets, and show the QR code at the gate for entry. If you encounter any issues, you can consult the staff. After arriving here, walk a few dozen meters to the right and turn the corner to reach the entrance. Understanding Qinghui Garden Qinghui Garden was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1607) as the residence of Huang Shijun, the first scholar to achieve the highest rank in the imperial examination from Shunde after it became a county. Huang, a native of Xingtan, held the positions of Minister of Rites and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and he even served as a high-ranking official in the cabinet. In the Qing Dynasty, the garden was purchased and expanded by the prominent Long family, becoming one of the Four Great Gardens of Lingnan (the others being Yuyin Mountain House, Liang Garden, and Ke Garden). The name "Qinghui" is derived from a line in the "Book of Songs," the oldest collection of Chinese poetry, which translates to "Who says the heart of inch-long grass can repay the warmth of spring?" This reflects the themes of filial piety and the beauty of nature. The garden combines the characteristics of Jiangnan(the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) water towns and Lingnan(southern China) architecture, known for its intricate layout, poetic and picturesque ambiance, and rich cultural stories. It was integrated and expanded in 1959 and 1996, growing from a small garden of over 6,000 square meters to a public garden of 22,000 square meters. In 2007, it was selected as one of the "Top Ten Gardens in China." Qinghui Garden is a model of the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, featuring numerous European-style doorways, windows, Romanesque arches, and Ionic columns, creating a unique landscape within the garden. It is one of the best-preserved classical gardens in Foshan, boasting unique garden design and a wealth of historical and cultural significance. Tour Route Entrance → 1. Garden → 2. Xiaopengying Pavilion → 3. Guijilu Cottage→ 4. Bishenghua Guan (Mansion of Blossoming Brushes) → 5. Zhenyan Zhai (True Ink-stone Studio) → 6. Time-Cherishing Studio → 7. Boat Hall → 8. Liufenge → 9. Zhuangyuan Hall → 10. Babiaolaixiang (Eight Directions Fragrance) Pavilion → 11. Fenglaifeng Peak → 12. Duyunxuan → 13. Bixi Humble Cottage → 14. Chengyi Pavilion → 15. Lion Hill → Exit "Centennial Wisteria Waterfall" - Capture the exclusive purple flower corridor in spring (March-April) "Stained Glass Windows" - When sunlight passes through, it resembles a spilled kaleidoscope "Eight-Clawed Osmanthus Tree" - The golden romance fills the garden with fragrance in autumn "Bixicao Hall" - The round door frame creates a picturesque and storied scene "Zhuangyuan Hall" - Touch the “Ao Tou” sculpture for good luck~

Recommended Desserts and Tea Drinks

After experiencing the elegance of Lingnan architecture and culture at Qinghui Garden, let’s now enjoy the refined flavors of Lingnan-style desserts and coffee. Here are three dessert and tea spots for you to choose from.

Transportation

Within walking distance to Huagai Road Pedestrian Street.

Huagai Road Pedestrian Street

⏰Opening Hours: 24 hours 📷 Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour This is the core street of Shunde, stretching 635 meters from Fengshan Road in the south to Jinlong Road in the north. It was built in the early Republic of China (1920s) and originally served as the main commercial axis of Shunde County. The most distinctive feature is the arcade buildings that blend Lingnan and Western architectural styles. These buildings have shops on the ground floor and extended corridors on the upper floors supported by columns, providing shade and shelter from the rain while making it convenient for pedestrians to stroll (locally known as "Qilou"). This street was once a bustling hub for Shunde's silk trade, witnessing the commercial prosperity of the Pearl River Delta in modern times. Today, the retro facades in pastel yellow and light green, along with the ornate railings, still retain the charm of the Republic era, earning it the nickname "Open-Air Museum of Lingnan Architecture." In 2012, it was transformed into a Lingnan-style pedestrian street. Here, you won't feel the oppressive presence of skyscrapers; instead, you'll find the aroma of milk wafting along the cobblestone streets, elderly women fanning themselves while selling candied olives, and the distant sounds of Cantonese opera echoing under the arcades. Huagai Road is an old street that can be "tasted" and "heard" in your heart. However, this street has become quite commercialized, and many old shops are now considered by locals to be less impressive than they once were, with lower value for money. Therefore, we recommend focusing on sightseeing here. We have other plans for the food portion of the tour. If you are interested in the snacks available here, feel free to try them, but remember not to fill up, as we have even better culinary delights waiting for you during the upcoming lunch.

Transportation

If you chose "Guyue Yupi," head towards "A+Hairsalon Hair Perm Ranfa The white pedestrian footbridge next to it is the path up the hill. If you chose "Dading Beef" or "Erjie Sifang Zong," head towards "Love Square" (approximately 150 meters northwest of Huatai Lou, Fenghua Street, Shunde District, Foshan). Next to it is the "South Entrance of Xincun Street Second Alley" of the Huagai Mountain walkway.

Huagai Mountain Walkway

⏰Opening Hours: Open all day 💰 Ticket price: Free 📷 Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour This is the most beautiful walkway in Shunde, stretching 1600 meters long. The entrance is right next to the Huagai Road Pedestrian Street, serving as the "green lung" of Shunde's Daliang Old Town. Huagai Mountain, historically known as "Fengshan" (Phoenix Mountain), got its name due to its resemblance to a phoenix with outstretched wings. It was one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Daliang County" (Fengling Morning Glow) during the Ming Dynasty. In the past, there was a beacon tower on the mountain, and Qing Dynasty literati often climbed it to compose poetry. In 2018, Shunde launched the "Urban Green Heart" project, utilizing the original mountain paths of Huagai Mountain for renovation, and it was completed and opened in 2021. The design was inspired by the Lingnan "Qilou" (arcade buildings) and the concept of Singapore's sky gardens. This is an ideal place for light hiking, connecting with nature, and aiding digestion. There are highlights in every season: Spring (March-April): The walkway transforms into a "red sky bridge" with blooming kapok flowers. Summer (June-August): The flamboyant trees are in full bloom, and the night light show extends until 21:30. Autumn (September-November): Camphor tree seeds fall, attracting many thrush birds whose melodious songs are delightful. Winter (November-February): On clear days, you can see the Canton Tower (approximately 50 kilometers away).

Transportation

After descending the mountain at the "West Entrance/Exit of Xincun Street" (you can also locate it by "Zhannainai Deshuang Pinai" 栈奶奶的双皮奶), you can walk to "Jinbang Upper Street". 金榜上街

Jinbang Upper Street (Golden List Upper Street)

⏰Opening Hours: Open all day 💰 Ticket price:: Free   📷 Recommended visit duration: 1 hour We will enter Jinbang Upper Street from the end and proceed towards the front of the street— This is an ancient street with a history of several hundred years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Shunde was renowned for its scholarly culture, producing many successful candidates in the imperial examinations. This street was a must-pass route for scholars heading to their exams, embodying people's aspirations for academic and official success. The name "Jinbang" originates from the ancient imperial examination culture, symbolizing "achieving top honors." The street is lined with numerous traditional Lingnan residences from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic period, featuring blue bricks, grey tiles, wok-handle gables, and stone-paved alleys, all exuding an ancient charm. This street was once a microcosm of Shunde's water town commerce, with shops lining both sides. Today, it still retains traditional arcade buildings and handicraft workshops, such as bamboo weaving and wood carving. Additionally, this is a famous food street in Shunde, with many shops that have been passed down through generations, adhering to traditional craftsmanship. Of course, the street itself also maintains its "ancient style"—it is relatively narrow. So if it gets crowded, please be patient. If you get tired, you can rest in one of the shops and perhaps try some local delicacies.

Transportation

It is recommended to take a taxi to "Xin Chung Movie Street", if you insist on taking the bus, it will take more than 1 hour.

Xinyong Movie Street

  ⏰Opening Hours: All day 📷 Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes Stretching 1 kilometer long, this area was originally a cluster of riverside residential buildings, mostly in the style of the 1970s and 1980s. However, due to years of neglect, the riverbank environment became dilapidated and overgrown with weeds. Starting in 2021, Ronggui Subdistrict undertook measures such as facade renovations, adding movie elements, and planting landscape vegetation to upgrade the old street into a popular spot that combines a retro lifestyle atmosphere with film functions. The street recreates scenes from the 1970s and 1980s, including hotels, barber shops, herbal tea shops, and video stores, while also preserving historical traces like the Laizai Bridge. This place is simple, consisting of just a bridge and a street, which can be walked through in 5 minutes. However, for the residents here, it represents a period of quiet, peaceful, and vibrant life, finding its place on the edge of the city. The riverside residents live by the water, with alleys crisscrossing through, and every brick and tile bearing the marks of time. Here, you can witness the most authentic daily life of Chinese people from half a century ago. After leaving Xinchong Movie Street, a 500-meter walk will take you to the next stop—Diesel Engine 1959.

Diesel Engine 1959

  ⏰Opening Hours: All day   📷 Recommended visit duration: 1 hour This cultural and creative park, transformed from an old factory, is a hub for local cultural consumption. It integrates various trendy businesses, bringing together creative new consumption in food, leisure sports, and cultural entertainment. The red brick factory buildings and motivational slogans reflect the industrial era of the 1950s and 1960s, while the colorful shops and modern graffiti exude youthful energy. The blend of old and new showcases a unique charm. The industrial-style buildings and graffiti walls are perfect for shooting trendy and cool photos. Here, you can see how the young people of Shunde depict their hometown in a fashionable way. After leaving Diesel Engine 1959, a 500-meter walk will take you to the next stop—Old Road.

Jiuma Road

⏰Opening Hours: All day 📷 Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes Shunde Jiuma Road, built in 1920, is the first cement road in Shunde. Its predecessor was "Xutou Straight Street," constructed in just four months through the collective funding of shop owners and proprietors to meet commercial development needs. As the most prosperous commercial center in Shunde during the Republic of China era, it once gathered grain stores, department stores, hotels, and more. During the peak of the silk industry, it was even known as "Little Hong Kong." In 2017, it was revitalized under the principle of "restoring the old as it was," and in 2020, on its 100th anniversary, it officially opened as a cultural and tourism landmark, positioned as a cultural experience zone. Today, Jiuma Road is not just a street but a living museum of Shunde's century-old commercial history. Walking through it, you can touch the marks of time on the arcades from the Republic of China era and feel the collision of local life and cultural creativity, making it a model of Lingnan cultural revitalization. It encompasses four main themes: - Taste of Shunde: Gathering local time-honored delicacies. - Folk Handicrafts: Featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts and traditional festive goods. - Tourism: A scenario-based Republic of China street district. - Slow Life: Preserving the lifestyle pace of the original residents. This is also the place where Shunde people buy wedding supplies. If you find shops with a red theme and a festive atmosphere, they might be wedding supply stores or New Year goods stores. Regardless, they are related to joyous occasions, and you can experience Shunde's wedding and New Year culture. After exploring Jiuma Road, a 700-meter walk will take you to the next stop—Fisherman's Pier.

Fisherman's Wharf

  ⏰Opening Hours: All day   📷 Recommended visit duration: 2 hours Originally the Shunde Import and Export Wharf and Rongqi Food Factory from the 1960s-70s, this area once served as a distribution center for grain and agricultural products, transporting goods to places like Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Starting in 2015, the local government initiated the "Three Old Renovations" project, transforming it into a national AAA-level tourist attraction that blends historical culture with modern tourism functions. It officially opened in 2016. Today's Fisherman's Wharf combines the charm of Lingnan water towns with European industrial style. It retains old wharf elements such as red brick factory buildings, anchors, and chimneys, while introducing romantic designs like blue and white lighthouses and graffiti walls, creating a striking visual contrast. The area is filled with hand-painted graffiti, art installations (such as giant anchors and wind chime corridors), and cultural and creative spaces (like Desheng Art Museum), offering a mix of retro and trendy vibes. In the evening, when the lights come on, the wharf transforms into a "romantic scenario-style street," complete with a dockside night market featuring camping-style snack stalls and pubs, as well as the night view of the Desheng River, creating a full atmosphere. During holidays, the wharf often hosts concerts, fisherman's performances, and other events.

Dinner

It's time for dinner. We have prepared a selection of clay pot rice, local dishes and porridge base hot pot for you to make a perfect ending to this wonderful day.

Heading Back or Staying the Night

Now that you’ve indulged in Shunde’s culinary delights, it’s time to decide—return to Guangzhou or stay a little longer? If you’re heading back, you can take a taxi to Daliang Zhonglou Station, where you can board the metro and retrace your route. Please note that metro services run until 23:15, so be sure to plan accordingly. If you’d like to extend your stay and savor even more of Shunde’s incredible flavors, consider spending a night here. Finding a hotel is easy—apps like "Click here to reserve " make booking seamless and convenient.

More excitement awaits

As this gastronomic adventure comes to an end, are you full yet? Not just your stomach, but also your senses, mind, and heart? Perhaps you’ve noticed that the food here is more than just flavor—it carries the essence of centuries-old Lingnan culinary craftsmanship and the deep-rooted respect for nature that defines Shunde cuisine. From the sustainable harmony of mulberry-dyke fish ponds to the precise selection of seasonal ingredients, every dish reflects the ancient wisdom of "man and nature in balance." One day in the future, when you look back on this journey, certain moments may resurface—a cup of fresh milk from Jinbang Alley, a steaming bowl of Tingzai Congee from Huagai Road, or the dazzling raw fish platter at Fisherman’s Wharf. Or perhaps it will be the gentle smile of a grandmother as she hands you a bowl of ginger milk curd, the pride in a chef’s eyes as he unveils a perfectly steamed Sand Sauna Chicken, or the restaurant owner pointing proudly at a wall filled with photos of visiting celebrities. These humble yet exquisite flavors, these scenes of daily life, all weave together to tell a story—the warmth and emotions carried through food, the soul of Lingnan cuisine. We hope today’s feast has not only nourished your body but also enriched your soul, adding a touch of inspiration to your journey ahead. If you enjoyed today’s itinerary, we would truly appreciate your positive review! (Insert link) If you encounter any issues while using our self-guided tour, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email. We also welcome any valuable feedback or suggestions—your insights are incredibly important to us. We believe that through our ongoing exchange and interaction, we can continue to refine and enhance our services, bringing you an even better experience in the future.

Open the route in the EasyGo China app for the map, audio stories and walking directions.

What’s included

  • Itinerary arrangement, navigation, explanation, food recommendations, drink and bar recommendations, leisure recommendations
  • Accommodation, transportation fees, admission tickets, dining, performance tickets

Good to know before you go

1. You can buy some Jianwei Xiaoshi Pian (stomach-relief tablets) or Shanzha Wan (hawthorn pills) at a pharmacy. These over-the-counter medicines aid digestion and have minimal side effects, but be sure not to take too much.

2. Shunde is not particularly known for its scenery, although it does have some pleasant views.

3. Try to walk as much as possible—it helps with digestion and allows you to enjoy even more delicious food!

4. If you haven’t had enough in just one day, feel free to stay overnight. Hotels here are quite affordable.

5. Don’t force yourself to eat too much—overeating and upsetting your stomach is definitely not the way a true foodie should enjoy their trip.

6. Remember to bring a bottle of Liushen Floral Water (a classic Chinese mosquito repellent) or any other mosquito spray to stay bite-free during your trip.

7. Remember to take your passport

8. Try to bring a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.

How do I use my purchase?

Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.

How long can I use it?

Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.

Do I need to book attraction tickets?

Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.

Traveler reviews

★ 5.0 / 5 · 12 reviews from app travelers

★ 5.0

Guangzhou cumplió la promesa gastronómica y más. Pasamos la mañana en el jardín Qinghui — estanques elegantes y ventanas talladas — y luego comimos por la calle Huagai y las tiendas de postres. La calle del cine Xinyong y el antiguo bloque creativo Diesel Engine 1959 fueron sorpresas estupendas. Vine por los dim sum; me fui enamorada de toda la ciudad.

C
Carmen
★ 5.0

Crowd minggu emas memang real di sekitar jalan pejalan kaki, dan setiap restoran bagus ada queue — tapi makanan buat setiap minit berbaloi. Qinghui Garden tempat lari dari crowd yang tenang. Anak-anak kami suka pencuci mulut dan tepi laut di Fisherman's Wharf. Tip: book lunch awal dan jalan-jalan di taman sementara tunggu.

S
Siti
★ 5.0

Наконец-то город еды. Сад Цинхуэй — классическая красота, но настоящие звёзды — это еда: шуньдэские блюда такие свежие и точные, что я до сих пор вижу во сне ту рыбу. Пешеходные улицы вокруг Хуагай и Цзюма отлично подходят для перекусов и шопинга, а Рыбацкий причал в конце — чудесная вечерняя прогулка. Ешьте всё.

K
Katya
★ 5.0

Shunde mérite ses cinq caractères de « capitale mondiale de la gastronomie ». Après le jardin Qinghui, direction le dessert, puis le lait de bufflonne artisanal de la rue Jinbang, et le vent du port des pêcheurs avec le poisson cru — zéro déception. L’itinéraire est conçu autour de la bouffe, ce qui est rarissime dans un guide — même moi, professionnelle, je n’ai rien à redire.

C
Claire Dubois
★ 5.0

If you come to Guangzhou for food, this tour makes it feel like you’ve done your homework—without stress. Qinghui Garden was a beautiful start, quiet and carefully designed, and then the day flowed into walking streets like Huagai Road where the city feels lively but not overwhelming. I loved that it wasn’t just “eat a lot,” but “taste with context”: Shunde breakfast culture, classic snacks, and iconic desserts like double-skin milk and ginger milk curd that are simple yet technically fascinating. I still think about the fish-based dishes and the crispy fried milk—comforting, but also clever. The sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf was the perfect reset after a full day of flavors and walking. As a teacher, I also liked how the route naturally explained why Shunde is so proud of its cuisine: it’s not one signature dish, it’s a whole system of taste and technique.

F
Francisca
★ 5.0

Tras el jardín Qinghui, directo a la tienda de postres; luego la leche de búfala de la calle Jinbang y el viento del puerto pesquero — en Shunde se toman la comida como algo serio, y yo también. Cero decepciones en todo el día.

C
Carlos Ramírez

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