Zhongshan Travel Guide

Explore the natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, places to stay, do's and don'ts, safety, and nearby destinations of Zhongshan in Guangdong, China.


Introduction to Zhongshan

Zhongshan is located in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong province, South China. It is a beautiful city with a lot of historical and cultural significance. The city is named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen, also known as Sun Zhongshan, the founding father of modern China. The city boasts of famous historical sites, natural attractions, and delicious food. It is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the culture, history, and beauty of China.

List of Places to Visit in Zhongshan

Here are some of the best places to visit in Zhongshan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall: Located in the central area, this museum showcases the life and achievements of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. It is a must-visit place for those who want to learn about the history of modern China.
  • Zhan Garden: This beautiful garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has traditional Chinese architecture and stunning scenery.
  • Former Residence of Sun Zhongshan: This is where the father of modern China was born and raised. The house has been turned into a museum showcasing his life and achievements.
  • Ancient Towns: There are several ancient towns in Zhongshan, such as Tanzhou, Xiaolan, and Shaxi. These towns have traditional Chinese architecture and well-preserved ancient temples, bridges, and houses.

Natural Attractions of Zhongshan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wugui Mountain National Forest Park: This park is known for its stunning scenery and is home to rare animals such as macaques and pangolins.
  • Qijiang Park: Located in the city center, this park has lush greenery, a lake, and beautiful pavilions.
  • Lingnan Water Village: This beautiful water village is located along the banks of the Baishui River and is famous for its scenic views, beautiful gardens, and traditional architecture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zhongshan

Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Zhongshan:

  • Gushui Village: This village is famous for its beautiful scenery and challenging hiking trails.
  • Guifeng Mountain: This mountain has excellent biking trails that offer a scenic view of the city.
  • Shuiwu Mountain: This mountain has several hiking routes with varying levels of difficulty and offers a stunning view of the city.

Best Things to Do in Zhongshan: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Zhongshan:

  • Watch a Cantonese opera performance
  • Take a boat ride along the Pearl River
  • Participate in a martial arts lesson
  • Visit a tea plantation and learn about tea-making

Week-Long Itinerary for Zhongshan

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Zhongshan:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Zhan Garden and Lingnan Water Village
Day 2 Hike up Guifeng Mountain or bike along the bike trails
Day 3 Explore ancient towns such as Tanzhou and Xiaolan
Day 4 Take a cooking class and learn to make Chinese cuisine or participate in a martial arts lesson
Day 5 Visit Wugui Mountain National Forest Park and Qijiang Park
Day 6 Take a boat ride along the Pearl River and watch a Cantonese opera performance
Day 7 Visit Sun Yat-sen’s former residence and shop for souvenirs in the local markets

Food and Drink Scene of Zhongshan

Zhongshan is famous for its delicious cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Zhongshan Wonton: These are stuffed dumplings with shrimp or pork fillings.
  • Tiandouqing: This dish is made with soybeans, garlic, and chili peppers.
  • Baishuijiang Fish: This is a famous fish dish made with freshwater fish from the Baishui River.

Local Beverages

  • Cantonese Tea: Zhongshan is famous for its Cantonese tea, which is made from tea leaves grown in the region.
  • Pearl River Beer: This is a locally brewed beer and is the most popular beer in Guangdong province.

Where to Stay in Zhongshan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the best places to stay in Zhongshan:

  • Crowne Plaza Zhongshan Xiaolan: This is a luxury hotel located in Xiaolan Town and offers excellent service and amenities.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Zhongshan Guzhen: This hotel is located in Guzhen, a town famous for its lighting industry, and offers comfortable rooms and great service.
  • Zhongshan International Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel centrally located in the city and is a good option for those who want to stay close to all the main attractions.

What to Buy in Zhongshan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Zhongshan are:

  • Cantonese tea
  • Xiuyan jade ornaments
  • Watch parts and accessories

Local Culture and Customs of Zhongshan

Zhongshan has a unique cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in Confucianism and Taoism. The residents of Zhongshan are proud of their cultural traditions and are very welcoming to visitors. The locals are very polite and respectful, and it is considered impolite to raise one’s voice or express anger in public.

Best Time to Visit Zhongshan

The best time to visit Zhongshan is during the autumn months, between September and December. During this time, the weather is mild, and the skies are clear. It is also the harvest season, and visitors can enjoy fresh local produce and participate in local festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zhongshan

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Zhongshan:

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites
  • Try local cuisine and drinks
  • Learn some basic Mandarin phrases to communicate with locals

Don’t:

  • Touch or remove offerings from religious sites
  • Be disrespectful to local customs and traditions
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Zhongshan

Zhongshan is a relatively safe city. However, visitors should be cautious and take basic safety precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Zhongshan

Visitors should take basic health precautions such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food. Medical facilities in Zhongshan are good and easily accessible.

Getting to Zhongshan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Zhongshan is easily accessible by air, train, and bus.

Airports Near Zhongshan

The closest airport to Zhongshan is the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is about 95 kilometers away. Visitors can take a taxi or bus to the city center.

Bus Stations Near Zhongshan

There are several bus stations in Zhongshan, including the Zhongshan Bus Station and the Xiaolan Bus Station. Visitors can take a bus from nearby cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Zhongshan from nearby cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

How to Get Around in Zhongshan

The most common modes of transportation in Zhongshan are taxis and buses. Taxis are easily accessible and relatively cheap. Buses are also a good option, with a network of routes covering most of the city.

Where to Go Next from Zhongshan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions from Zhongshan:

  • Guangzhou: This is the capital city of Guangdong province and has a rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.
  • Shenzhen: This is a modern city known for its technological advancements and vibrant nightlife.
  • Hong Kong: This is a bustling metropolis that is famous for its shopping, attractions, and culture.

Conclusion

Zhongshan is a beautiful city that is steeped in history and culture. It has something for everyone, whether you are interested in exploring historical sites, hiking, sampling delicious cuisine, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the region. With its friendly locals, great food, and stunning scenery, Zhongshan is a must-visit destination in China.

Downtown Zhongshan at night Downtown Zhongshan at night Xishan Temple Xishan Temple View from Zhongshan Sky Wheel View from Zhongshan Sky Wheel