Top visitor attractions in Foshan

By XU JINGXI in Foshan, Guangdong province (Contact the writer at @chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2015-10-29 11:55

The 2015 Guangdong International Tourism and Culture Festival will open in Foshan, Guangdong province, on Saturday. The provincial tourism administration has recommended a few must-see attractions for visitors seeking to explore Foshan's antique flavors.

Lion dance performers give a thrilling show of climbing up high to the top of a pole at the Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall in Foshan Ancestral Temple. [Xu Jingxi/China Daily]

1. Foshan Ancestral Temple

The landmark is one of three gems of ancient architecture in the Lingnan area, along with the Chen Clan Academy in Guangzhou and the Dragon Mother Ancestral Temple in Yuecheng township of Zhaoqing.

Built between 1078 and 1085, the temple became a place for sacrificial ceremonies during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

As a museum of folk arts, the temple is noted for its ceramics and exquisite sculptures and carvings on brick, limestone and wood. Traditional operas is the theme of many of its architectural features.

The temple includes a memorial hall for kung fu star Wong Fei-hung (1847-1924). A twice-daily show featuring dance mixed with martial arts is highlighted by performers climbing and jumping between timbers.