Foshan(Shunde), China

I recently spent two days in Shunde, Foshan. Shunde is technically a district of Foshan city, though I know some fiercely proud locals will insist that Shunde is in a league of its own. Much respect to that!

I arrived in Shunde by high-speed rail (Gaotie). Pro tip: Make sure you don't buy a ticket to Foshan West Station! There is an option to go directly to Shunde Station, which will save you a lot of time.

Qinghui Garden and Happy Coast(Huanlehaian ) are two of the main attractions here, and they offer a fascinating contrast. One dates all the way back to the Ming Dynasty, while the other is a totally modern amusement park. Experiencing these two wildly different vibes in one trip is an amazing mix.

Qinghui Garden is a masterclass in classic Chinese garden design. The way the light hits the lush greenery, paired with the intricate, traditional decorations, makes you feel like you've stepped back in time into an ancient Chinese estate.

I booked a hotel really close to Happy Coast. Amazingly, the hotel offered a free late-night snack after 9:30 PM, which hit the spot perfectly after a long day of walking and playing at the park. Waking up the next morning to a view of the massive Ferris wheel outside my window felt like something straight out of a fairytale.

The Food: Shunde Yusheng (Raw Fish) When it comes to food, the most famous local dish is Yusheng (raw fish), and it completely lived up to the hype. It is very different from Japanese sashimi. The fish is sliced incredibly thin—almost translucent—and served with a massive spread of colorful condiments like shredded ginger, garlic, scallions, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy fried taro. You toss it all together with a generous drizzle of pure peanut oil and premium soy sauce. Every bite is a perfect, refreshing explosion of fresh, sweet, crunchy, and savory flavors. It was an unforgettable culinary experience!

P1- P8: The design of Qinghui Garden

P9-P11: The view of Happy Coast

P12-P14: The famous local dish-Yusheng