Bruce Lee and chinaware are the claim to fame of Foshan, a centuries-old city heavily clad in high rises, private enterprises, commercial centers, and all other buildings brought into being by China's booming economy. An industrial city of Guangzhou Province, Foshan is famous for its porcelain industry and its Wing Chun schools, which teach a special kind of Kung Fu technique made popular by some of the city's most notable residents, the martial artist Bruce Lee, and his sifu (master), Yip Man.
Every 15 minutes, a train from central Guangzhou brings tourists to Foshan and its many sights like Chinese temples (such as Zumiao and Ancestors' Temple) and other samples of fine Chinese architecture (such as Renshou Pagoda and Dong Hua Li). Zu Temple is virtually the city's guardian that has stood there for hundreds of years, enduring many wars and the Cultural Revolution. The traditional Canton opera is staged at the temple every night.
Founded in 1925, Renshou Temple or Chan (Zen) Temple has an exotic pagoda and a fascinating mix of colorful Varayana statues and plain Chan art forms.
One of Guangdong's famous Yuans or private estates is Liang Yuan, an epitome of Ming-Qing dynasty architectural style characterized by delicate craftsmanship and a compact yet elegant garden. More Qing dynasty buildings surround the site.
A reminder of Foshan's greatness as a porcelain center is Shiwan's Nanfeng Ancient Furnace, an old porcelain furnace in Shi Wan whose fire has never gone out since it started its operations during the Tang dynasty. The furnace still produces some of the city's most famous chinaware. Around the site are the many workshops of local artists. A good place to find traditional Chinese porcelain is Taocicheng, a small village with a long tradition of pottery making.
Sanshui's Lotus World is the world's largest lotus ecological park. Gardens like Liang, Qing Hui and parks like Liangyuan and Zhongshan are where one can see traditional Chinese-style buildings amid skyscrapers, photograph some scenery, immerse in modern entertainment attractions, and row boats over Fenjiang River or a large lake. Hikers can touch the giant statue of Guan Yin on the crown of Mount Xiqiao, or try a walkathon to reach Shunde, Bruce Lee's ancestral hometown.