A spontaneous May Day trip to Foshan turned out to be full of surprises!
Originally, I was constantly checking the weather forecast, worried that the weather during the May Day holiday would be bad. Unexpectedly, on April 30th, a sudden trip to Foshan was put on the agenda. That night, I quickly booked a room and train tickets, thus starting this journey full of unknowns and anticipation.
Transportation Tips: Unlocking New Ticket-Purchasing Ideas
The train tickets were booked on the official website. Here’s a little secret: if high-speed train tickets show sold out on the official site, don’t panic! You can check other websites, where you can discover many hidden routes. For example, buying tickets for a few more stops or transferring midway might help you easily get the desired ticket at a suitable time and price. This time, we chose a comfortable first-class seat to start a pleasant journey.
Accommodation Choice: Convenience and Comfort Combined
Considering the weather and traveling with a child, the convenience of accommodation was crucial. After careful selection, Bolton International Apartment stood out! It is located right at Exit B of Zumiao Metro Station, an unbeatable location! Booking on the website offered a very attractive price. The deluxe double bed standard room we stayed in was eye-opening—private bathroom, small kitchen, two spacious large beds, with a huge and comfortable space. Moreover, from the hotel, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to popular attractions like Zumiao, Lingnan Tiandi, Chuihong Road, and Tongji Road, making travel extremely convenient!
Food Map: A Culinary Journey in Foshan
Foshan’s food journey was a feast for the taste buds! Chuihong Road and Tongji Road are definitely paradises for snack lovers. Delicate desserts from Tangjiang, fragrant beef offal, and soft, sweet glutinous rice cakes—several hidden gem shops are close to each other, allowing you to eat and stroll non-stop. For breakfast, we checked in at Haokenlai, and on the same street, not far away, is the artsy Xianxing Bookstore, creating a great atmosphere~ A special reminder: the popular Tongji Brand Beef Offal only opens at 3 PM; further inside, the Xiujie Beef Offal hidden in a residential area is also highly recommended! For main meals, Youji Kitchen and Steamed Eel House are famous local restaurants, but the one I can’t forget is Steamed Eel House! However, it’s so popular that the queue can be exhausting, so I suggest arriving early to secure a spot! We packed eel rice to take back to the hotel—this is the advantage of staying near attractions~
Travel Guide: Experience Lingnan Culture
Zumiao: Cultural Exploration Amid the Crowd
During the May Day holiday, Zumiao was bustling with crowds. I was looking forward to the lion dance performance, but hearing that the wait was an hour long, I reluctantly gave up and wandered around the park, soaking in the rich historical and cultural atmosphere.
Lingnan Tiandi: Not Enough with Three Visits
Adjacent to Zumiao, Lingnan Tiandi was also packed with people. Here, every building and every corner is filled with unique Lingnan charm, making you want to immerse yourself again and again. I especially love the colorful stamps—at the Lingnan Post Office, you can collect exquisite stamps with a purchase of 38 yuan or more, adding a full sense of ceremony!
Xianxing Bookstore: Encountering Poetic Leisure Time
Known as “Foshan’s Most Beautiful Bookstore,” Xianxing Bookstore was a major surprise on this trip! The weather was changeable during May Day, and after the rain, the bookstore looked especially fresh and bright with its large floor-to-ceiling windows and indoor greenery. It not only offers a dazzling array of books but also various cultural and creative products, antiques, and handicrafts. It thoughtfully divides spaces into leisure, study, and reading areas. Ordering a tea or coffee here lets you enjoy a leisurely morning. The store’s “Master Cat” is also very relaxed, lazily lying on the bookshelf, enjoying its own leisurely time.
Wangfujing Department Store: Fun Time with Kids
Because the child wanted to visit a grain shop, we went to the bookstore on the fourth floor of Wangfujing Department Store. It’s not just a bookstore—coffee, drinks, accessories, and handicrafts are all available, and the child had a great time. It’s only about a ten-minute walk from Xianxing Bookstore, and strolling there is a unique experience in itself.
This spontaneously decided Foshan trip had no rushed itinerary, only leisurely enjoyment. Fortunately, the weather was kind, and it didn’t rain throughout the holiday. Foshan, a city full of vibrant life and cultural heritage, left us with unforgettable and wonderful memories through its unique charm~