Daytripper is a regular column that aims to help people get the most out of their PRD experience by proposing fun excursions that can be made in a single day to explore the local culture and nature of the region.
Shunde: that far-flung district in Foshan that you've never been to. The area provides an inside look at the unglamorous lifestyle found on the fringes of first-tier cities across South China.
However, what Shunde lacks in infrastructure and fancy buildings, it makes up for with a rich culture and great food.
Qinghui garden, located in Daliang, the bustling section of Shunde, is one of the district's must-visit locations. The site was formerly the house of a top scholar, Huang Shijun, but was later purchased by Long Yingshi. Long’s eldest son, Long Tinghuai started to build Qinghui garden during the Qing dynasty in 1805. His sons and grandsons continued to build and renovate till the beginning of the Republic.
Image via Ryan Gandolfo/That's
With an affordable RMB15 entrance fee, Qinghui Garden is home to tranquil ponds and stunning architecture. Wandering through the garden, we saw firsthand the effort that goes into maintaining such a scenic spot, watching one maintenance worker trim a bush while balancing on a 4-foot tall rock.
While walking through Qinghui, we were continually transferring between indoors and outdoors, as the garden is home to several housing structures that function primarily as a museum. The intricately designed buildings host various exhibits that display exquisite rock formations, glass window paintings and calligraphy. With a network of passageways linking the buildings, the museum portion is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate.
The garden itself is a brilliant blend of art and nature. The water features are mesmerizing to watch and listen to, and turtles, ducks and koi fish navigate the waterways at a leisurely pace - occasionally snapping up food tossed into the water by curious children.
Image via Ryan Gandolfo/That's
A rock-carved stairway, located at the back of the garden, led us to a secluded hilltop spot, housing a quaint pagoda with smooth, cool wooden benches. We took some time out to relax, looking out at the city and the gardens below.
Next, we ventured to the park's manmade cave, a popular spot on a hot South China day due to the cool temperatures within. You can access the cave via a staircase on the backside of the aforementioned hill, or enter from the cavern's waterfront entrance by hopping from stone to stone across Qinghui's largest pond.
Once we were finished exploring the garden, which took about two hours at a slow pace and a couple rest periods, we sauntered over to a small restaurant across the street for Shunde’s must-try shuangpinai, a creamy milk skin custard served either hot or cold. The restaurant, Minxin Laozhen, is located on Dongle Lu and is the perfect place to unwind with the locals after exploring Qinghui Garden.
Image via Ryan Gandolfo/That's
We suggest arriving at the park as early as possible, as the garden starts to fill up after 10am (especially on weekends). Also, be prepared to pay for the entrance fee in cash.
How to get there:
From Guangzhou: take the Metro line 3 to Shiqiao Station. Take exit D and walk about 100 meters to the bus stop at Baiyue Plaza East Gate. Take bus No.349 (RMB6) to Guangzhu Chenggui Shunde intersection bus stop and transfer to bus No.314 (RMB2).
From Shenzhen: take the train to Guangzhou South Railway Station and purchase a ticket to Shunde Railway Station. Once you arrive at Shunde Station, take bus No.314 or a taxi to Qinghui Garden.
See listing for Shunde Qinghui Garden.
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[Cover image via Ryan Gandolfo/That's]
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