Foshan () is a city in southeast China in central Guangdong, about 16 km southwest of Guangzhou. The city has jurisdiction over an area of about 3840 sq. km. and a population of 5.4 million of which 1.1 million reside in the city proper (year 2000 figures).
Together with Jingde, Zhuxian, and Hankou, it is known as one of the "four ancient towns of China". It was an important religious and commercial center and was one of the main handicraft places of China. Silk weaving and papercutting were important local arts and Foshan papercuts are commonly sold today as souvenirs all over China. The nearby town of Shiwan, now part of Foshan, was renown for its pottery and the village of Nanpu, now also part of larger Foshan, for its metal casting. Ritual cauldrons with three legs called "ding" were made here. Ding can now often be found as huge park ornaments cast in bronze. Foshan is also considered to be the cradle of the Yue Opera (Cantonese Opera).
The Guangfo Line of the Guangzhou Metro, presently under construction, will connect the city to Guangzhou.
Tourist attractions
- Ancestors' Temple
- Renshou Pagoda
- Folk Arts & Crafts Center (minjian yishushe)
External link