Day Trips from Zhongshan. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Many of Guangdong's most cities and unique cultural sites are a short distance from Zhongshan by high-speed rail or bus.

For a vast array of bookable experiences and guided tours in these destinations, consider visiting GetYourGuide's Day Trip section.

Popular Excursions from Zhongshan

Guangzhou: A metropolis with historical sites like Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and modern marvels such as Canton Tower.
Zhuhai: Known for Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, beautiful coastal scenery, and easy access to Macau.
Shenzhen: A modern city offering theme parks (Window of the World), skyscrapers, and extensive shopping.
Foshan: Visit the Ancestral Temple and explore a city rich in martial arts history and Lingnan culture.

Cultural & Historical Day Trips

Explore the rich history and unique architecture of the region on these focused excursions.

Kaiping Diaolou & Villages

Uncover the unique fortified towers and villages, an UNESCO World Heritage site, demonstrating a blend of Chinese and From the west architectural styles.

Highlights

Architectural Marvels: Explore hundreds of multi-storied defensive village houses.
A Mix of cultures: Notice the blend of customary Chinese and Western building techniques.
Scenic Villages: Wander through charming villages surrounded by lush landscapes.

Foshan Martial Arts & Ceramics

Journey to Foshan, a city famous for its martial arts heritage (including Bruce Lee and Ip Man) and rich ceramic traditions.

Experiences

Ancestral Temple: Explore this historic temple with its martial arts halls and folk art.
Ceramic Arts: Visit Shiwan Ceramic Road and learn of classic pottery.
Ip Man Museum: A place devoted to the legendary Wing Chun master.

Shenzhen's Modernity & Theme Parks

Theme Park Adventures

Window of the World: See miniature replicas of famous global landmarks.
Happy Valley Shenzhen: A large amusement park with various thrill trips and shows.
Splendid China Folk Village: Showcases China's history, art, and ethnic cultures.
China Folk Culture Village: Experience the customs and architecture of different Chinese ethnic groups.

Urban Exploration

Ping An Finance Centre: Ascend for panoramic city views.
Shopping Districts: Explore bustling areas like Dongmen Pedestrian Street.
Futian CBD: Marvel at modern architecture and green spaces.
High-speed rail: Travel between cities quickly and comfortably.

Travel Times from Zhongshan

To Guangzhou (South):Approx. 30-40 mins by high-speed rail
To Zhuhai:Approx. 20-30 mins by high-speed rail/bus
To Shenzhen:Approx. 1 hour by high-speed rail (via Guangzhou/Zhuhai connection)
To Foshan:Approx. 1 hour by high-speed rail/bus

To Kaiping:Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours by bus
To Hong Kong (via High-Speed Rail):Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
To Macau (via Zhuhai):Approx. 1 hour (plus border crossing)
To Any Destination:Book Day Trips

Tip for Cross-Border Travel

Remember to carry your passport and check visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macau, because they are separate administrative regions.

Specialized Excursions

Tailor your day trip to specific interests, from natural wonders to culinary adventures.

Zhuhai Ocean Park

A world-class marine theme park having aquariums, rides, and animal shows. A fantastic family destination.

Guangzhou Food Tour

Immerse yourself in Guangzhou's renowned culinary scene with dedicated food tours exploring dim sum, Cantonese BBQ, and street snacks.

Mountain Retreats

Explore natural parks in adjacent areas for hiking and a respite from urban landscapes. Check local listings for options.

Nature & Scenery

Discover natural beauty beyond Zhongshan's city limits.

Suggested Locations

Mount Xiqiao, Foshan: A scenic area with temples, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Golden Bay Beach, Zhuhai: A popular spot for coastal relaxation and ocean views.
National Forest Parks: Several across Guangdong, ideal for a refreshing day outdoors.

Shopping & Entertainment

For retail therapy or lively entertainment, neighboring cities have much to offer.

Options

Shenzhen's Shopping: Electronic markets, fashion boutiques, and large malls.
Guangzhou's Markets: Wholesale markets, pedestrian streets, and modern shopping centers.
Zhuhai's Nightlife: Bars and entertainment districts along the coast.

Planning Your Excursion

Transportation:High-speed rail for speed, long-distance buses for flexibility.

Bookings:Purchase passes for sights and transport in advance.

Language:Have destination names written in Chinese characters.

Currency:RMB (Yuan) for all places in mainland China.

Affiliate Link:Explore More Day Trips

Travel Documents:Carry your passport for ID and hotel check-ins.

Sustainable Travel Tip

Choose public transportation like high-speed rail to minimize your carbon footprint.
Support local businesses in the cities you visit by dining at independent restaurants and buying local crafts.
Be mindful of waste and use designated recycling bins where available.
Respect local environments, don't leave the marked trails in natural parks, and leave no trace.
Consider offsetting your travel carbon emissions.

Border & Beyond

For those seeking international flair, Hong Kong special administrative region and Macau are within reach, offering distinct cultural experiences.

Hong Kong Excursions

Experience the dynamic blend of East and West in Hong Kong, a global financial hub with stunning cityscapes and natural beauty.

Attractions

Victoria Peak: Iconic panoramic views of the city skyline.
Tsim Sha Tsui: Lively district with shopping, dining, and the Avenue of Stars.
Ngong Ping 360: Cable car ride to Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.

Macau Getaway

Explore Macau, often referred to as the "Las Vegas of Asia," rich in Portuguese colonial heritage and contemporary entertainment.

Destinations

Ruins of St. Paul's: Iconic facade of a 17th-century church.
Cotai Strip: Home to luxurious integrated resorts and casinos.
Macanese Cuisine: Sample local fusion dishes like African chicken and egg tarts.

Travel to Hong Kong

Direct high-speed rail connections from Guangzhou South or Shenzhen North station make Hong Kong special administrative region accessible.

Access Points

High-Speed Rail: To West Kowloon Station.
Cross-Border Buses: From various points in Guangdong.
Ferries: From Shenzhen or Guangzhou to Hong Kong.

Travel to Macau

Macau is easily reached via Zhuhai, with regular bus and ferry services.

Routes

Gongbei Border: Main land crossing from Zhuhai.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge: Bus service from Zhuhai port.
Direct Buses: Certain services from Zhongshan to Macau via border crossing.

Important Considerations for Hong Kong & Macau

These regions operate under different legal and administrative systems from mainland China.

Visa Requirements

Check visa policies for your nationality; requirements may differ from mainland China.

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in Hong Kong, Macanese Pataca (MOP) and HKD widely accepted in Macau.

Connectivity

VPNs are not needed in Hong Kong special administrative region or Macau. Your mainland China SIM card may not work or roaming charges may apply.

Passport & Visa Reminder

Always keep your passport readily available for border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau. Ensure you have the necessary visas or entry permits for each region.

Unique Day Trip Experiences

Special Interest Tours

1

Pearl River Night Cruise Guangzhou

See Guangzhou's illuminated skyline from the Pearl River, with modern skyscrapers and historic sites passing by.

2

Shunde Culinary Journey

Visit Shunde, a district of Foshan, recognized as an UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine.

3

Danzao Ceramics Tour Foshan

Explore traditional kilns and contemporary ceramic art in a renowned pottery town near Foshan.

Beyond the Cities

Mount Danxia (Shaoguan): A UNESCO Geopark with unique red sandstone formations. (Requires an overnight stay or a very long day trip).
Hot Springs: Guangdong Province has numerous hot spring resorts perfect for relaxation.
Rural Villages: Explore traditional Hakka villages in less-visited areas for a glimpse into local life.
Coastal Islands: Some islands off the seaboard of Zhuhai offer beaches and seafood.
Tea Plantations: Discover tea-growing regions in northern Guangdong.
Agritours Focusing on culture: Experience fruit picking or farm visits during harvest seasons.

Planning Resources

Online Platforms: GetYourGuide is an excellent source for tours.
Local Tour Operators: Consult with your accommodation or a local travel agency for organized excursions.
High-Speed Rail Apps: Use 12306 app (or Trip.com for English interface) for booking train tickets.
Navigation Apps: Baidu Maps or Amap for public transport and directions.
Translation Apps: Google Translate or Pleco for language help.
Travel Blogs: Research other travelers' experiences for inspiration and tips.

Customizing Your Day Trip

Interests

Consider what truly interests you: history, food, nature, shopping, or theme parks.

Time

Factor in travel time, queues, and how much time you wish to spend at all attraction.

Budget

Account for transportation, entrance fees, food, and any guided tour costs.

Advanced Planning

For more remote or specialized day trips, consider hiring a private car and driver, which offers flexibility and comfort. Book this well in advance, especially if you have specific language requirements.

Day Trips from Zhongshan