This page continues to grow, and is exceedingly long today. It is part of a new Foshan City guide which should have all major elements in place by April 2010. I hope that by tomorrow or Friday (12.03.2010), there will be a basic page menu in place, making it easier for you to browse. Simply: I never realized how much information I had to write about this most fascinating and unique Chinese cities.

Please also bear in mind that we are also responding to current web searches such as: Little India Restaurant, and: Vegetarian restaurants in Foshan. These are now completed for our surfers ... but there is so much else to do!

There is also a Foshan Blog planned - mainly as an Expat's interchange and resource; which will include most of the below information, but in a more user-friendly and interactive medium.

Thank you for your patience, as we also have many other project to deal with at this time...

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Introduction:

My name is Jonno, and I live in the City of Foshan, Pop 4 million. Foshan is one of the few Cities in China where foreigners are a relatively common sight and have been for millennia. Foshan means Buddha Mountain, whilst my home District called Chancheng means Zen City. Foshan City will be host to a large proportion of the 2010 Asia Games (Guangzhou) with International standard swimming pools and sports arena's newly built for the purpose.

Foshan is a very old city, with a history dating back more than 7, 000 years, and written records for over 4 millennia. Throughout this history, it has been know by two names - either Foshan (Chan Cheng) or Nanhai (Gui Cheung). Early trade maps may use the name 'Pan Yu', which is today a large town/small city near Nanhai and Shunde; and just within the southern extremities neighbouring Guangzhou City District. However, the port referred to in such maps is actually quite close physically to modern Nanhai port. There is a local rivalry here I won't go into ahha! The Buddha Mountain is actually situated in San Shui city district and is called Xi Qiao (Si Tew) ... and is the big hill West and slightly South a bit.

Foshan City comprises the City of Foshan, and four other areas of massive proportions best described as 'Counties'. These are: Foshan, Nanhai, San Shui, Gaoming, and Shunde. Nanhai 'Gui Cheung' is the centre of Nanhai, and also a physical part of Foshan City proper. Foshan City District is bounded by the mighty Pearl River (West) to the West, which in ancient times was the boundary between the fledgling Chinese Empire and what is know as 'The Badlands' or 'Bandit Country'. However, that was the view of Beijing's predecessors, as this area was all part of the Yue or 'Cantonese' Empire also.

Foshan is one of only 3 cities in China that has always been 'Open' throughout Chinese history (Kaiping and Hong Kong being the others). This openness relates not only to Trade, but also to thinking, and language

Foshan people speak one of the 4 main Cantonese dialects, called "'Ba't wah". This is Guangzhou Cantonese as spoken throughout Guangdong Province, neighbouring Guangxi Province, and Northern Vietnam. The other main form of Cantonese is extremely similar, whilst Taishanese is not. The version of Cantonese in all modern Western phrasebooks' is a small and insignificant dialect peculiar to rich and influential people from Hong Kong - you could consider it analogous to Queen's English, as spoken in greater UK currently. If you veer off the beaten track and go exploring some of the warrens of back streets (Quite safe), then local people may reveal their local language to you. It is Guangzhou Cantonese, but with local quirks mainly centring around the pronunciation of vowels and greater use of scale and pitch.

Out and About

Modern Foshan is a lively, clean city, with everything you would expect - cars everywhere, MacDonald's on every corner, large Western style shopping centres, hypermarkets, nightclubs, and street bars where you can drink and chat 24/7.

The main roads are wide, clean, and washed regularly; although a tad chaotic! Local industry makes this a truly vibrant place, although there is a problem with air pollution that is slowly being addressed - this is the only bad thing I have found in this great city. Factories are now moving into the nearby countryside with Government assistance, and new premises are very eco-friendly.

Amongst the high rise, you will be delighted to find a plethora of parks and green spaces which team with life in the evenings, and most offer various local forms of entertainment. The one nearest me has a round for Latin Dancing and Waltzes - a tad odd as a Chinese pastime, but very entertaining

For an informative overview of Foshan, please have a look at the local government sponsored website, which is a mine of local information. I live in ChanCheng area, and my apartment is one of the big ones behind the picture of the Foshan Radio Tower - left (The Eiffel Tower with a ball in it). There are also pages relating to the other Foshan Districts, please use their menu's for navigation. This website rewritten in 2009 and you can find basic pages here

Where to Stay:
There are a very good range of hotels, from International standard 5 star, to a local 2 star:

Traditionally the best hotel is The Foshan Hotel. This is very central, but is being taken over by Crown Plaza Group. The refurbishments should be finished during November 2008. The best price used to be around Y600 per double room per night, but expect this to rise?

This hotel is also a base for many luxury coaches, especially to Hong Kong, Macao, Ferry terminal for Kowloon (Online ticket booking); and also runs special Airport and Canton Fair coaches. These are all open to everyone, although non-patrons will be charged Y100 inclusive of entry fee for Canton Fair, but free for Hotel residents. This hotel has an excellent Business Centre, only matched by The Carris Anne Hotel

Opposite is the Golden City Hotel, which is cheaper and quite comparable in most respects. It also runs coaches, but is now more famous as the new home of John's Bar, arguably the best Western Restaurant and Bar in Foshan - although Martino's is also excellent!

The Golden Lake Hotel is also excellent, and better than its 3*** rating. There are friends pictures to your left. We can get you a very good deal here Circa Y480 per suite per night. It seems there is no proper bar, but their all-hours shop beats room service charges hands down!

Carris Anne Hotel is excellent for Business and is the most central hotel in Foshan. It does luxury coaches via different operators from everyone else, with cheaper prices and the same quality. This hotel does have excellent restaurants, bars, complete with excellent massage parlous and nightclub all within the same complex

If your stay is a little longer, or you have staff accompanying you, then look at the Sunlight Apartments. Again fairly central, and you gain some independence for less than Y400 per suite per night

The Kingdom Hotel, Dong Jian
I personally recommend this hotel, especially if all you need is a bed, a shower and somewhere safe to keep you luggage - price about £30 per double roomed suite per night. This hotel is right in the centre of all that is best about Foshan, and just a 5-minute walk from my apartment. Their website isn't the best in the world, but it works - just click around a bit. I can get you a discount here, so price is Y 298 to you (Canton Fair excepted)

Nearby are local Chinese hotels that offer basic rooms from Y90 single bed, and Y130 double bed. They are of Travelodge standard, and all prices quoted here are per room per night.

What to Do

Local Attractions
Within this modern mix, there are occasional gems remaining from ancient times; old traditional houses, peasant fishermen, and the only remaining and working Dragon Kiln in the whole of China, commissioned during the Ming Empire Circa 1600.

Ancestral Temple
The Ancestral Temple in the Centre of Foshan dates back many centuries and was originally constructed in 1085; but is latterly most famous as the home of Master Ip Man, who was Bruce Lee's mentor. Bruce was a regular visitor to Foshan, although his parental home lies some distance away in Shunde Daliang. It is relatively large and may need several hours to see all. There are performances including traditional Buddhist music and Lion Dance, but check out the times when you enter. This is also a good place to find reasonably priced and genuine souvenirs. There is also a museum and hall dedicated to the memory of Deng Xiao Ping - the founder of Shenzhen and the Policy of Openness.

The temple is known as 'Jo Mu' in Cantonese, correctly 'zhou mu'; and is Zu Miao ( 祖庙 ) in Mandarin. It is located in the heart of the city along Zumiao Road, and a minutes walk from Bai Hua (The big green building with a ball on top - pictured left). The entrance is centrally situated, with the ticket office set to the left hand side. This area is beset with beggars, and foreigners are their number one target. However, do not let this put you off visiting this great attraction.

Immediately to your left upon entry is a stand that makes and sells jade seals (Stamp in candlewax). They will make to your own design within an hour. Further left is the Kung Fu memorial hall, which features rooms dedicated to Ip Man, Bruce Lee, Wong Fei Hung, and other great Masters. Heading deeper into the complex and keeping left, you will find a craftsman making Foshan Paper Cuts. Left from here is the Kung Fu school complex, with two practice arenas. There is also a museum of musical instruments situated here, and adjacent to a mural depicting the atrocities committed by foreign forces in the late Qing Empire, with a description in English. Behind the latter and up some stairs in the wall is a fantastic shop selling all manner of authentic Chinese souvenirs at sensible prices. It is hard to find! Be careful here, as one door leads down and out into a sidestreet.

Returning to the paper cutter, you will enter a complex behind his stall, which serves as Buddhist temple complete with many rare artifacts. Several interlinked rooms lead out to an open air pool full of carp and terrapins (A Chinese thing all temples have). Progress through this and right a touch to an open air theatre complex and restaurant, combined. This is where Cantonese (Yue) Opera is performed. Progressing along the right hand side of the complex you will find the memorial halls dedicated to Deng Xiao Ping and Cantonese Opera. Foreign tourists will find this quite missable, unless you are into this sort of thing, in Chinese writing only? However, outside are several interesting stalls selling knickknacks, some of which can be personalised or made to order in a few minutes. Dotted around this area are several displays of dilapidated antique things, such as traditional boats and sowing machines set in large glass cases. There is another restaurant here, and the public toilets are located nearby down a nondescript alley. Behind the alley and fronting the main road outside is a garden area. Bearing right brings you back to the entrance - or should that be exit?

Opening times: 8.30 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: Y20
Tel: 0757 82221680

Foshan Folk Art Museum
Nearby Foshan Folk Art Museum and Studio is a good place to look for souvenirs, including excellent Chinese Cloisonné, silks, Jade, Papercuts (Foshan's leading art), calligraphy and other local arts and crafts. This is located along the road from Zumiao, so with the temple to your right, walk straight ahead and over a main road with traffic lights. It is 5-minutes walk. This is also a great place for gaining an understanding into the lessons learned during the Cultural Revolution, including the modernisation of agriculture. In the corner of the Temple grounds next door you will also find an excellent vegetarian restaurant, although you may need to ask for help in finding it even though it is quite large. This complex is due to be relocated.

Opposite the Folk Arts Museum is the Carris Anne Hotel, which is the second most popular hotel used by Westerners (After The Foshan Hotel). Both hotels have business centres and excellent standards of spoken English. They also offer direct coaches to places such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong - which include various destinations for both the Airport, Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon

Ancient Nanfeng Kiln
Located in Guzao Street, Shiwan Town (At the intersection of another road and where Jia Hua 4 Road becomes Jia Hua 3 Road [Cantonese: gwi wa sai Lo] ) and very near China Ceramics City. It is 5-minutes taxi from Bai Hua city centre.

The complex is home to the last working Dragon Kiln in all of China. A Dragon Kiln is one set going up the side of a hill, with continuous firing from bottom to top. Ceramics are moved up during the firing process, and this was China's answer to technical problems associated with high temperature firing required by some special glazes.

Across the courtyard is a large shop selling locally made products of all ceramic descriptions. To the right wall and central is an area set aside for displays by a Master Potter, which usually runs at certain times each week-end, and for tour groups by appointment. This is actually a lot of fun, as afterwards you get to play with some clay and make your own pottery. They later fire the results in the Dragon Kiln, and you can pick up your finished item a couple of weeks later.

Virtually opposite the main road entrance is a great Hunan Cuisine restaurant, whilst veering right will bring you to Foshan Artists Street. This is home to many small retailers selling all manner of ceramics and associated glassware's. There is a proper artist's street within this complex, but it is hard to find, even for Foshan local residents. Both this area and Nanfeng Kiln back onto a lovely park with massive central water feature. Restaurants, bridges, and walkways about, and it is a most relaxing place to chill for a while. Near the Artists Street is a fantastic mural about 20 feet high and 50 yards long. This begins with a pair of the largest female things I have ever seen, and is back dropped by what can best be described as a long waterfall made from toilets. There are literally thousands of the things all set in the wall!

Liang Yuan Garden
Liang Yuan is one of the Pearl River Delta's most historic gardens built by a family of famous poets and artists of the period. Artistically arranged gardens and ponds surround elegant residential buildings.

Cantonese Opera
Foshan is also the Birthplace of Cantonese Opera; which is similar to, and should never be confused with Beijing Opera. There are always Cantonese Opera shows and performances, plus special display halls and a Memorial museum dedicated to the Stars. From this spring a local industry based on costumes and masks.

We took this one step further for a recent summer camp (College Ages), and dedicated one day to making our own Cantonese Opera performance. Make-up takes several hours, and then there was dressing in the exuberant costumes. We did a small display that was great fun and shown on local TV. Some of the Players were Westerners ... Life is what you make it I guess?

Kung Fu
XiQiao is perhaps the most significant Pearl in this vast River Delta. It is a renowned scenic spot, Buddhist temple complex, and home to everything that embodies ultimate and state of the arts Chinese Kung Fu. Teachings are based upon 'HuangFeiHong' (Wong Fei Hung in Cantonese, versions) style 'Gongfu'. Huang Fei Hong came to Foshan as a young boy, with his Father and other disciples as they fled Imperial persecution from the Shaolin Temple in neighbouring Fujian Province. They settled in Nanhai (The name of Foshan City District at that time), and in a new home - which you can still visit today. There is now a very major Martial Arts School there. Lessons are available, and easily booked - if you know how? Contact China Expat's if you want this, and we will sort it all for you + options for spouse and friends who think you are maybe a little crazy?

Below is a quotation from the latest edition of Foshan Tourist Guide:
"Foshan Hong Sheng Martial Arts Academy was established in 1851 by a martial Master named Zhang Yan during the Qing Dynasty. Time honoured and deeply influential, the centre boasts a lot of followers. The members of Hongsheng played a positive role in the past anti-feudalism and anti-imperialism wars. Hongsheng Martial Arts Centre has established branches in Hong Hong and abroad".

Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm
Bus numbers: 133, 141, 143
Tel: 0757 83217908

Xi Qiao
Xi Qiao (Si tew in Cantonese) also features 4 other main tourist attractions in addition to the Kung Fu Centre listed above. Buses will deliver you to the small town of Xi Qiao, which nestles under the Northern wing of the mountain. It is 'OK' in a nondescript sort of way. Left and West a bit is the back entrance to the hills complex of attractions. I mellowed away a very comfortable afternoon here some years ago, which included some shopping at local stalls, and an excellent foot massage. This area also contains a few small fairground attractions for kids.

There is also a formal entrance on the East side, but both are a tad hard to locate unless your driver understands exactly where you are headed for? This mountain has a 'AAAA' rating regards tourism, whatever that implies? Main attractions are: Yun Hai Lai Tai, Huang Daxian holy Land, Baiyun Cave, Tian Hu (Heaven) Lakes, Stone Swallow Rock and Sifang Bamboo Garden.

Most attractions are open during daylight hours, but some are restricted to closing at midday, including: Bodhisattva Culture Garden and Tianhu Lake Scenic Spot = 7.30 am to 12 midday only.

General opening times: 7.30am - 6pm
Through ticket price: Y50 inclusive for all attractions
Enquiries: 0757 86886646

Ceramics
Foshan is also the Leading Chinese City for ceramics - the earliest settlers came here because of the local China Clay. Nowadays this is mainly devoted to Thousands of square miles of factories producing toilets and other national and export related ceramics

However, Foshan still produces the most exquisite China and porcelain in the whole of this vast country. Take time-out to visit Ceramic Artist's Street = Breathtaking! During the dawn of the Han Empire Circa 220BC, Foshan was accorded the title of One of the Four leading ceramics cities in the whole of China - and today it remains China's largest producer by volume of export ceramics (Toilets, sinks, tiles, and bathrooms). It is also China's leading producer of 'Brownware' figurines, technically referred to by artist's as 'Mud-works'. However, you can find some excellent craftsmanship amongst the dross; for example: heavy metal crystal glazes and hand-painted pottery relief's. There is also a burgeoning and complimentary glassworks industry, which features the sole designs of local artists. Some of these artworks are truly awesome!

Shopping

Bai Hua
In the main shopping plazas you will find all the famous international brands, and if this is what you want to see, then please enjoy. I would prefer to show you the real China, the real people, the local communities, and street markets that literally buzz with humanity - come with me and haggle with a market trader over the price of an orange, or let us choose a live fish from one of the many fish tanks for our dinner.

The main shopping centre is Baihau Plaza (Ba Far in Cantonese), and this is the green building with a ball on top. Set to the side is a smaller and busier Chinese mall that specialises in clothes and shoes. Prices here are very reasonable and the array of offerings admirable. Expect to haggle with the traders, but not too much.

Outside are several other malls within a minutes walk, although some may not be obvious until you enter Crossing Zumiao Road here and bearing right will bring you to a pavement of high street shops. Bai Hua also features: MacDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut; all set around the same interchange.

Dong Jian
The other main shopping area is centred around Dong Jian Century Plaza on Jia Hua 5 Road. This is OK and has a restaurant occupying the top floor (Normal for Chinese malls). This mall also has toilets on the ground floor, set towards the rear and left a bit. There is a Western style WC in the associated KFC for those that prefer a little comfort.

If you were to stand facing KFC, then on your right is a busy sideroad which is crossed bring you to a China Unicom mobile phone shop. This is one of the few places you can obtain China Unicom top-up cards; as Foshan mainly uses China Mobile, whose shops are everywhere. Continue a few yards up this road and you will see the Bank of China on your left. This has one of the most reliable international ATM machines in Foshan. If you have a visa card that does not work in most Chinese ATM's then the middle machine is the one you want. However, please note it is usually out of order between 10 and 11 each morning due to servicing and topping up with cash. If your card is not so pedantic, then the right-hand machine should work for you, as will ATM's of ICBC.

You are now adjacent to a very busy crossroads, and one of the best places to catch a taxi during rush hours. Opposite the Bank of China is a small private hospital that is excellent. Some of the staff speak English to enough of a degree, and Doctors are readily to hand. I don't recall there being a consultation fee, but expect to be taken to their pharmacy to purchase medications for your treatment. Injections are administered intravenously via a drip, and this can take a while - but is excellent for your body. You really don't want to go anywhere near a major Chinese hospital without a Chinese friend and a lot of time to kill.

Next to this hospital is a doorway, being the entrance to a Chinese hotel. Rooms are very adequate although basic, and prices very cheap. Another 100 yards further along this road brings you to the Kingdom Hotel, which is a lot higher class. This road is also lined with restaurants, some of which are described elsewhere on this page. At the southern end of this block is a RBT restaurant - a sort of trendy bar thingymagig. On your left and across a block is the red light district. Authorities run purges from time to time, the locations and girls change, but it carries on regardless. Carrying straight onwards brings you to more restaurants, one of which is notable for excellent fish. Bear right and walk down a bit of a boring road. The next interchange features two good restaurants on your right, and street bars across the road and left. These open around 5pm. If you duck down the obliquely set alleyway of a China Town, then the other end brings you out into another streetbar area.

Head right from here, back towards the main road. on your left is a large and tranquil park. The right side features many restaurants, most of which are open late or very late at night. You can complete this block by turning right again, which brings you back to the small private hospital. On your left is a large mall featuring all manner of electrical appliances, and is hosted by Suning Group. Internally this block is made from a warren of interconnecting streets, and is quite safe to enter - although expect locals to stare at you. There is an excellent wet market here, many more local style eateries of questionable hygiene standards, and I am told, rooms available for Y400 per month. Second-hand furniture sales are also located in some of the garages hereabout. Lets continue our tour by heading back to the pedestrian walkway near KFC.

Opposite we arrive outside the main bus stop which fronts a Chinese supermarket called 'Gwi Wah Fo' Chong' in Cantonese. This is the local landmark everybody knows. The ground floor is dedicated to food sales, whilst upstairs (Up a ramp) is clothing, household items and consumer electronics. The exit of the supermarket leads you into an area of perfumeries, and outside, across the road is another modern mall featuring goods by the very top international brands (Gucci etc). Underneath is a Hong Kong supermarket called Park n Shop. The entrance is an escalator set to the front of the building near Starbuck's and Pizza Hut.

If you were to exit the Chinese supermarket and turn right, then this would bring you to 'Superline', another mall featuring cheap clothes and related items. It is well worth a visit, especially if you are looking for quality at sensible prices. However, do not rely on the label to judge any sizes, as often these goods are slightly flawed seconds, the major season being they have the wrong size label on them.

Outside is a MacDonald's with another Bank of China located nearby. Foshan's largest English School is located in the street opposite, and you will need to find a place to cross the busy main road if this is your target. Again, across this road and right a little is a great shop selling genuine Chinese souvenirs. Adjacent to Superline is a square, the other side of which is a reasonable and cheap 'Chinglish' restaurant called Golden Sun. A little further along is the Golden Lake Hotel.

The small square itself leads to a bridge which is renowned as a lovers paradise. If a couple walk across this bridge three times at consecutive National Day celebrations, then their wedding will be blessed. On the other side is the main China Telecom building for this area (Landlines and internet), however, be careful here, as Chinese internet here of the 4MB speed is actually 4 x 1Mb outlets ideal for a small office, and not one dedicated 4Mb connection. Behind this is a very large wet market with excellent reputation.

Let's retrace out steps back to the Chinese supermarket on Jia Hua 5 Road, and reaching the pedestrian walkway, continue walking away from Park n Shop (Do not re-cross the road). Crossing a small road junction that also leads to Superline, passed a bank with interesting lions no Chinese understand the meaning of, you will meet an area set back slightly from the main road. The first alleyway leads to another wet market behind, but you need to know which stalls to go to in this one. However, they do sell beef here, which can be rare in Canton.

Without venturing into the wet market, the first door will have a few girls hanging around, and the stairs lead up to a very large and nice Hair-Washey and massage centre. Girl Number 51 is excellent, although number 21 is also pretty damn good.

Outside there are a very streetbar's that used to be very busy before the main road was upgraded. These are missable, except for the far end where there is a stall in the wall selling Chinese 'Ham-bo-ba's'. This is Xi'an cuisine associated with the restaurant above. However, for Y5, the Donkey kebab is truly excellent, with a little coriander and chilli sauce. Other meats available are pork and beef, but the Donkey is the one to have, and is red meat in colour out of a package in the refrigerator.

Continue along this road, but there really isn't much to see unless you fancy visiting the Mongolian style restaurant which is bright orange and green. A great eating experience, but expensive if done correctly. At the end of this block and just around the corner is a hole in the wall with escalators that don't work. At the top of the steps is an English language school, and further inside (Trust me on this one), is an excellent printing company. I get my business cards printed here, and 300 cost around Y100, with collection 1-hour later! This are full colour with picture, bi-lingual, and produced by me in a normal word document. There are cheaper options of course, but the 1-hour does it for me every time.

If you are not interested in business cards or other printing services, then you will not the main road has disappeared into an underpass. Opposite are silver domes erected for the Guangzhou Asia Games 2010. Not your thing either? Then cross right to the newly completed Wallmart. This is another very large supermarket and worth a visit, although their stocks of truly Western produce appear to fluctuate on a whim. Their Pizza at Y4 for a very large slice is very good value. This is slowly becoming a shopping mall also, and yet another KFC is already open and very busy. MacDonald's will open here soon also. The goods sold in shops here is probably of higher standard in general than Dong Jian, but lower than the Park n Shop mall retail stores.

We are almost full circle now, so permit me a little indulgence of these streets I know so very well. The main road here is now called Lingnan Dong Lu, although everybody still calls it 'Dai Fut Lo'. Walk the short block below where I used to live, and take the first sidestreet on your right, called Fu Hua Lu in Mandarin. The modern political capital building of Foshan is opposite, and whilst the first block of this street is a tad boring. It is a short distance however. The first street on your left leads to The Rose Garden, a complex of vaguely interlinked quality housing, and the very best upscale wet market in Foshan. However, continue ahead and pass Wallmart multi-storey car park on your right. You will see a few retail outlets set as very small local shops here. The one in the middle is a very talented seamstress who we have purchased business suits for both men and women from on several occasions. Her prices are very fair, with a ladies business suit complete with both skirt and trouser alternatives + two blouses, all made to measure; coming in at around Y800. She doesn't speak English, but is very good at what she does. She will walk with you to a proprietary shop nearby so you can show her the designs you want her to make for you. Allow 1-week for completion, with a fitting scheduled somewhere in between.

Standing outside at the road junction, you are facing the Snake restaurant, with the red light district to your left. Let's turn right here and cross the road. On the first corner is a DVD shop that sells good quality DVD's and similar discs. Expect to pay Y7 for most items, and look out for special value packs. One of the staff may try to load the price, so settle for what you are happy paying as fair. You can check DVD's before purchase, and return them for another disc or full refund if they won't play on your own machine. Nearly all Chinese DVD's etc, and multi-regional and play on any machine anywhere in the world.

Heading onwards you will pass a couple of car-washey's, and turning left at the major road, find a 24 hour China Telecom top-up card machine. If you try and top-up your phone yourself, then press 2 at first question for English language, and follow the prompts. Press '1 + hash' to top up your own phone, as this is not quite clear, and saves you having to enter your phone's own number. These machines accept Chinese notes in denominations of Y30, Y50, Y100, and Y300.

Continuing along this road brings you back to Dong Jian Century Plaza, whilst bearing left at the end of the block takes you past another 'Hair-Washey' and a couple of vaguely Thai restaurants. Continue walking to the end of the short block, and facing the Agricultural Bank of China (One of China's best banks, and the one that does Western Union incoming only, look left and find a welcome at Martino's proper Western restaurant. Chill with a draught beer, or have Guinness or cider from bottles and cans. The owner is Bill, a Canadian Chinese bear of a man, and very hospitable. He will cook you anything regardless of the menu, although you may need to pre-order some specialty dishes. This closes at 2am, and has a multi-channel TV, video, and music system. However, it is renowned for a relaxing ambience and comfortable couches.

Almost opposite is a very small Chinese Moslem restaurant. These people are open 24/7, and are distinguished by wearing small white hats. Whilst communication resorts to quite basic levels, they are welcoming and have pictures of virtually all their main dishes plastered around the walls. I usually go for the Chinese 'Ham-bo-bah' late at night, and to order this simply describe a circle with your finger - they will understand. One of their dishes featured on the wall is actually a most excellent doner meat, but I never worked out just how to get them to put this into the kebab. Hey-ho!

If you just walked the above in one day, then the major locations listed above may just come to 3-miles, excepting shopping. I would allow one full day to do all this, beginning at Dong Jian Century Plaza and crossing towards superline for lunch at the Golden Sun. I would head back for dinner (6pm) at Martino's, before exploring the other options for evening entertainment listed previously.

Jusco
Jusco is the name of the very best Western supermarket in Foshan, which is a one-stop for virtually everything you may need to purchase. It is also a mall, and centre for another of Foshan's shopping extravaganza's. There are actually two Jusco's in Foshan, and this one is located just inside Nanhai district, fairly near the Foshan main bus and railway stations.

Adjacent is Tour Mall, which is another shopping extravaganza, and behind is one of Foshan's best KTV complexes = head down the alleyway and covered streetmarket thingymagig. Opposite Jusco's main entrance it a traditionally fronted Chinese Mall. This is home to thousands of restaurants featuring different flavours of Chinese cuisine, and those from other Asian climbs such as Vietnam. If you have never before witnessed a shopping centre comprised only of restaurants, then this will blow your mind!

Food
But why should we bother cooking, when within half a mile of my apartment are over 500 restaurants, all specialising in a particular cooking style or dish. The food is mainly Chinese, from all quarters of China; but there are also some very good Western restaurants, and of course the ubiquitous MacDonald's, KFC's and Pizza Hut's. Starbuck's has now arrived also, and there are No Western alternatives!

Vegetarian Food
Vegetarian food is always hard to find in China, but Foshan has several dedicated restaurants that serve good and varied vegetarian cuisine. I cannot guarantee this is vegan, and vegan's will experience a very hard time in China!

John's Bar, Martino's, Little India and the Rhine Cafe will all serve dedicated vegetarian dishes. The top hotels will also offer genuine vegetarian cuisine, of which I would only name: The Foshan Hotel (Crowne Plaza), Carris Anne Hotel, also called the Carrianne Hotel and formerly the Hua Qiao Hotel, Golden City Hotel, and the Fortuna Hotel at Le Cong. These are listed separately:

Otherwise for authentic vegetarian cuisine you options are limited, but are available. Before describing them I will give you a very useful tip: All Chinese Buddhists are vegetarian, so if a Buddhist temple has a restaurant associated with it, then this should only serve vegetarian food. Do not expect this to be vegan, but it is possible. Vegetarian restaurants, like their meat serving counterparts, do tend to come and go with frequency, so below are the ones I know stick around:

The Arts Studio Restaurant
This is located on Zumiao Road nearly opposite the Carris Anne Hotel. It is actually a seclude part of Renshou Buddhist Pagoda Temple, which itself was established in the 13th Century. The Pagoda is quite easy to spot, being a large red tower that overlooks the walls to the street. The restaurant is at the far end, and found by entering a doorway located furthest from the city centre (Bai Hua). Go in here and walk straight ahead, bearing left whenever you can. You will come to a nondescript gray building that has a door set on the left corner. Go in here and up a flight of stairs. Marvel you are now in a quite exclusive and vegetarian restaurant! The staff do not speak English, but all the food is vegetarian (No meat whatsoever is sold here).

The Place Up The Alleyway
This is actually a very good restaurant, and very traditional regards Buddhism. It is located just off Dai Fu't Lo (Lingnan Dong Lu) so get yourself to Foshan TV tower and on that side of the main road. You could actually walk this in 10 minutes, or catch a cab. You need to go North on this road, ie - the tower is on your right and you are headed away from it. You will come quite quickly in a cab to a set of traffic lights where all the traffic either goes left or right. Your taxi driver will want to do likewise. Be forceful and make him go straight ahead! The road narrows considerably, and you need to stop at the first sideroad on your right - about 80 yards down this road. This is not a salubrious area, but quite safe all the same. Go down the sideroad about 30 yards and there will be a row of shops set back on your right. The entrance to the vegetarian restaurant is the last doorway. Head up the stairs and you are there. In 2010 they plan to take over the furniture showroom next door - and we will see what happens.

The food is excellent and pukka vegetarian, and the bill is small. Again Uncle Sam has been advising them on culinary arts, and they are developing a wider range of dishes, as evidenced each time I have been there. The owner is not native Cantonese, although her Cantonese speaking is now better than my own. However she is a warm and friendly person, and whilst retaining her professional dignity, does like to stop and chat with customers. A very nice and genuine person. You will need a Chinese friend to help you order, unless you fancy pot luck? There are some photo's of dishes, and the main vegetables are on show outside the kitchen, so pointing and mining will work also.

4 other Foshan vegetarian restaurants have opened and closed within the last couple of years, although our information is that there is still one survivor located in Nanhai 'Gui Cheung' = near Jusco. Therefore our next listing is in Shunde Long Jiang Town

Shunde Long Jiang
To get there from Foshan you will either need to catch a green bus from the small bus station city side of the main Foshan bus station, or get a cab (Y80 is a very reasonable fare. If you hail one of the infrequent green taxi's, then know this should be from Shunde and looking for a return fare, which can be a lot cheaper.

This restaurant has been open for more than 5-years, and is the brainchild of my Chinese 'Brother' Uncle Sam. It is located precisely next door to Long Jiang Buddhist Temple and Mountain, and is the purple building. The cuisine is excellent, and although I am not a veggie, they do serve some wonderful food here. Look for the curry (Potatoes, capsicums and broccoli), fish steak (Made from anything except fish, but pukka), and the knots of small mushrooms in an apparent bacon wrapper (Not bacon). There are still pictures of Caroline and myself on the walls, as we were honoured guests at their opening ceremony.

Being proper Chinese Buddhist restaurants, none of these restaurants favour serving alcohol (but they will go and buy it and bring it to your table), nor smoking - although they make exceptions.

Mushroom Soup Restaurant
This eatery is not a vegetarian restaurant, and is located 5-minutes further away than Long Jiang. It serves the very best mushroom soup I have ever tasted! This dish has about 5 seasonally available fresh mushrooms in it of all shapes and sizes, which are added to what can best be described as a Russian Borsch soup base, with slivers of orange in it. It is so unique that once I have perfected the recipe at home, I will add this dish to our recipe section - simply stunning!

Now from experience, I do realise that many vegetarians do not like to eat mushrooms - the why escapes me as a carnivore, but it appears to be so. Believe me, if I would travel an hour to eat this soup, then you should also.

Location: Lah't Lao (Shunde, Lei Liu). It is the next small town on the green bus from Foshan, and best you get off after crossing the river, going straight on at the first traffic lights, and stopping at the next set; which is quite a complicated road junction. You need to turn directly left here into the town proper, and will hit a small roundabout within a hundred yards or so. Go left here, and immediately left again. The restaurant is at the far end of this road, just before the major junction at the top of a very small rise.

Little India
Foshan also has an excellent Indian restaurant called 'Little India'. It is run by two real Indian guys (From Birmingham, England), and caters for all Indian, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani cuisine, whether on the menu or not. It is expensive, but the food is pukka and halal. Both owners speak excellent English, and know international cuisine extremely well. Therefore if you know the name of the English Indian dish you want to order, simply ask them to make it. However, only the owners will do this for you, as the Chinese staff don't really understand Indian cuisine that is not on the menu. For instance, I changed the listed Roti's for Chapatti's, and added a Tarka Dhal without curry flavourings as a side dish. In UK we would say this is 'Bostin' tucker!

These people also understand what real vegetarian food is all about, although vegan's will always encounter problems in China. However, this is not strictly 'Kosher' food, and Jews may also find the majority of clientele not suited to their personal disposition or view of this world? Expect a meal for four people, including drinks and special orders to come in just under Y1, 000 for the evening. Not cheap, but it is very real and genuine Indian cuisine! However, when you weigh this against the fact that China must be the only country in the whole wide world where it is impossible to buy even a simple sachet of ready-mix madras curry powder, then this is a very welcome treat and oasis. The owners are also top guys and pleased to stop and chat with you = very welcoming. I am pretty sure this place closes at midnight, but please check first.

This is the only place that sells authentic Indian Curry, and is a must do. To find this, stand on the street with your right towards the Foshan Hotel. Walk forwards 100 yards and go down the ramp which takes you into the centre of the traffic island. Head straight across, and if you got it right, then you will be on the same side of the street on the other side of this roundabout. Little India is located 20 yards away in front, and has a couple of miniature elephants outside the door, the windows are of arabian design, and the building is painted white.

Western Restaurants
There are only two real ones in Foshan: John's Bar and Martino's.

John's Bar
John's Bar has relocated to the patio of the Golden City Hotel, opposite and right a bit from the Foshan Hotel. You may need to navigate the weird traffic island pedestrian underpass thingymagig again. This place is great for authentic Western cuisine, although you may not find everything of your liking on the menu. However, their Mexican stuff is Top Hole. The draft beer is Tsingdao, and they have projector TV featuring football matches from UK (Soccer in American speaking, and F1)

Martino's
Martino's is run by my good friend Bill and his partner Peter. They are Canadian Chinese, returning to run this restaurant in Foshan. They also serve real draught beer in pint pots from Pearl River Brewery + a vast selection of Western bottled beers, stouts and cider. Bill will cook you anything to order, although his Shepherds Pie is a total winner for me. I usually eat this with a side salad and Poutine Quebecoise (British chips with gravy and cheese topping). He also delivers a mean curry, whilst also great beefburgers, real pizza, and a great Mexican wrap thingymagig (Not on the menu). There are several TV's scattered around the joint, making this an ideal location to chill from the Chinese streets outside. The staff speak good English and will stop to chat and pass the time of day, and have a laugh.

Both of these places are expensive already, and then add a 10% 'service charge'. However, they both serve genuine Western food and stay open until at least 2am - longer if there is a crowd in.

Alternatives:
There is also one other restaurant that befits this category called The Rhine Cafe. It is located on the road between Sunlight Apartments and Foshan's main cinema complex and is the place every rich Chinese boy takes his new girlfriend to impress her on the first or second date. They offer a special and separate steak menu, but some are good and others not. I am told the Fillet steak is about the best, but have not eaten this myself yet. This is a large squarish lump of beef dressed appropriately, lest there in any confusion. I believe they do sell this rare, but expect a small argument before your order is completed - it's the runny blood thingymagig again.

Steak
The above restaurants are the only places in town you have a hope of finding a steak that is remotely saleable in the West. I exclude the 5* Hotels from this, as unknown.

Otherwise Chinese steak is probably the worst cuts of stewing steak, cooked quickly and always very well done. They will feature large areas of chewy sinews, accompanied by loads of gristle. A Chinese restaurant cannot do a rare steak, and may possibly offer a medium rare on occasions = not good, especially when made with stewing steak. I'd think twice before offering it to my dog! Seriously, this meat (?) really is ordinarily that bad!

To date, the only Chinese steak I would travel any distance for; was served at Luiggi's (Or something very Italian and similar sounding) a block away from Guangzhou East Railway Station. This was a fillet, served rare, and truly melted in the mouth. Cost a bomb - but then, Western sides were also excellent, and totally delicious!

The trick is to forget about the beef steak completely in Canton = they just have no comprehension of what it should be; and instead order a pork steak. Now here you will find exactly what you are looking for, and it works every time in any restaurant vaguely proclaiming a 'Western' menu.

When ordering steak, Chinese use the American % method, with 50% equalling well done, and 10% equalling medium. They have a very serious problem regarding serving bloody meats. I ask for 1%, and usually receive medium. rare, which is ok-ish. You may end up battling both the waitress and the chef on this point, but stand firm and chill with a beer. It will work out one way or another.

My friend was once stupid enough to order an 80% done steak. It duly arrived on a sizzler platter, and looked like charcoal. Fortunately (And for some very bizarre and unrelated issue), he has just purchased a hammer from a local shop. I do not think his immediate intention was to use this for removing charcoal from his next meal, but this is what transpired all the same. Beating the meat on the cast iron sizzler for several minutes did reveal an extremely well done steak beneath, of perhaps one third the original size. Not good.

China is always 'The' land of contradictions, so my gallant companion gave up on the beef steak - charcoal thingy, and ordered Goose as a replacement. This turned out to be a complete goose, chopped into about 100 pieces. The Goose breast was delicious - and was served medium rare = pretty damned bloody whilst still being cooked, sort of..

You have to laugh to keep from crying sometimes...

One peculiarity I have discovered hereabouts, is that a steak - say a pork steak in Black pepper sauce, is often served with a runny egg. This works, so don't knock it until you try it. It works best if you opt for the 'Sizzler Platter', where the chef adds the egg as he serves the final dish. It is cooked by the time it reaches your table.

Caution: If you have ordered a sauce to accompany the steak, then this will be added in full or in part at table. There are probably around 8 main sauces to choose from, but know that any one served upon a 'sizzler' will splatter your clothes with dross unless you use the tablecloth as a protection. A good restaurant will automatically do this for you, and most don't!

Golden Sun Restaurant
Otherwise your best alternative is to head for 'Superline', and the nearby restaurant called Golden Sun. This serves Chinglish food, but at a very good price. Don't go for the beef, as this is normally disgusting in Canton. Your best bet is a Pork Steak, British Chips, and sides to your taste. Ideal for taking Chinese people too also, as they will always find something satisfactory on the menu. This place has three storey's, and is mostly full at all times of the day and night. I say no more. This restaurant closes at either 12 pm or 2 am, depending on season.

The Little Sheep
This is a most excellent restaurant foreigners should get the hang of pretty quickly. It is actually part of a National chain, with branches also in Hong Kong. It features Inner Mongolia cooking at it's very best, and is a version of cook in the pot. The tables all feature a central gas hob, onto which is placed a large cooking vessel with a central divider. One side is herbs, spices and coconut milk - and the other is chilli hot! You will need a local person to help you order, and do experiment.

You need to spend over Y600 in one sitting to get a VIP card, which then gives you a 10% discount forever. This is complemented by an outside BBQ, and the rack of sheep's ribs is excellent and awesome!

Once every twenty visits or thereabouts, you will eat something that is incredibly hot! Copious beers will only inflame the flame inside; so order a special and medicinal bean curd thingymagig that looks like a wrinkly cream coloured parchment sticks. This is the only known antidote! Cook this for two minutes in the coconut half, and return to the human race immediately, unfazed. My friends and I have still not exactly worked out what this thing is, but is is totally hilarious if you are not on the receiving end hahaha! We think it may be something that looks like a small peppercorn?

This place is humming by 6pm, so either: rock-up earlier, book in advance, or go after 9pm (10% off and open until midnight). However, the best staff also leave around 9pm, so this really isn't a blessing.

Location: If you are in a taxi, then simply say "Siu Fai Yeurm, Gui wah mmm lo". It is located between Fung Dong Zhong Lo (Feng Jiang Central Road) where it becomes Gung Gong Nam Lo (Feng Jiang South Road) and Fo'san Dai Doh (Foshan Avenue).

Other 'Hot Pot Restaurants

The Orange Place
If you like the Little Sheep, then there are several similar alternatives. The first is located nearly opposite WallMart on Jia Hua 5 Road - where the road disappears down the underpass, and very close to Foshan Radio Tower. I do not know the name of it, but it has a bright orange facade that is un-missable, and a lot of bright green also. Inside is very nicely finished, the staff are courteous and friendly, with some speaking pretty goof English.

They have introduced a buffet type service, which is obtainable to the extreme left of the entrance. Having made your selection you then return to your seats to cook at table. Alternatively, you can order direct from the menu and staff will bring your selections as they are prepared. One is an excellent fish platter featuring red salmon. Unlike the Little Sheep, this restaurant has individual cooking pots built into the table top, each with its own heat control and sieve. This is quite unusual for China, a land where food is usually cooked communally. Some of the dishes can be expensive, which I believe is why they introduced the buffet arrangement. However, this place is very well work a visit. One tip is that each serving pot/cooker thing has only one sauce of course. Therefore it makes sense if you like to experiment with tastes, to order several different sauces and mix your cooking appropriately.

The Cheap Place
Again I have no name I can recount for this restaurant, which is situated nearby the Orange Restaurant. This time go to WallMart and turn right onto Dai Fu't Lo (Now called Lingnan Dong lu). You will have the TV tower to your left now. You need to head up this road about 500 yards and it is on your right, the second restaurant of a group huddles closely together. It is virtually opposite Foshan Number 2 Hospital main entrance. It is distinguished by having table clothes with matching frilly seat covers. The door is set in the front right corner, and steps on the right lead up to a second floor which overlooks the reception area. The toilets are located up here behind the extra seating area.

This restaurant is notably cheaper than either the Little Sheep or the Orange Place, but the food is quite excellent, with the hot side being really hot! Again we are back to a central cooking bowl with central divider, although I remember this one also has a three-way version. The style is virtually identical to the Little Sheep, but the food has different version also and some additions like squid. The pig's brain's here are excellent and I do recommend them if you like a creamy pate? Expect this restaurant to close around the standard time of 9.30 pm.

The Goose Restaurant
This is more a local version based upon Shunde cuisine, although the staff are Sichuan people. This restaurant features a single central cooking pot, but is fired by charcoal which is brought out by an experienced person and emptied into the central furnace. We call it the Goose Restaurant because their famous dish is a hotpot of goose. However, the walls and menu also feature many other dishes, and we actually prefer the fish selection, which comes with a fish of course, but also much seafood such as prawns and similar. It is very delicious and a welcome alternative.

The Goose Restaurant is located very near Jia Hua Park, and on the opposite block corner from The Private Hospital. To get there, get a cab to Dong Jian Century Plaza, and turn up the road immediately to the side of KFC. You will pass the Bank of China on your left, and later The Kingdom Hotel on your right. At the traffic lights turn right (By RBT trendy bar) and stop when you reach the end of the block. There are two restaurants here, and the Goose Restaurant is the one that spans the corner with frontage onto the adjoining road. Expect this restaurant to close around the standard time of 9.30 pm.

The Hidden Restaurant
This is a general restaurant specialising in fish and tofu. We call it the Hidden Restaurant because it is not on the beaten track, but quite easy to find once you know where it is. Simply follow Fung Gong Nan Lo (Feng Jiang South Road) south from its intersection with Jia Hua 5 Road. You will encounter the temporary traffic arrangements where they are building a new metro station. Once into this, head south for one block, and you will pass several restaurants at the end of the block. Turn right into what appears to be a dead end and drive straight ahead park as you reach the end of this road. You are now outside the Hidden Restaurant, which is nestling on your left (It also has a cark park).

This is actually quite a sizeable restaurant, and features many dishes. There are also selections which can be ordered from a long row of dedicated serveries set down the centre of the aisles. One of these is a large steel pot with lid, and inside is full of Tofu. There are ladles nearby in a dip of honey, which you ladle on top after filling your bowl. The food is very high quality, but not a cheap place either. The beef ribs are very good, as is the fish and all things I have tasted so far on my one and only visit to date. I will definitely go there again.

The Hole in the Wall Shunde Restaurant
As a generalisation, Cantonese people consider the best food is from neighbouring Shunde County. From experience I know this restaurant serves excellent Shunde cuisine. It is also remarkable in having a rustic interior made mainly of stout wood = floors, seats tables, everything is wooden and quite charming. It is also arranged in a more Western style with little alcoves and partitions for tables set in haphazard rows. The food is also very good and it stays open reasonably late at night - probably 2am, but don't quote me on this, as it has been some time.



The Artists Place


Sichuan Hotpot



Tour Mall

Siu Yeah'r


Spare Ribs
The best British style spare ribs are sold at 'The Chicken Restaurant', which is located on the Western aspect of Dong Jian (Dong ging) Century Plaza, and virtually opposite The Bank of China.

This restaurant actually specialises in steamed chicken, a version of Toisan Chicken. However, Expat's will be well aware that Chinese take perfectly great spare ribs, and chop them into one billion pieces = not good. This place sells the only spare ribs I would recognise from UK = 6-inches long + sauce. Eat with your fingers time, but they supply plastic gloves. Their Toisan Chicken is the star dish; and rates as 'ok', but from a different planet regards Mama's home cooked version. Compensating: there are pictures of the dishes on the walls, so simply point at one and you are immediately understood. I have also been teaching them that British people like to have a few beers before eating a main meal - something that seems to have crossed the culture divide; even if it leaves me prey to teaching their son 'Ingerwishy' upon occasions.

Xi'an "Ham-bo-Bah's"
Now these things are the Chinese equivalent of 'Boy Food. There are many street vendors scattered around selling versions of then, mostly identified by their custom of wearing small white hats = muslim. They are open 24/7, and do delivery service. However, most of them will provide a semi-leavened bread because you are a 'Foreigner', whilst the best are served inside unleavened bread (No yeast, so doesn't rise when cooked). I recommend only two Xi'an food dispensaries in Foshan:

1. Next door to the 'Chicken Restaurant' is a pukka Xi'an restaurant - you know it because it has life-sized Xi'an warriors just inside the door. To order a kosher 'Ham-bo-Bah', simply make a 6-inch round with your index finger in the air. Simple. It will come served with complimentary Gutierrez chillies inside = awesome!

This is actually an excellent restaurant, but you will need to go there with a partner who is not Cantonese to get the best out of this restaurant.

"Ham-bo-Bah's"
Take a taxi to "Gui Wah Fo- Chong", which is across the road from Dong Ging Century Plaza or cross the footbridge as necessary. Head towards Foshan TV and Radio tower (Eiffel Tower with a big ball in it) and crossing a small road you will encounter a small restaurant area - the first being a doorway to a massage parlour = Girl Number 52 is the best. Nearest the other end of this recessed block is a doorway to another Xi'an restaurant; and underneath is a hole in the wall shop that sells the best kebabs in modern Foshan. The 'Donkey Kebabs' are by far the best on offer, and come from packaged meat from the fridge. Y5, or half a quid. They will normally add 10-times too much fresh coriander leaves (Very pungent) and no chilli sauce = mandatory.

Open all day, but closes at 9pm sharp; hence you may need to visit the Moslem versions late at night. Any meats served in these places are Halal, but not 'Kosher'.

Otherwise, Foshan must have the greatest concentration of both MacDonald's and KFC in the whole wide world. Most MacDonald's are open 24/7, whilst KFC chooses to close at 11pm (Sometimes 10pm). Hello: Wimpy, Wendy's, Burger King?

Pizza
Foshan also has some excellent Pizza delivery services; excepting they will never remember your order from last time (Yesterday), and treat you with disrespect because you don't speak their local version of Cantonese or specific dialect of Mandarin. They may arbitrarily decide to close one day at 7pm, or whatever suits them personally. Durrrh!

Otherwise most modern plaza's have a Pizza Hut with a basic Western menu and other items added for Chinese taste. They tend to be relatively expensive, but have quality standardised as you would expect. There is no competition at all from other Western chains - and again I wonder?

Weather
Foshan lies within the Tropic of Cancer, and officially has sub-tropical weather. All I can say is that for most of the year it is very hot, dry, and humid with average summer temperatures stuck at 36 degrees 24/7. Winter is January and February, and is very cold as they are simply not geared-up for cold weather at all. The rest of the year ranges from pleasant to very hot. Although always very verdant, it only rains twice a year = 4-weeks around the beginning of June, and monsoon season for another month starting the end of August. Otherwise umbrella's are normally used to protect from the sunshine!

People
Local people are very warm, welcoming and friendly. They will be very curious about you, and be very happy to socialise. Please read the Social
sections for more information

Openness
Throughout a history stretching back over 2, 000 years, Cantonese have always been Open and Outwards looking. Ask your local restaurant owner anywhere in UK, and I lay you 5-to-1 their family roots actually come from Foshan. Small World!

Business
Foshan is primarily a business centre, and many visitors are here to invest or export, although there are a few import specialists also.

Big business needs to have a serious think and come to China for retail, as those that have are extremely popular. For instance, I see MacDonald's and KFC on literally every street corner. Where are Wendy's, Wimpy, and Burger King? JolliBee from The Philippines has made it here, but very few outlets so far. The Body Shop is in Hong Kong, but refuses Chinese Franchises because of 'Eco and Humanitarian' reasons they don't understand properly. If they actually came they would drive a difference. It is also impossible to buy a Doner Kebab, or any other UK style fast food. I already have a local business plan if anyone would consider coming here and/or investing?

We can't really help Global Enterprises, because they already have paid through the nose to have their own people here. We can help medium and small sized companies who are new to China, and most definitely Sole Traders and entrepreneurs. We can guide you through start-up packages and procedures that are good for your business, including Company Formation. We can also sort Canton Fair for you, and include a full package to include some entertainment and special foods or religious requirements also.

Please check our Business Guides

Summary:
Vibrant, export driven, always 'Open' and Outward looking - whatever you want from China as a whole, you will find in abundance in this microcosm of humanity - but don't take our word for it, come and see for yourself.....

Welcome to Foshan

If you got this far, then you will realise why we need to add selection menu's above, expand content appropriately, and second edit.
Jonno