✦ Guangdong Province · Pearl River Delta

Discover Zhongshan

中山市 · 孙中山故乡

Birthplace of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, home of Lingnan gardens, hot springs, and authentic Cantonese culture — Zhongshan is the Pearl River Delta's most quietly compelling destination.

🏛 Historical Heritage 🌿 Lingnan Gardens ♨️ Natural Hot Springs 🍜 Cantonese Cuisine 🛍 Shopping & Culture

📍 Location Map

Zhongshan, Guangdong Province — 22.5167°N, 113.3833°E · Pearl River Delta, Southern China

Coordinates22.5167°N, 113.3833°E

ProvinceGuangdong (广东省)

Nearest Major AirportGuangzhou Baiyun (CAN) ~100km

Nearest CityZhuhai ~40km · Macau ~60km

Time ZoneCST — UTC+8

Dialing Code+86 (0)760

史History of Zhongshan

Originally named Xiangshan (香山) — "Fragrant Mountain" — the city was renamed Zhongshan in 1925 in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山), born here in 1866 in Cuiheng Village. Sun Yat-sen devoted his life to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and founding the Republic of China, and is revered as the "Father of Modern China." The city sits at the heart of the Pearl River Delta and has historically been a gateway for overseas Chinese emigrants, with over 800,000 people in 87 countries tracing their roots here.

✦Why Visit Zhongshan?

Walk in the footsteps of Sun Yat-sen — father of modern China
Immaculate Lingnan-style gardens, lakes, and bonsai collections
Authentic Cantonese food: Shiqi pigeon, Xiaolan chrysanthemum tea cakes
Hot spring resorts in Sanxiang — world-class relaxation
Less crowded than Guangzhou or Shenzhen but same convenience
Proximity to Macau, Hong Kong, Zhuhai — ideal stopover
Traditional water villages and rural township charm

📅When to Go

Spring

18–25°C

Flowers in bloom. Mild & vibrant.BEST

Summer

28–35°C

Hot & humid. Typhoon risk Jul–Sep.

Autumn

20–28°C

Chrysanthemum festivals Oct–Nov.BEST

Winter

10–18°C

Cool & dry. Good for hot springs.

🚉Getting There & Around

By Air: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) ~100km; shuttle buses ¥68. Zhuhai Jinwan Airport ~40km.
By Train: High-speed rail to Zhongshan Station from Guangzhou (~45 min), Shenzhen, Zhuhai.
By Ferry: Ferry from Hong Kong (Zhongshan Port) ~90 min.
By Bus: Zhongshan Bus Station on Fuhua Avenue serves all of Guangdong Province.
Getting Around: DiDi (滴滴) ride-hailing app is best for visitors. Local buses cover main areas.

Complete Travel Guide

Everything you need to know before and during your visit to Zhongshan

🍽 Eating & Drinking

Shiqi Roast Pigeon (石岐乳鸽) — the city's signature dish, crispy skin with tender meat
Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Cakes — fragrant pastries made with edible chrysanthemum
Nanlang Seafood — fresh crab from the Pearl River Delta
Honeymoon Dessert (满记甜品) — beloved Chinese desserts chain with multiple city locations
Expect ¥25 for a basic lunch; ¥150 for dinner for two at a good restaurant
Lan Kwai Fong Zhongshan — evening bar and dining district

🛍 Shopping

Sunwen West Road (孙文西路) — historic pedestrian street with souvenirs and local goods
Metro-Mall — largest shopping complex in Zhongshan
Xingzhong Plaza (兴中广场) — major downtown commercial center
Guzhen Town — global lighting capital; factories and showrooms open to visitors
Local specialties: Wugui Mountain products, Xiaolan chrysanthemum goods, local soy sauce

ℹ General Information

Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB ¥). ATMs widely available; WeChat Pay / Alipay dominant
Language: Cantonese (primary), Mandarin, limited English in tourist areas
VPN: Essential for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.
Emergency: Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119
Electricity: 220V / 50Hz — Type A/I sockets

🗺 Highlights & Itinerary Tips

Day 1: Sun Yat-sen Former Residence + Film & TV City, Cuiheng Village
Day 2: Dr. Sun Memorial Hall + Sunwen West Road + Zhongshan Park
Day 3: Sanxiang Hot Springs + Zhan Garden + Zimaling Park & Zoo
Allow 3–4 hours for the Zhan Garden — "best traditional garden in southern China"
Visit Xiaolan Town in Oct–Nov for the famous Chrysanthemum Festival
Day-trip options: Macau (60km), Zhuhai (40km), Guangzhou (90km)