Located only twenty-eight kilometers from Guangzhou, Foshan is one of the best-known handicraft centers in China. It is especially noted for its pottery, papercutting and lanterns. The intricate art of papercutting dates back in Foshan to the period between the Song and Yuan dynasties. The lanterns produced here come in many shapes and types-from elaborate palace lanterns to amusing fish-shaped designs.
Shiwan
Located in the suburbs of Foshan, Shiwan has long been associated with pottery production. Exquisite earthenware of the Han Dynasty has been excavated in the surrounding areas. Today, realistic human figures and animals are produced, as well as pottery for daily use.
Foshan Ancestor Temple
This temple was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty and renovated in 1372 during the reign of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Most of the buildings in the existing complex, covering more than three thousand square meters, were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple is unique in style and architecture, its tiles decorated with Shiwan pottery figures drawn form Chinese folklore and drama and its courtyard walls covered with lively carvings and reliefs.
