We are in Dongguan, this is a magical city

In the heart of the Chinese province of Guangdong, there is a large industrial city – Dongguan. It is a large tourist, historical, cultural and economic center of China. The closest neighbors are the cities of Huizhou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The Pearl of China, the Pearl River, flows through the vicinity of Dongguan. Dongguan is one of the oldest cities in this extraordinary country. Many tourists come here to admire the medieval buildings and structures of the colonial era. Others to enjoy the national Chinese cuisine. Still others – to wander through the picturesque surroundings and historical sights of the city.

Dongguan stories

The history of Dongguan dates back to about 1,700 years ago. Due to the prolonged armed conflicts taking place in the north of the country, the indigenous people (namely the Khan people) were forced to leave their settled places and move to the south. At that time, a small settlement of the Yue people was located on the territory of modern Dongguan. As a result of the huge migration of the population, the small village has turned into a small provincial town. Over time, Dongguan has grown and developed. Huge progress has been outlined in industry and industry. Today Dongguan is one of the largest agricultural centers in the country. Its surroundings are teeming with banana plantations and rice paddies. The city’s territory is built up with skyscrapers, luxury residential complexes, museums, shopping centers, cinemas, gardens, parks, restaurants and hotels.

Dongguan landmarks

• Fortune gate

Fortune’s Gate is part of an ancient military fortress. During the Ming Dynasty, it plays the role of a defensive outpost. Served as a reliable defense against the raids of Japanese pirates. Today it is a beautiful two-tiered structure, more reminiscent of a Buddhist temple. A green tiled roof with characteristic curved upward corners, national paintings on the walls of the facade, beautiful carved balustrades. The building is surrounded by a thick, unapproachable red brick wall. You can enter the courtyard only through a large arched gate. Nowadays there is a wonderful natural park around the fortress. On its territory there are sparkling fountains, sports and playgrounds, green lawns for a picnic. There are comfortable benches along the shady alleys where you can take a break from a long excursion.

• Opium War Museum

The Opium War Museum is widely popular in Dongguan. It is a true masterpiece of architectural art. A tall, snow-white building designed in the style of a fort. Around the magnificent park with artificial ponds, alleys, lined with palm trees, colorful flower beds, charming greenhouses. Right at the entrance to the building, visitors are greeted by a statue representing the struggle of the Chinese people with opium. Nearby there another memorial dedicate to drug destroyers. A whole sculptural composition is sculpted on a huge stone wall. On it – brave warriors burn boxes of opium. Moving further, tourists will be able to see the monument to the great commander Li Jiexiu. The museum building consists of several thematic zones. Li Jiexiu Memorial Hall, Maritime War Museum, Shaijiao Fortress and Weiyuan Fort.

• Nanshe village

The next excursion point is the old village of Nanshe. Walking along its narrow streets, tourists have the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture of the Qing and Ming era. On the territory of Nanshe there are several dozen Buddhist temples, which in themselves are a work of art. Beautiful sculptures are placed around the perimeter. Nanshe is a “portal” to the past, in the era of ancient China. It looks more like a huge historical museum.

• Jinao Tower

Another attraction of Dongguan is the thirty-meter Jinao Tower. She is about four hundred years old. Outwardly, it resembles a huge birthday cake. This is a beautiful nine-story structure with a pointed spire. A beautiful carved staircase wraps around the tower. In the evenings, Ginao lights up with thousands of sparkling lights, a spectacle bewitching, enchanting, delighting. At the top of the tower there is a wonderful observation deck, from where a beautiful view of the city panorama opens up.

• Keian Garden

Keian Garden is the most picturesque garden in Dongguan. Previously, the imperial gardens locate here. The total area of Keian is 2200 square meters. Many buildings are made in traditional oriental style. On the territory of the garden there are many delightful pavilions, artificial lakes, ponds, pools, wooden bridges, fountains, green areas.

• Human Bridge

The pride of Dongguan is the long ancient Human Bridge, from the top of which a breathtaking view of the city and its immediate surroundings opens. The Human Bridge is a powerful metal structure, 888 meters long. At night, it is illuminated by hundreds of multi-colored lanterns.

Dongguan is a fairly modern city with a highly developed infrastructure. On its territory there is a huge number of luxury hotels and restaurants, cozy cafes and night bars, supermarkets, luxury boutiques and shopping centers.

Tourist Information

Dongguan is a large transport center with developed road and rail links. Ferry services depart daily from Zhujiang Pier. The nearest airports are located in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou.