How to get to Foshan from Hong Kong

Located on the west side of the Pearl River Delta, Foshan – which translates to Buddha Mountain – is just a stone’s throw from Guangzhou. Said to be the birthplace of Cantonese opera, this Greater Bay Area (GBA) city is also renowned for its ancient crafts, such as pottery, papercutting and woodblock printing; lion dancing; and martial arts, with museums dedicated to revered martial artists Wong Fei-hung and Ip Man, both of whom were born in Foshan.

The city is also home to a thriving food scene: scrumptious fish cakes, finger-licking rice noodles in mouth-watering broth, decadent Dalong stir-fried milk, a panoply of pastries and the sweet, silky double-boiled milk are but a few must-tries. 

Filled with lush parks and gardens, Foshan is especially appealing to history buffs. Take a walk down the Ming Qing Ancient Streets, a protected heritage zone. While there, admire the five-century-old Nanfeng Kiln, a national 4A-level attraction that’s recognised by the Guinness World Records as “the oldest and best-preserved firewood and dragon kiln in the world”. Make a pilgrimage to Chinese deity Guanyin at Mount Xiqiao, a dormant volcano home to shapely rocks, hot springs, caves and beautiful waterfalls. Or get your Instagram fix at the 1300-acre Sanshui Lotus World, boasting the most lotus flowers – in quantity and variety – in the world.  

Though home to two airports – the Pearl River Delta International Airport and the military-cum-public Foshan Shadi Airport – direct flights from Hong Kong are non-existent due to the proximity of the cities. But fret not, as getting to Foshan is no difficult feat. 

Hong Kong to Foshan by highspeed railway 

The quickest way between the two cities is via high-speed train departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon station and arriving at Foshan Xi (or Foshan West). The two daily trains leave late afternoon and take approximately an hour and a half. Be sure to check the timetable here prior to departure. 

Fares range from HK$253 for second class to HK$755 for business class, which glams up getting from A to B with more leg room, meals, slippers and earplugs. Make yourself at home with reclining seats that also swivel. Note well that the fares are based on RMB with exchange rates subject to change.

Ticket pre-purchases are exclusive to passengers with a Chinese Mainland phone number via the 12306 ticketing website or app, available on both iOS  and Android . Foreign passport holders can book via the English version of the aforementioned platforms – otherwise, in-person ticket purchase at West Kowloon station with identity verification is also possible. 

Hong Kong to Foshan by ferry

The only seabound option is Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company Limited ’s twice daily sailings that take travellers from Tsim Sha Tsui’s China Ferry Terminal to Shunde Port within two hours. Select from three classes that range from HK$200 to HK$230, promising upgrades in spaciousness, comfort and privacy. 

Hong Kong to Foshan by bus

Hop on one of Eternal East Tours Company ’s many bus options around Hong Kong’s most populous districts such as Kwun Tong, Prince Edward, Tsuen Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui and more to Foshan’s city centre and economic zone Nanhai. Kwoon Chung Trans-Island Bus, on the other hand, offers even more drop-off locations including major hotels and restaurants across Foshan’s five districts – Shunde, Koyiu, Gaoming, Chancheng and Samshui. Fares for both bus companies start at around HK$110 with a travel time of approximately three hours. 

Hong Kong to Foshan by car

Passengers who value privacy can travel in style from Hong Kong International Airport with SkyLimo ’s private hire, featuring an English-speaking chauffeur. Otherwise, book a driver right from its affiliated service providers around town, such as S.T. Travel Service Co. Ltd , which has a fleet of five- and seven-seater cars that pick passengers up at Shenzhen Bay, Huanggang, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok and Heung Yuen Wai Control Ports. 

Hong Kong residents can also get behind the wheel and make the two-hour journey to Foshan via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. They must be registered owners of a non-commercial private car with eight or fewer seats, including the driver’s, and measure no more than six metres in length. Drivers must have licenses and permits for both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to be eligible to stay for 30 consecutive days upon entry and a maximum of 180 days within a calendar year.