Shunfeng Mountain Park is also a fantastic spot to visit. We went on a rather hot day, but the grand entrance gate was truly impressive—massive and majestic. Admission is free, and right at the entrance stands a neat row of large podocarpus trees.
Inside lies a tranquil lake; its calm surface makes the entire park feel especially bright and enchanting. It’s a quiet, pleasant place for a stroll, and if you prefer, shared bicycles are available for rent so you can cycle leisurely around the park.
Fisherman’s Wharf is an absolute must-visit in Shunde. Surrounded by the river, the waterfront is lined with restaurants, while across the way runs a small lane filled with shops selling trinkets and souvenirs. The romance of Fisherman’s Wharf isn’t just in its lighthouse and graffiti walls—it lives in the blend of a bowl of steamed milk custard and the riverside breeze, in the everyday warmth of Shunde life. Where cargo ships once docked, now a lone lighthouse watches over the De Sheng River, quietly waiting for anyone who wants to steal half a day of leisure.
Shunde’s dry-steamed dishes are another local classic, prized for their “original flavor.” Once steamed, the ingredients lock in all their natural sweetness—not a drop of oil needed.
Shunde’s dry-steamed dishes are widely beloved. They may look plain, but they test the chef’s control of heat and respect for ingredients—truly the unsung heroes of every old-school Shunde dining table.
This Fengcheng Fish Skin shop draws long queues thanks to online buzz. I tried it myself, though, and found it underwhelming. A small portion costs ¥28, a large ¥38—if you’re just curious, go for the small. The flavor relies heavily on sauce, and the fish skin appears pre-prepared; they simply toss it with seasoning before serving. Overall, it’s poor value for money. Because it’s a viral spot, expect a wait. On a scale of 10, I’d give it a 5—worth a quick try as a tourist, but not something I’d recommend.
It’s located on Jinbang Street, a compact snack street. If you’re a foodie, it’s worth wandering through—the alleyways are steeped in Shunde’s rich culinary spirit, even if the area itself isn’t large.
This steamed milk custard (double-skin milk) is one of Shunde’s signature desserts. The top layer forms a fragrant, golden skin, while the bottom is silky smooth—each spoonful glides across your tongue like satin, leaving behind the rich creaminess of fresh buffalo milk. Sweet but never cloying, it mirrors the city’s unhurried rhythm; every scoop captures a little of Lingnan’s gentle charm. Just pick a shop with good reviews—after all, the recipe is simple, so the taste is fairly consistent across vendors.
No trip to Shunde is complete without dim sum. This teahouse comes highly recommended—I waited over an hour, and it did not disappoint. The portions are generous, prices reasonable, and the overall value excellent. When queuing, staff will ask if you want morning tea or a regular meal, since the restaurant operates two separate sections. Most people come specifically for the morning dim sum experience.
Most dim sum items here range from ¥15 to ¥28. Instead of listing prices directly, the menu uses Chinese characters as price codes—for example, “鹦” (ying) stands for ¥28, “金” (jin) for ¥20. You can easily check the key on the menu to see what each symbol means.
All in all, food is inseparable from the Shunde experience. But speaking honestly—if you consider yourself a true foodie, then Shantou in Guangdong is your ultimate paradise. Comparing Shunde and Shantou, Shantou is undoubtedly the ceiling of culinary excellence. Being coastal, it offers seafood caught the same day, beef hotpot made from freshly slaughtered beef, plus classics like rice noodle rolls and raw-marinated seafood. If you’ve made it to Shunde, why not travel just over 200 kilometers further? Hop on a high-speed train from Foshan to Shantou and treat yourself to authentic Chaoshan cuisine. Next, we’ll share our recommended Shantou itinerary.
