Dongguan trip review: Sisters, think twice before you go! I came to this city because of a song.
Have you ever felt a sudden urge to visit a vibrant city, to unveil its mysterious and charming veil, all because of a song? I was deeply touched by the fighting spirit and urban charm depicted in the song "Dongguan Doesn't Believe in Tears": "Striving on this land, dreams twinkle like stars, Dongguan's nights, neon lights illuminate the bumpy road, promises soaked in sweat, the future is quietly unlocking." With longing for Dongguan, I embarked on a spring exploration trip to this land full of opportunities and beauty in March. Now, I'm sharing this travel guide with you.
📍Dongguan, located in the core area of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is an important transportation hub and manufacturing base in Guangdong. It is also a city with a rich history and modern dynamism. In March, Dongguan is experiencing the return of spring, with everything coming back to life. The gentle breeze and warm sunshine create a pleasant atmosphere. Songshan Lake shimmers, surrounded by numerous high-tech enterprises. Keyuan Garden is exquisite and elegant, showcasing the charm of Lingnan gardens. Ancient villages are scattered throughout the city, with their grey tiles and white walls telling stories of the past. High-rise buildings rise from the ground in the urban area, showcasing prosperity amidst the bustling traffic. The perfect blend of tradition and modernity exudes a unique charm.
🚌Transportation Guide
✈️Airplane: After arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport or Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, there are many convenient airport bus lines and intercity buses that seamlessly connect to downtown Dongguan, making transfers easy and allowing you to start your journey quickly.
🚄High-speed Rail: Several high-speed rail stations, such as Dongguan Station, Dongguan South Station, and Humen Station, are strategically located and offer frequent train services connecting to cities across the country. Upon arrival, buses, subways, and taxis are readily available to take you to various attractions.
🚌Local Transportation: The comprehensive bus network and expanding subway lines make it easy to travel within the city. Ride a shared bike to leisurely explore the old streets and discover hidden gems. If you want to visit surrounding towns and streets, the Guanghui Intercity Railway offers convenient and fast access, allowing you to explore new scenery at any time.
🗺Itinerary
Day 1: Keyuan Garden - Lingnan Art Museum - Guancheng Old Street - Guangming Road Food Street
In the morning, step into Keyuan Garden, one of the four major gardens in Lingnan. The pavilions, terraces, towers, rockeries, and bridges within the garden are exquisitely arranged, creating a picturesque scene at every turn. It's as if you've traveled back in time to savor the elegance and refinement of Lingnan gardens and experience the leisurely life of the ancients. After lunch nearby, head to the Lingnan Art Museum, where various cutting-edge art exhibitions are constantly on display. Immerse yourself in art and enhance your appreciation for it, embarking on a visual feast. In the afternoon, stroll along Guancheng Old Street, where the bluestone paved roads and arcade buildings carry centuries of historical memories, and the shops along the street offer a wide variety of goods. In the evening, visit Guangming Road Food Street to taste delicacies such as Daojiao Meatball Congee and Dongguan-style Preserved Meat Rice. The soft and glutinous meatballs and the rich aroma of preserved meat will tantalize your taste buds, allowing you to experience the authentic Dongguan flavors and the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Songshan Lake Scenic Area - Huawei European Town - Central Square
In the early morning, head to Songshan Lake Scenic Area. The lake is vast and the water is crystal clear. Rent a bicycle and cycle around the lake, admiring the peach blossoms and bauhinia flowers in full bloom along the shore, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying a relaxing time. In the late morning, visit Huawei European Town, where the colorful European-style buildings of various styles will make you feel like you're in a fairy tale world. It's a great place for taking stunning photos. In the afternoon, visit Central Square, the city's central hub, surrounded by high-rise buildings. At night, the area is brilliantly lit, showcasing Dongguan's modern prosperity and vibrant energy.
Day 3: Humen Lin Zexu Memorial Hall - Weiyuan Fort - Opium War Museum - Return Trip
In the morning, travel to Humen to visit the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall and learn about the magnificent history of the Opium War. Through cultural relics and historical materials, commemorate the heroic deeds of our ancestors and feel the great power of the national spirit. After lunch, visit Weiyuan Fort and the Opium War Museum. Standing on the ruins of the ancient fort, overlooking the Pearl River estuary, imagine the smoke and fire of the naval battle that took place here. The vicissitudes of history will wash over you. Remember history, cherish the present, and then return home with a wealth of knowledge.
🌟Must-Visit Attractions
1. Keyuan Garden: A model of Lingnan gardens, where you can appreciate the beauty of classical architecture and garden art, and explore the historical and cultural heritage.
2. Songshan Lake Scenic Area: Picturesque natural scenery, with spring flowers in full bloom. Cycling and enjoying the scenery is a great way to relax and embrace nature.
3. Humen Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, Weiyuan Fort, and Opium War Museum: Remember history, inherit the national spirit, and gain a deeper understanding of an important chapter in modern Chinese history.
💕Travel Experience
Dongguan truly gave me an incredible travel experience beyond my imagination! Just like the song says, there's a fighting spirit here, as well as charming scenery. Strolling through gardens, cycling along the lake, commemorating history, and indulging in mouthwatering food, all made me completely immersed and reluctant to leave. Walking on the streets of Dongguan, it felt like time slowed down. I was immersed in this unique Dongguan charm, wishing time would stand still so I could fully appreciate this beauty.
🍜Food Recommendations
1. Roasted Goose with Lai Fun Noodles: A Dongguan specialty. The lai fun noodles are smooth, the roasted goose has crispy skin and tender meat, and the goose soup is rich and fragrant. Every bite is pure bliss.
2. Daojiao Meatball Congee: The meatballs are springy, and the congee is smooth. With added ginger, spring onions, and other seasonings, it's a comforting and heartwarming dish. A bowl in the morning will give you a great start to the day.
3. Tang Bu Shui (Sweet Dumplings): These round dumplings are made of glutinous rice flour, boiled, and then coated with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, brown sugar, and other ingredients. They are sweet, soft, and glutinous, a classic Dongguan dessert.
💡Tips
1. The weather in Dongguan in March is changeable, so remember to bring an umbrella and take sun protection measures.
2. When trying local cuisine, choose restaurants frequented by locals for a more authentic taste.
3. Before cycling at Songshan Lake, check the condition of the bicycle, wear a helmet, and ensure your safety.
Friends, come to Dongguan and embark on this vibrant Lingnan journey! I believe you'll fall in love with this place just like I did💕