Dongguan | A hidden gem in Guangdong, so fun you won't want to leave

| A hidden gem in Guangdong, so fun you won't want to leave. Dongguan is full of surprises! This hidden gem of a city has a rich history, delicious food, and trendy attractions. This guide will help you explore Dongguan.👇 🌆Attractions Keyuan Garden: One of the four famous gardens in Guangdong and a representative of Lingnan gardens. The garden is full of pavilions, towers, bridges, and water features, with a poetic atmosphere. It's a great place to take photos, especially if you're wearing a hanfu, as it feels like stepping back in time. Tickets 🎫 are CNY 8, half price for students. Opium War Museum: A must-visit for anyone interested in modern Chinese history. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts and historical materials that bring this turbulent period to life. Admission is free, but you need to make a reservation in advance on the official WeChat account. Xiabafang: Known as the "Gulangyu of Dongguan," this is a gathering place for young artists. The area has many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as unique bars, cafes, and creative shops. It's especially beautiful at night when the lights are on. Songshan Lake: A great place to relax on the weekend, with a large lake surrounded by trees. You can rent a bike 🚲 and ride around the lake, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. There's also the Huawei European Town, with European-style architecture that looks like something out of a fairy tale. However, you need to make a reservation in advance to enter. 🍜Food recommendations Roast goose lai fun: A Dongguan specialty, with crispy skin and tender meat. The goose oil is infused into the soup, making it incredibly delicious, and the lai fun noodles are smooth and chewy. We recommend "Feizai Roast Goose," which has been around for many years and is very authentic. Dongguan-style dim sum: Slightly different from Cantonese dim sum, with unique dishes like Shilong malt cake and Baisha oil duck. You can try "Tao Heung Restaurant," which has a wide variety of dim sum. Houjie sausage: A unique flavor with a mix of lean and fatty meat. It's great on its own or as an ingredient in other dishes. You can find fresh, authentic sausages at the market in Houjie. 🚗Transportation Getting there: Dongguan has an airport, or you can fly to Guangzhou or Shenzhen and take a train, high-speed rail, or bus to Dongguan. It's very convenient. Getting around: You can take the bus or subway, and some attractions have direct buses. Download the "Dongguan Tong" app, which works for both buses and subways. Most attractions are in the city center, and taxis are affordable. 🛎Accommodation Near Guancheng and Nancheng: Close to attractions like Keyuan Garden and Xiabafang, with lots of food options and convenient transportation. There are many hotels and homestays to choose from, ranging from budget to luxury. Tips Keyuan Garden, the museum, and other attractions are closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly. If you're cycling around Songshan Lake, check your bike in advance and stay safe. Come to Dongguan for a unique travel experience! 🥳