Foshan Ancestral Temple, also known as Zumiao, stands in the downtown area of Foshan. First built in the Northern Song Dynasty, it is hailed as the Palace of Oriental Folk Art and one of the three great treasures of Lingnan ancient architecture. Originally a Taoist shrine dedicated to God Beidi, it has evolved into a comprehensive museum showcasing splendid local culture.
The complex boasts extraordinary craftsmanship of “three carvings and two sculptures”, including wood, brick and stone carvings, pottery and lime sculptures. The elaborate Shiwan ceramic ridge decorations with vivid historical figures are its most striking feature. Wanfutai, a well-preserved ancient opera stage, witnesses the long history of Cantonese opera.
Visitors can enjoy wonderful lion dance performances regularly held on the square. Within the scenic area lie the Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall and Ip Man Hall, honoring two legendary martial arts masters. Roaming among time-honored halls, you can feel the profound spirit of Cantonese kung fu and traditional Lingnan folk customs. If you want to explore the core essence of Foshan culture, Foshan Ancestral Temple is an essential stop on your Guangdong journey.
