Currently, Dongguan is noted for being a city with a prosperous economy in China. Everyday, many people swarm into the city pursuing their fortunes and a better life. For this reason, it may seem that the bustling city is not an ideal place for tourists. However, Dongguan has been awarded "The National Excellence in Tourism" as a result of its splendid historical relics and charming natural beauties.
Historical Sites
Humen Naval Battle Museum
Humen Bridge
Opium War Museum
Dongguan has a long history that can be traced back to the Neolithic Age of 5,000 years ago. Until the year of 331 of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), Dongguan was a county named Baoan. It was renamed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During its long history, Dongguan gave birth to the culture of the southern Guangdong Province that also made Dongguan a famous city with splendid history and culture.
Humen Town, located at the southern part of Dongguan City, is the cradle of Chinese modern history. When the Opium Wars (1840-1842 and 1856-1860) broke out in Humen Town more than 150 years ago, they had a far-reaching influence on Chinese modern history. The battlefield of the Opium Wars is the best preserved historical battlefield in China, and now houses the Opium War Museum, the Weiyuan Emplacement, and the Shajiao Emplacement. Nowadays, relics of the Opium Wars are the vital basis of patriotic education for the younger generation of Chinese. Aside from the three relics, the large area of litchi in the Former Residence of Jiang Guangnai, a founder of the PRC, the grand Humen Bridge and the Humen Naval Battle Museum near the Weiyuan Emplacement are really worthy of a visit.
Natural Landscape
Keyuan Garden
Yinxian Resort
When visiting Dongguan, there is a series of enchanting landscapes that should not be missed. Keyuan Garden, which was constructed in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is one of the four most famous gardens in Guangdong Province. It attracts visitors by imitating the ancient gardens of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province. Get to the garden at No.25 of Keyuan Road by taking buses No.15, 16 or 31. Additionally, the Yinxian Resort that is situated in the Changping Town of Dongguan City is a tour highlight of this City. Originally, it is the house of hermit Li Juesi, a respected official in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Now in modern times, the Yinxian Resort is a tour and amusement center with characteristic ancient buildings and a group of exquisite sculptures especially the white marble sculpture of Kwan-yin.
With support from the locally developed economy, new tour destinations have been built in recent years in Dongguan. Among them, the Green World is highly recommended. The garden is located in the Nancheng District of Dongguan City, covering an area of 4.56 square kilometers (about 1.76 square miles). As an ecological tour destination that attracts a great number of visitors by its beautiful natural environment, the garden is an ideal place to spend time on holidays. The city-buses No.35, 35A and 9 can take you directly there.
This city is a special tour destination, which combines profound history and a vigorous modern economy. No matter what kind of city you prefer, you will find Dongguan will satisfy your wishes. And you can readily get to Hong Kong and Macau for another memorable trip via Dongguan where convenient transportation is available.
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Travelers' Voices on Dongguan Attractions
1.
Jul. 27,2009 06:52 Reply
Mr.LUCMORAN(Belgium) said:
Can somebody tell me the exact location of the "Keyuan Garden" ?
Eventually the distance from Humen Bridge ?
Jul. 27,2009 20:39
Ms.Fay(China) replied:
keyuan Rd., Bosha, Guancheng District，Dongguan City. Humen Bridge is in Guangzhou City, another city of Guangdong, but no worry cause there are many intercity buses.
2.
Jul. 12,2009 20:11 Reply
Mr.Patrick(USA) said:
Keyuan is a must see in Dongguan, the renovations have been done very well. The house cost 8 RMB to enter, which is resonable since you will be able to access the museums of art and culture (which are free). both of the musuems are very well organized and have a lot of information that is interesting; besides art it has information on different types of bldg architecture, doors, columns etc. Keyuan also houses several artist. The area is done in a old China look and well maintained.
Across from the main entrance to the house, facing the the street, about 200 meters to your right there is a arts and crafts building, on the corner, hard to miss, it is light blue. They sell all types of rocks there, however behind it, is a new museum with interesting large tree formations that look like large dragons and other animals.It also have a 4 story museum that houses all types of rocks and dinosaur bones. Interesting to look at, since you are quite close to Keyuan.
If you want to relax in Keyuan, on the second floor of the house, there is a tea house, very resonable tea prices and you can request for authentic Chinese music to be played, at not extra cost. Great view next to the lake with the swans. Take your camera for some good photos.