Shunfeng Mountain Park
After exploring Qinghui Garden, we headed to Shunfeng Mountain Park, another popular attraction in Shunde. Although we visited on a very hot afternoon, the park was still well worth the trip. The first thing that caught my attention was the enormous entrance gate, which is said to be one of the largest traditional Chinese paifang (archways) in Asia. It looks even more impressive in person than in photos.
Admission is completely free. Just inside the entrance stands a neat row of beautifully shaped podocarpus trees, giving visitors a peaceful first impression of the park.
Further inside, you'll find a large lake surrounded by walking paths and plenty of green space. The calm water reflects the surrounding scenery beautifully, making the whole park feel bright and relaxing. Despite the summer heat, it was a pleasant place to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of Shunde.
We also noticed plenty of shared bicycles available throughout the park. If you're visiting on a warm day, renting one is a great way to explore the area without getting too tired. The paths are wide, flat, and perfect for a leisurely ride.
Travel Tip
If possible, visit Shunfeng Mountain Park in the late afternoon or around sunset. The temperatures are much more comfortable, and the golden light makes the scenery even more beautiful for photography.
Fisherman's Wharf
Shunde Fisherman's Wharf has become one of the city's most popular places to relax, especially among younger visitors. Once a working riverside dock, it has been transformed into a lively waterfront area filled with cafés, restaurants, creative shops, and colorful street art.
Walking along the river was one of my favorite experiences in Shunde. On one side, you'll find restaurants overlooking the water, while the opposite side features small boutiques selling souvenirs, local crafts, and snacks. It's not a huge area, but it's easy to spend an hour or two simply wandering around and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
The iconic lighthouse has become the symbol of Fisherman's Wharf, while the graffiti-covered walls and renovated warehouses give the area a creative, youthful character. Compared with the historic streets in Shunde, this district feels much more modern while still preserving traces of its industrial past.
One of the things I enjoyed most was simply finding a seat by the river with a bowl of Shunde's famous double-skin milk. Watching the boats pass slowly along the Desheng River perfectly captures the city's laid-back lifestyle.
Travel Tip
Fisherman's Wharf is especially beautiful in the late afternoon and evening. The weather is cooler, many cafés begin to fill up, and the riverside lights create a pleasant atmosphere after sunset.
Must-Try Food in Shunde
It's impossible to talk about Shunde without mentioning its food. Recognized as one of the birthplaces of Cantonese cuisine, the city is famous for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and delicate cooking techniques. During my visit, I tried several of Shunde's signature dishes—some completely lived up to the hype, while others were a little disappointing.
Dry-Steamed Dishes
One local specialty that impressed me was Shunde's traditional dry-steamed dishes. Unlike stir-fried food, these dishes rely entirely on precise steaming techniques to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients.
The appearance is quite simple, but that's exactly what makes this cooking style special. Without heavy seasoning or oil, the freshness of the ingredients becomes the star of the meal. It may not look flashy, but it perfectly reflects Shunde's philosophy of respecting natural flavors.
If you enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine, I highly recommend trying at least one dry-steamed dish during your visit. It's a great example of how simple cooking can produce surprisingly rich flavors.
Fengcheng Fish Skin – Worth Trying?
This fish skin shop has become extremely popular on Chinese social media, so naturally I wanted to see what all the excitement was about. Be prepared to queue, especially during weekends and holidays.
I ordered a small portion for ¥28 (the large portion costs ¥38). After trying it, I have to admit it was probably the most underwhelming dish of my entire trip.
The fish skin itself seemed to have been prepared in advance, with the staff simply mixing it with sauce before serving. Most of the flavor came from the seasoning rather than the fish itself, and the texture wasn't particularly memorable.
Personally, I don't think it's worth waiting in a long line for. If you're simply curious because it's famous online, I'd recommend ordering the small portion. At least you'll satisfy your curiosity without spending too much.
My rating: 5/10. It's interesting to try once, but I probably wouldn't come back for a second visit.
Jinbang Food Street
The fish skin shop is located on Jinbang Food Street, one of Shunde's best-known snack streets. Although the street itself isn't very large, it's packed with local snack shops and traditional eateries.
I enjoyed simply walking through the narrow lanes and seeing locals lining up for their favorite snacks. Even if you don't have a specific restaurant in mind, it's a fun place to explore if you're interested in experiencing Shunde's food culture.
Travel Tip: Visit during the late afternoon or early evening when most snack stalls are open, but avoid dinner time if you don't enjoy long queues.
Double-Skin Milk (Shuang Pi Nai)
No visit to Shunde is complete without trying its world-famous double-skin milk. This classic dessert has become one of the city's most iconic specialties.
The top layer forms a delicate milk skin with a light aroma, while underneath is a silky, smooth custard made from fresh buffalo milk. The texture is incredibly soft and creamy without being overly sweet, making it surprisingly easy to finish an entire bowl.
I visited a well-reviewed local shop, and honestly, I don't think you need to search for the "best" one. Since the recipe is fairly traditional and straightforward, most reputable shops produce excellent double-skin milk. Simply choose a busy store with good reviews, and you'll likely have a great experience.
Travel Tip: Double-skin milk tastes best when served fresh. If possible, enjoy it in the shop rather than ordering takeaway.
Updated:2026-07-24 15:52:39
