5 Things to Do in Dongguan – A City of Diverse Attractions

A great place to commence your sightseeing tour of Dongguan's attractions would be the captivating Opium War Museum. This museum is considered to be an important historical attraction in Dongguan, documenting the eventful Opium Wars. It is located at the site where Lin Zexu, a well-known official, attempted to curtail the Chinese opium trade by setting fire to a vast collection of confiscated opium in 1840. This museum provides fascinating details of the initial Opium War which occurred from 1840-42 in the local area; many interesting artefacts relating to the Opium Wars may be seen here too.

Another engrossing attraction in Dongguan is the Humen Naval Battle Museum which is devoted to the naval battles which took place during the tragic Opium Wars. You will notice that even the building that houses this museum resembles a warship. The principal building of the museum is partly covered by dense trees and faces a couple of pleasant lakes. From the memorial square, located in front of this building, you will be able to view Humen Bridge as well as the Weiyuan Emplacement. At this site, the British fleet made use of its superior military power to forcibly enter China and create concessions.

The beautiful Songshan Lake was selected as the location for the high-tech district of Dongguan as it was pristine and a good place to draw skilled talent. One of the companies that established operations here was Huawei Technologies which set up its Ox Horn R&D campus; you will find that this establishment with its striking buildings is attractive to view from the local train. Songshan Lake is also a noteworthy attraction in its own right, presenting a gorgeous sight for the visitor. A choice of accommodation to consider from which you could easily visit this lake would be Ascott Songshan Lake Dongguan which is ideal for those in search of a centrally located serviced residence in Dongguan.

At the pleasant Qifeng Park, you will have the opportunity to ascend the well-known Huangqi Mountain, a modestly sized hill that rises to a height of just 180 m. This mountain, where you will see a red lantern at the summit, along with the adjoining park, is often called the 'lung' of Dongguan or the 'dragon's vein'. According to local belief, the blessing provided by this 'dragon's vein' has enabled the local area to evade disasters like natural calamities and destructive wars.

Your visit to Dongguan would not be complete without exploring the city's Central Square. You will find that this square happens to be Dongguan's cultural and administrative focal point, featuring libraries, governmental buildings and museums. Visitors will see that this square has been thoughtfully designed, with the street lights creating a striking effect at night. You will be able to stroll through the square, perhaps visiting the art museum, the science and technology museum and the youth activity centre. There will also be plenty of attractions for kids at Central Square.