Foshan’s history can be traced back to the 7th century, when records reveal that 3, long buried Buddhist statues were uncovered on a hill near the town. A temple was built to house these statues and the town was renamed Foshan (Buddha Hill). During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) the artisans of Foshan gained a reputation for fine craftsmanship, particularly for their ceramics, silks, papercuts, carving and metalwork.

The city’s 10th century Ancestral Temple is a fine example of classic temple architecture and displays some of the folk art Foshan is known for. The Foshan Folk Arts and Crafts Studio preserves these traditional skills and is an excellent place to buy authentic souvenirs.