Discover Shunde Culinary Delights in China: Your Ultimate Guide to the “A Bite of Shunde” Food Map

Situated in the centre of Foshan, Guangdong Province, Shunde is a foodie’s dream come true. The district has long been known for its distinctive and varied culinary offerings, which include both traditional Cantonese dishes and fusion delights, and is one of China’s UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. With its strong connections to centuries of culinary innovation and history, this quaint southern Chinese district is frequently referred to as the “World Capital of Gastronomy”. When Shunde’s government compound first opened to the public during the 2025 National Day holiday, more than 185,000 people were able to discover the district’s administrative center as well as its culinary gems.

This extraordinary occasion signalled a sea change in Shunde tourism by showcasing not only the splendour of the region’s architecture and culture but also its cuisine, which is a crucial component of the Shunde experience. The Shunde government created the bilingual “A Bite of Shunde” food map to help residents and tourists navigate the city’s diverse culinary scene. This map has rapidly emerged as an essential resource for anyone wishing to delve into Shunde’s culinary depths, whether they are returning to the area or visiting for the first time.

The “A Bite of Shunde” Food Map: A Culinary Tour Through Shunde

The “A Bite of Shunde Food Map” is more than just a typical tourist guide. Available in both Chinese and English, the map was specifically designed to make the rich culinary culture of Shunde more accessible to both locals and international visitors. With the rise of food tourism in China, the Shunde government recognised the need to offer a structured and easy way for tourists to navigate the district’s dining scene. By scanning a simple QR code, visitors can instantly access the map, which covers 216 popular and lesser-known restaurants across 10 towns and subdistricts in Shunde.

The map is divided into five main categories:

1. Traditional Shunde Cuisine – Featuring local favourites like double-skin milk and Shunde-style steamed fish.
2. Speciality Snacks – Showcasing the street foods that make Shunde’s culinary scene stand out, such as rice rolls and soy milk.
3. Dim Sum Brunch & Desserts – With many renowned dim sum spots serving delicacies like shrimp dumplings and egg tarts.
4. Fusion Cuisine – Offering innovative restaurants that blend traditional Shunde flavours with modern influences.
5. Late-Night Snacks – A nod to Shunde’s vibrant late-night food culture, where both locals and tourists indulge in midnight meals.

Each restaurant on the map provides essential information, including store introductions, signature dishes, business hours, and navigation details. This approach ensures that visitors can enjoy an authentic Shunde food experience without feeling overwhelmed by choices. Furthermore, the map includes recommendations for hidden gems that locals love but might be off the beaten path for the average tourist.

The Success of Shunde’s Government Canteen Meals

One of the most exciting elements of Shunde’s National Day festivities was the opening of the Shunde government compound’s canteen to the public. During the holiday, the government offered its affordable 20-yuan set meals to the masses, and the response was overwhelming. The canteen, which typically serves government staff, provided meals to the public from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM, with no advance registration required. It quickly became a hotspot, with 1,500 servings of the daily set meal selling out in less than half an hour.

The 20-yuan set meals featured a variety of dishes that highlighted the flavors of Shunde’s cuisine, including chicken mid-wings, curry beef offal, fried carp in sweet and sour sauce, and garlic lettuce. For dessert, double-skin milk—a famous Shunde dessert—was served, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal. This initiative was a massive success, allowing people to experience Shunde’s culinary offerings at an affordable price and making the compound a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Making Shunde Accessible for All Visitors

Shunde’s government compound opening was not just about food; it also aimed to make the area more accessible to visitors. The local government ensured that essential services were provided to accommodate the large number of tourists. A public service point offering free drinking water was set up, and around 1,200 parking spaces were made available free of charge for visitors. Volunteers and auxiliary police officers were stationed at key points to guide tourists and provide assistance when needed. These efforts helped create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that visitors enjoyed a hassle-free experience.

With the popularity of the event and the large number of visitors, it was evident that Shunde had successfully integrated its rich culinary culture into its tourism experience. The government compound not only became a symbol of transparency and openness but also demonstrated how food could be a powerful tool in fostering a deeper connection between the government and the public.

The Future of the Shunde Food Map

The “A Bite of Shunde Food Map” is not a static resource; it is continuously evolving. The Shunde government has committed to updating the map regularly to include more high-quality food resources. The map will also be enhanced with interactive features, such as food review sharing and story collection, allowing tourists and locals alike to engage with the food culture of Shunde on a deeper level.

The map’s digital format makes it an ideal tool for international visitors, allowing them to explore Shunde’s culinary scene at their own pace, regardless of language barriers. As the map continues to evolve, it is expected to become an indispensable resource for anyone planning to visit the district.

A Taste of Shunde Like Never Before

An important turning point in the district’s attempts to combine food tourism and local government was the Shunde National Day holiday. With the launch of the “A Bite of Shunde Food Map” and the opening of the government compound, tourists had a rare chance to experience Shunde’s gastronomic legacy. The map has swiftly gained popularity as a tool for locals and visitors alike to explore the district’s wide variety of dining options.

It is evident that Shunde is well-positioned to continue leading China’s gastronomic tourism scene as it develops and broadens its food tourism offerings. Foodies from all over the world are eager to enjoy Shunde’s culinary delights, whether it’s the well-known set meals at the government canteen or the undiscovered culinary treasures found through the food map.

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