Things To Do
in Dongguan

Classic Cantonese dim sum — siu mai, har gow, steamed buns and rice rolls — found in tea houses and family restaurants across the city, best for breakfast or brunch.

Must-Try!

Barbecue meats served with rice or noodles; try them at established roast‑meat shops or Cantonese restaurants in busy neighborhoods.

Local seafood prepared simply (steamed, poached or lightly sauced) is common — markets and specialized seafood restaurants around river towns and Songshan Lake sell seasonal catches.

Silky rice rolls filled with shrimp, beef or vegetables — a popular street and morning market item.

Morning wet markets sell fresh produce and live seafood; in the evenings look for local food streets and small vendor clusters where you can try skewers, rice rolls, wontons and sweet soups.

Lakeside cafes and small restaurants near Songshan Lake offer fresh fish and Cantonese snacks ideal after cycling or walking the area.

A polite nod or handshake is fine for introductions; addressing older people with respect is important. Use two hands when giving or receiving gifts or business cards as a sign of politeness.

Meals are often shared from communal dishes; wait for elders to begin, and try a bit of everything offered. Do not stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl (resembles funeral ritual).

Queuing is appreciated but can be informal; keep your voice at a moderate level in public transport and avoid confrontational behavior.

Ask permission before photographing people up close, and avoid taking pictures in clearly marked private or restricted areas.

Tipping is not customary in most of China, including Dongguan; small tips are sometimes accepted in hotels or upscale restaurants but are not required. For tour guides or exceptional service you may offer a modest tip, but it's not expected.

Mobile QR payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate daily life; UnionPay cards are widely accepted and international Visa/Mastercard work in larger hotels and some restaurants. Carry some cash (RMB) for street food, small vendors and markets.

Mild temperatures and frequent light rain; a pleasant time for parks and gardens as flowers bloom — carry a light rain jacket and umbrella.

Hot, humid and rainy with occasional typhoons (typically July–September); expect high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms — plan indoor backup activities and stay hydrated.

Often the best time to visit: cooler, drier weather with comfortable temperatures and cleaner air — ideal for outdoor activities and hiking.

Mild and relatively dry compared with northern China; chilly mornings and evenings are possible but snow is virtually unheard of — light layers suffice.

Accessible trails, forested slopes and small temples; popular for half‑day hikes and nature walks not far from the urban areas.

A well‑known local green area with several trails, viewpoints and picnic spots suitable for casual hikers.

Lakeside paths ideal for walking, jogging and cycling with scenic shorelines and public art installations.

Rural trails that combine small hills, historic architecture and countryside views — good for a quieter, cultural hike.

Very popular at community courts and among the younger population; pickup games are common in parks and schoolyards.

Common recreational sports in Guangdong with many indoor facilities and community clubs.

Traditional water sport especially active around Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival) with local teams and community events.

Played broadly at amateur and youth levels with growing interest in organized local leagues.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited — order vegetable stir‑fries, tofu dishes, congee, rice noodle rolls without meat, or ask for “su” (素) dishes; many restaurants understand ‘vegetarian’ in Mandarin but double‑check for fish sauce or stock.

Vegan dining is more challenging — bring a translation card that explains no meat, no dairy, no egg and no fish sauce; larger malls or international cafes may offer vegan choices.

Rice, congee and steamed vegetables are naturally gluten‑free, but many sauces contain soy sauce; specify ‘no soy sauce’ and be cautious with pre‑marinated items.

Carry allergy cards in Chinese to explain severe allergies — cross‑contamination is possible in busy kitchens and street stalls.