We missed our train in China… but instead of wasting the day, we made the most of it by exploring the incredible city of Foshan! What started as a travel disaster turned into one of the most unexpected highlights of our trip. From wandering through the historic Foshan Ancestral Temple, famous for its connection to martial arts legends like Ip Man and Wong Fei-hung, to discovering the hidden charm of this lesser-known city in Guangdong — this day took a surprising turn for the better.
Join us for an unplanned adventure, filled with Chinese culture, architecture, and some of the best off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Sometimes, missing a train leads to the best travel memories.
After missing their train, Alan and Shannon explore Foshan's ancient temple, enjoy local noodles, and discover unexpected charm, turning a travel mishap into a
What happens when you miss a train in China? Alan and Shannon turned a travel fail into a thrilling exploration of Foshan. From the awe-inspiring Ancestral Temple with its intricate wood carvings to a delicious noodle feast and a walk through antique streets, this unplanned day became a highlight of their trip. Spontaneous travel at its best!
Check out our most trusted travel luggage by clicking the link Use code: “ALANANDSHANNON” for 10% off -- We missed our train in China… but instead of wasting the day, we made the most of it by exploring the incredible city of Foshan! What started as a travel disaster turned into one of the most...
Foshan Ancestral Temple: Unplanned Day After Missing Train
A missed train in China unexpectedly led Alan and Shannon to discover the captivating city of Foshan. What began as a travel mishap transformed into a highlight, as they explored the historic Foshan Ancestral Temple, a place steeped in martial arts lore. This unplanned detour revealed the hidden beauty of a lesser-known Guangdong gem, proving that sometimes the best travel experiences emerge from unexpected challenges. Their journey through Foshan's culture and architecture became an unforgettable adventure.
Attractions in this video: Foshan Ancestral Temple
When Alan and Shannon missed their train in Foshan, it could have been a travel disaster. Instead, they turned a two-hour wait into an unplanned adventure that ended up being a highlight of their trip. Instead of sitting in the sweltering station, they stored their luggage for a pittance and set out to explore the city.
Their first stop was the Foshan Ancestral Temple, a thousand-year-old complex that immediately captivated them with its vibrant red and green architecture. They learned about the iron-rich clay that gives the bricks their pale color, and discovered a stunning wood carving—6.6 meters long, depicting 157 characters from Chinese history, a piece so intricate it must have taken decades to complete. Alan and Shannon were also struck by the memorial archway built for a widow who remained celibate for 30-50 years, a tradition that seemed both strange and poignant.
Not all was enchanting. The temple's turtle pond, filled with coins and paper money, left them appalled at the thought of the animals swimming in filthy water. This honest reaction highlighted their genuine care for the environment.
After the temple, they sought out local food. They originally wanted pigeon but ended up at a noodle shop, where they enjoyed a spicy beef noodle soup that reminded them of spaghetti bolognese. The noodles were already mixed with chili and cabbage, delivering a burst of flavor. Their attempts to twirl noodles with chopsticks led to a messy but fun experience.
The afternoon took them to an antique street where locals sold old belongings—watches, coins, even a Donald Trump gold coin. Alan and Shannon felt a mix of curiosity and sadness, recognizing the economic hardship behind these makeshift stalls.
Finally, they returned to the station, paid an extra 50p for late bag retrieval, and bought tickets to Shenzhen directly from the counter to avoid online booking fees. What started as a mistake turned into a rich, authentic day in Foshan, proving that the best travel memories often come from the unexpected.
