Foshan

I once stumbled across the Hong Kong film Ip Man (more about it here) and became completely obsessed with it. Nothing is more appealing than a good WWII story about a martial arts master who heroically fought off the Japanese invaders, and finding out that the character Ip Man was a real person whose most famous disciple was Bruce Lee? Even better!

Thankfully, one amazing perk of being home with my parents this summer after they relocated to Guangdong is that I get to travel around this southern province with ease, and of course, visit the real Ip Man’s hometown – the historical martial arts centre Foshan （佛山）!

After a rather painful 3 hour bus ride, I arrived at Foshan on a hot summer day – 35 degrees Celsius with 90% humidity, already feeling wilted. One can, however, still find solace from the heat in the narrow winding streets that remain in the old city. The shops may be selling Cartier watches instead of traditional medicine and tea salons have been replaced by Starbucks, but history has preserved the lovely ambiance of these parts to perfection.

Ip Man is arguably one of Foshan’s most famous sons, and you can find many sites throughout the city dedicated to him, possibly trying to draw tourists. I wandered through and exhibit dedicated to the master at Foshan’s Ancestral Temple (祖庙）- apparently he hit/whipped himself with metal rods everyday to test his endurance. Can I just say I wish I was him, but really doubt if my character is up to it…..

Out in front, martial arts devotees were practicing in the heat. I ogled rather stupidly and pointed my camera at them for probably longer than what etiquette permits…

It was possible to see glimpses of the rich traditional southern Chinese architecture everywhere, including the temple’s beautifully carved roofs…

As well as an 800 year old kiln that once (and still does) churn out exquisite pottery. Note the adorable fire god statue in front – I was in love! It (or he) looks exactly like a family friend actually, let’s hope this person doesn’t read my blog!