As Guangdong prepares to co-host the 15th National Games with Hong Kong and Macao this November, Zhongshan is showcasing its cultural landmarks alongside athletic events. From ancestral villages to modern museums, the city offers a mix of history and contemporary energy, with venues located within easy reach of sports facilities.
Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山故居)
This two-story house in Cuiheng Village, built in 1892 under Sun's direction, combines Western and Chinese architectural styles. With red exteriors and interior courtyards, it reflects his life and ideals. Designated a national protected site in 1986, the museum attracts both domestic and international visitors interested in modern Chinese history. The surrounding area retains a quiet, rural atmosphere, with banyan trees and old streets framing the compound.
Address: Cuiheng Village, Nanlang Subdistrict, Zhongshan (中山市南朗街道翠亨村)
Zuobu Village (左步村)
With a history stretching back to the Ming Dynasty, this 5.77-square-kilometer village is known as the ancestral home of Sun Yat-sen and the birthplace of figures like film star Ruan Lingyu. Its well-preserved Lingnan architecture—including ancestral halls and stone-paved streets—has earned it the title of "Guangdong Ancient Village." Today, visitors can explore traditional rice fields and irrigation wheels alongside modern additions like a glass library.
Address: Eastern part of Nanlang Subdistrict, Zhongshan (中山市南朗街道东部)
(Photo: Zhongshan Daily)
Zhongshan Museum (中山市博物馆)
Housed in a garden-style complex that harmoniously blends historical structures with modern architecture, the Zhongshan Museum opened its new facility in 2022. It includes specialized museums on-site, such as the Overseas Chinese History Museum and China's first radio-dedicated museum. The main exhibition traces over 5,000 years of local history, highlighting the pioneering spirit of the Zhongshan people.
Address: 197 Sunwen Middle Road, Shiqi District, Zhongshan (中山市石岐区孙文中路197号)
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Zhanyuan Garden (詹园)
In contrast to the historical sites, Zhanyuan Garden is a privately built Lingnan-style landscape completed in 1998. Its pavilions, ponds, and rockeries reinterpret classical garden aesthetics, while activities like hanfu dressing and pottery-making attract younger tourists. The garden frequently hosts cultural events, such as autumn moon-viewing gatherings and calligraphy workshops.
Address: Beside National Highway 105, Beitai Village, Nanqu Subdistrict, Zhongshan (中山市南区街道北台村)
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Wenlv Zhongshan WeChat account
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
