Named after Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), the founding father of modern China, this tidy Pearl River Delta city blends his memorial sites with leafy parks and a strong overseas-Chinese heritage.
History & culture
Formerly Xiangshan, the city was renamed to honour Sun Yat-sen, who was born in nearby Cuiheng village in 1866. Many residents have family ties across Southeast Asia and the Americas.
What to see & do
- ◆Sun Yat-sen's former residence at Cuiheng village
- ◆Sun Wen West Road historic arcade street
- ◆Zhongshan Park and Yandun mountain
- ◆Detour to nearby Qijiang and old market towns
- ◆Overseas-Chinese mansions
What to eat
- ●Shiqi pigeon (a local delicacy)
- ●Cantonese roast meats
- ●Wax-gourd and double-boiled soups
Getting there
Intercity rail and buses connect Zhongshan to Guangzhou, Zhuhai and the delta cities; the Shenzhen–Zhongshan link cuts cross-bay travel time.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Sights are modest and history-focused — come for the Sun Yat-sen story, not big attractions.
- Cuiheng village is outside the centre; plan transport there.
- Easily combined with Zhuhai or Macau in one delta loop.
Planning a trip around Zhongshan? Our AI itinerary planner is on the way.
Explore more on the map