Travel Tips · Foshan
Hong Kong Airport to Foshan Shunde for Furniture Buying
Step-by-step guide from HKG to Lecong furniture markets, including apps, transportation, and practical tips.
· 9 min read
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you leave for China, make sure to complete the following steps:
1. Download and Set Up Amap Global
Download Amap Global (the map app almost everyone in China uses) from the App Store. This is the official English version of Amap, designed specifically for inbound travelers. Google Maps does not work for navigation in China, so it's essential to have Amap installed.
Follow the usage tutorial on the Shanghai government's website to get familiar with the app. Before you land, search for 乐从家具城 (Lecong Furniture Market) to ensure the app works. Save these Chinese names for easy reference:
- 乐从家具城 (Lecong Furniture Market)
- 罗浮宫国际家具博览中心 (Louvre International Furniture Expo Center)
- 顺联国际家居博览中心 (Sunlink Furniture City)
- 团一国际家具城 (Tuan Yi International Furniture City)
2. Install and Register DiDi
Install the domestic version of DiDi (iOS) or DiDi (Android). Do not install DiDi Rider, which is the international version and will not work in mainland China. The domestic version has a full English interface, automatic translation for messages, and 24/7 English customer support.
Register using your phone number. If you prefer not to install the app, you can also use the DiDi mini-program within WeChat or Alipay. Make sure to set this up before you arrive, as Google Play is not accessible in China.
Local taxis in Lecong may be reluctant to go to the market areas, so using DiDi is more reliable.
3. Set Up Payment Methods
Set up Alipay by tapping Me > Bank Cards > Add Card. Alipay supports Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, and UnionPay. You do not need a Chinese bank account. Upload your passport for verification. The process usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 72 hours, so do this before you travel.
For WeChat Pay, follow the steps: Me > Services > Wallet > Add Card. The same verification process applies, and it typically completes within minutes, but can take up to 72 hours.
The transaction limit is approximately $5,000 per transaction and $50,000 annually. Transactions under ¥200 are free, while those above incur a 3% fee.
From Hong Kong Airport to Lecong: Three Options
Here are three ways to get from Hong Kong Airport to Lecong, each with its own advantages:
Option A: Cross-Border Bus (Best for Luggage and Direct Travel)
Purchase tickets at the Mainland/Macao Transport and Tourism Service Centre, located on the third floor of Terminal 2 (T2), counters 01–16. Board the bus at parking spots 20–26 in the same center. There are four operators: CTG BUS, Eternal East Tours (永东), S.T. Travel, and KCTIL Travel. These buses cover cities in the Greater Bay Area, passing through border checkpoints like Lok Ma Chau, Sha Tau Kok, and Shenzhen Bay.
Refer to the official information page for more details. Note that you will need to get off the bus at the border checkpoint, clear customs, and reboard the same bus. Your luggage will stay in the bus compartment throughout the journey.
Option B: High-Speed Train (Fast, but Requires Additional Transfer)
Take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Foshan West Station, then take a taxi to the market. Book tickets via Trip.com (English interface, accepts international cards) or the official railway website 12306 (requires registration with a passport).
You will need to transfer from the airport to West Kowloon, which may not make it faster than the bus option. Check the schedules and plan accordingly.
Option C: Ferry (Least Recommended, Requires City Transfer)
Ferries from the airport’s SkyPier do not go to Shunde. Instead, ferries to Shunde Port depart from the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The schedule is roughly 08:30, 11:00, 15:00, and 18:00, but check the carrier's website for the latest information. This option is generally less convenient due to the need to first travel to the city center.
Where to Stay: Choose Wisely to Save Time
Shunde is a district of Foshan, and the main furniture and building materials clusters are in Lecong and Longjiang. Use Amap to search for 乐从家具城 and check the distance of your hotel from this point. Staying more than about 3 km away means taking a taxi every morning and evening.
Book your hotel through Trip.com, which offers an English interface, accepts international cards, and shows Chinese addresses. Ensure the hotel accepts foreign guests by checking the booking page or contacting them directly.
Navigating the Markets
The Lecong furniture market stretches about 10 km along Foshan Avenue. Focus on one or two venues per day, as it is not possible to cover everything in a single day. Operating hours are generally 9:00–18:00, seven days a week, but individual venues may vary. Confirm the opening times on-site.
Use Amap to set the destination for the specific venue you plan to visit and call a DiDi to take you there. The venues are spread out, so walking between them is not practical. When visiting, ask about the minimum order quantity, delivery time, and whether you can inspect the goods. These questions will determine your next steps.
Additional Important Information
Starting from November 20, 2025, you can fill out the entry card online. Use the official entry card system up to three days before your arrival. If you haven't filled it out, you can scan a QR code at the border or fill out a paper form. Be cautious of phishing sites; only use the official link and do not pay any fees. For more information, see the immigration authority's warning.
When purchasing power banks in China, look for the 3C mark. As of June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) prohibits passengers from carrying power banks without the 3C mark, unclear marks, or recalled batches on domestic flights. For international flights, follow the watt-hour rules: power banks under 100Wh are allowed, 100–160Wh require airline approval, and over 160Wh are prohibited. Refer to the CAAC regulations and the FAA guidelines for more details.
Phone Configuration Before Departure
Ensure your phone is configured with the necessary apps and services before you leave:
WeChat: Register WeChat while still in your home country. Follow the complete registration guide for foreigners. New accounts often require a friend to scan a QR code for verification, which is only valid for 3 minutes. If you don’t have a friend, you can verify using a bank card. Learn how to use WeChat QR codes with the usage guide.
Binding Foreign Cards: For Alipay, go to Me > Bank Cards > Add Card and upload your passport. For WeChat Pay, follow the step-by-step guide. Verification usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 72 hours, so do this before you travel.
Map App: Download the official English version of Amap Global from the App Store. Use the official usage tutorial to get started. Search using the Chinese names for accurate results. Do not use third-party mirrors like amapint.com.
Translation: Google Translate is no longer available in China. Use Apple Translate, Microsoft Translator, Baidu Translate, or Youdao. For more information, see China Survival Kit's comparison and testing. Note that Google Maps and Google Translate are separate services.
Ride-Hailing: Install the domestic version of DiDi (iOS) or DiDi (Android). Do not install DiDi Rider, which is the international version and will not work in mainland China. Make sure to install it before you travel, as Google Play is not accessible in China.
Internet Access: Purchase an eSIM or a physical SIM card upon arrival. Bring your original passport for verification. A 30-day data package typically costs ¥50–150. Follow the Trip.com guide or the China Guidelines guide for more details.
What it looks like
Frequently asked
What is the best way to reach Foshan Shunde District from Hong Kong Airport?
The best way is to take a cross-border bus, which is direct and handles luggage. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed train to Foshan West Station and then a taxi, or a ferry, though the latter requires a transfer in the city.
Do I need a sourcing agent in Foshan for furniture, tiles, and bathroom fixtures?
While a sourcing agent can be helpful, you can manage on your own if you are well-prepared. Use Amap to locate venues, DiDi for transportation, and WeChat or Alipay for payments. Ask about minimum order quantities, delivery times, and inspection options when visiting the markets.
Can I import furniture and chandeliers from Foshan to Australia?
Yes, you can import furniture and chandeliers. Ensure you understand the import regulations and taxes in Australia. Consider using a freight forwarder to handle the logistics and customs clearance.
What should I do on my first trip to China for furniture sourcing?
Before you leave, download and set up Amap, DiDi, and payment apps like Alipay and WeChat. Book your accommodation near the markets, and plan your visits to specific venues. Use Amap to navigate and DiDi for transportation. Ask about order quantities, delivery times, and inspection options at the markets.
How do I set up WeChat and Alipay for use in China?
Register WeChat and Alipay before you travel. For WeChat, follow the registration guide and use a friend to verify your account or a bank card. For Alipay, add your credit card and upload your passport for verification. Both processes usually take a few minutes but can take up to 72 hours.
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About this guide
Written and maintained by the China Unboxed team from Shenzhen. We keep guides current and general on purpose — always verify prices and policies against official sources before booking.
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