Humen Bridge
Located on Weiyuan Island over the Pearl River Delta, the Humen Bridge is Dongguan’s most famous landmark; a leviathan of a structure which spans almost three miles. The bridge was significant in the development of China and its image as it was the first large suspension bridge designed and erected in China. The main span sits almost 200ft above the river and is best viewed at night when its lights shine on the water. You can also get a fantastic view of the city from the bridge, which can be walked across.

Humen Naval Battle Museum
Situated at the eastern end of Humen Bridge, the warship-looking Humen Naval Battle Museum details the battles of the 1840 Opium War and the people that struggled in it. The museum lies on a pretty 49-acre site and is surrounded by trees that face two clear water lakes, with the memorial square out front. An impressive sea wall over half a mile long encircles the museum, while views of the Humen Bridge and ancient Weiyuan Emplacement are outstanding.

Keyuan Garden
With its perfectly manicured gardens, winding paths, pavilions and kiosks, Keyuan Garden is simply divine. Built by Zhang Jingxiu in 1850, it is one of the four famous gardens of the Qing dynasty in Guangdong province and is landscaped into a triangular-shape complete with blue bricks. All features of the garden—hills, lakes, buildings, trees and plants—blend harmoniously with the surroundings and a series of paths extend in all directions. The garden is now under state protection as a national cultural treasure.

Opium War Museum
The Opium War Museum is the main attraction of Dongguan for those into culture and history, and has interesting exhibits that feature sound and light. It primarily features relics of Lin Zexu and the Opium Wars, while the bronze statue of Lin Zexu, statues of Humen people fighting the British, ancient cannons and the Monument to the Destruction of Opium are other highlights. Complementing the museum are the Shajiao Emplacement and the Weiyuan Emplacement. Website: www.chinaculture.org/gb

Yinxian Resort
Located just outside Dongguan in the Licheng Development Zone, Yinxian Resort is set amid 124 acres of glorious grounds and mixes nature with Chinese culture and modern amusements. The resort was built to commemorate Li Juesi (of Ming dynasty period) on Yinxian Mountain and also features many historical buildings. A 50-foot high statue of the Maitreya Buddha’s human form stands at the foot of the mountain, while China’s largest white marble statue of the Goddess of Mercy sits atop. Yinxian Temple, with its four impressive halls and spectacular gardens, is also on the mountain, as is the former residence of Li Juesi.

Enjoy a beer in Houjie town, the neon-lit and noisy part of Dongguan that is most popular with visitors looking for nightlife. Have some Western-style food before descending on any one of the many bars and nightclubs in the area.

Climb Qi Feng Shan and light firecrackers. 
One of Dongguan’s highest points, this is the place where firecrackers are mainly lit in the city and is a very quaint area for families.

Go for a sauna and massage, which are ubiquitous to the fabric of Dongguan, with a massage parlour on nearly every street corner and in every hotel. Enjoy one of the many gargantuan set-ups where literally hundreds of keen masseuses are on hand.

Go sightseeing in Nanshe Village which features many old buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the most popular side attractions in town. There are 25 ancestral temples here and dozens of old residential houses where rooftops cascade over one another making getting lost in the myriad of alleyways easy. Don’t forget to look at the stone sculptures and ceramic ornaments in the temples.

Have a snack in Huayuan, another of Dongguan’s popular entertainment areas in this bustling residential district. There are snack bars and beer halls galore here to check out.

Relax or get active in the People’s Park, covering over 50 acres of prime area in Dongguan. Sights to see include the pavilion, huge trees, the bamboo tree avenue, a red bridge, the lotus pond moonlight and people.

Take in the views from Jin’ao Tower,a 100-foot high, 400-year old tower complete with stone staircase and beautiful gardens. Make sure you also come here for a sunset to discern the tower’s striking silhouette.

Shop until you drop and take in Dongguan’s main attraction—shopping. Check out Nancheng Fumin Commercial Pedestrian Street or go direct to the Golden Plaza or the massive South China Mall. These are the main places to shop, and you will be enthralled by the Humen Huanghe Fashion Town if you are into fabrics.