1. Introduction: Who is the next growth pole?
Among the five districts of Foshan, Nanhai and Shunde are undoubtedly the two most prominent areas. One is a sub-city center adjacent to Guangzhou and a highland of scientific and technological innovation. The other is a strong manufacturing area and a popular area for Hong Kong people to buy property. Both have strong industrial support and location advantages, but there are significant differences in housing price trends, urban supporting facilities, and investment returns.
So, which one is more worthy of investment in 2025, Nanhai or Shunde real estate? This article will conduct an in-depth comparison from multiple dimensions.
2. Fundamentals Overview: Nanhai vs Shunde
| Dimension | Nanhai District | Shunde District |
| Geographic Location | Northeast of Foshan, close to Guangzhou Liwan and Panyu | Southern Foshan, adjacent to Zhongshan and Zhuhai |
| Regional Positioning | The core area of Guangzhou-Foshan | Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Southwest Manufacturing Center |
| Permanent Population in 2024 | About 3.7 million people | About 3.27 million people |
| GDP in 2024 | 400.3 billion（yuan） | 429.3 billion（yuan） |
| Industrial Advantages | The manufacturing industry has a strong foundation, the industrial system is diversified, and emerging industries are developing rapidly | The world’s largest home appliance production base, with advantageous industrial clusters such as mechanical equipment and intelligent robots |
| Core Sub-districts | Qiandeng Lake, Guicheng, Shishan | Beijiao, Lecong, Ronggui, Daliang |
Shunde and Nanhai are both economically strong regions, ranking first and second in the top 100 regions in terms of comprehensive strength in China in 2024. The difference is that Nanhai pays more attention to diversified development, while Shunde continues to attract foreign investment and employment with its leading position in manufacturing.
3. Comparison of housing prices and trends
Data from the second quarter of 2025 shows
- New house prices in Nanhai District: about 22133 yuan/㎡
- New house prices in Shunde District: about 18173 yuan/㎡
Comparison of new home price increases from 2022 to 2025:
| District | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Nanhai | 21351 yuan | 24354 yuan | 22148 yuan | 22397 yuan |
| Shunde | 19230 yuan | 17515 yuan | 16857 yuan | 17590 yuan |
Overall, housing prices in Nanhai District are slightly higher, but the increase is moderate and is unlikely to increase significantly in the future;
Shunde’s housing prices are more affordable. Against the backdrop of a nationwide downturn in China’s real estate market, property prices in Shunde rebounded in 2024, fully demonstrating the market’s continued confidence in the value of its real estate sector. With the continuous development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shunde is expected to achieve stable growth in housing prices in the next few years.
4. Comparison of transportation and commuting convenience
Nanhai Transportation Advantages:
The main subway lines connecting Guangzhou and Nanhai are the Guangzhou-Foshan Line and Foshan Metro Line 2. Benefiting from the integration of Guangzhou and Foshan, the mentioned metro lines support over 375,000 cross-city commuters per day. In addition, Foshan Metro Line 4 and Line 8 are under construction, and transfer interfaces with Guangzhou Metro have been reserved.
Shunde transportation is being improved:
- The Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity railway has been opened to traffic. The main line starts from Guangzhou South Station, passes through Shunde District of Foshan City, and finally arrives at Zhuhai Station.
- Shunde Port resumed passenger routes with Hong Kong in 2023 and opened a fast-track border inspection channel. It may become a major economic hub along the Pearl River in the future.
- With the opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the connection between Shunde and Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Shenzhen has become more convenient.
5. Residential rental property comparison
| Type | Nanhai | Shunde |
| High-end apartments | Qiandeng Lake/Guangzhou-Foshan border area, with strong demand from foreign company executives and Guangzhou commuters | Daliang New Town/Beijiao New Town, mainly middle-level and technical talents |
| Ordinary residential | Along the Guicheng and Dali subway lines, cross-city tenants from Guangzhou and Foshan account for more than 40% | Ronggui and Lunjiao industrial workers’ settlements, mostly collective leasing by home appliance/machinery enterprises |
| Serviced Apartments | There is a lot of demand for short-term rentals around the Financial High-tech Zone | Temporary accommodation for Midea/Country Garden suppliers, mainly long-term room booking |
Core differences:
- Nanhai tenants focus more on commuting convenience.
- Shunde tenants focus more on industrial supporting facilities.
6. Conclusion
For those who want to buy a house in Foshan, you can consider the above information and combine it with your own needs.
- Nanhai: Positioned as part of the Guangfo metropolitan area, it attracts population inflow and is suitable for long-term holding and premium asset allocation.
- Shunde: Relying on the upgrading of manufacturing industry and improvement of transportation, it has the advantages of high growth and return on investment.
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