Shenzhen, a modern metropolis, not only boasts towering skyscrapers but also pulsates with an ancient rhythm. Take a break and experience the tranquility and beauty of a day in an ancient town Citywalk!
Nantou Ancient City
Nantou Ancient City has a history of nearly 1,700 years, but its charm is not limited to its past. You can trace the long-standing traces of the ancient city and also check out various trendy art exhibitions and cultural and creative stores, experiencing the collision of ancient and modern cultures. In this vibrant cultural and creative community, every corner offers novel experiences.
Here, you can slow down the pace of life, stroll and eat, and feel the unique cultural characteristics of the ancient city.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: Intersection of Nanshan Avenue and Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District
- Bus: Xin’an Ancient City, Nantou 2
- Metro: Line 12, Zhongshan Park Station/Nantou Ancient City Station
Dapeng Fortress
Dapeng Ancient City has a history of more than 600 years and is a famous ancient military fortress. There are also former residences of generals and traditional buildings. Walking through them, you can feel the fusion of history and modernity. Strolling in the alleys of this ancient city, you can see the ancient traces between the bricks and tiles, and imagine its past glory and prosperity.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: North side of the intersection of Nanmen East Road and Nanmen West Road, Dapeng New District
- Bus: Take a bus to Dapeng Fortress Station and walk 500 meters to reach the destination
Gankeng Ancient Town
This is a Hakka town with more than 300 years of history. Coming to Gankeng Ancient Town, the most impressive thing is the distinctive ancient buildings, experiencing the feeling of shuttling between ancient and modern in ancient architecture and contemporary art.
The green bricks and tiles, pavilions, and towers are silently telling the traces of a hundred years. The well-arranged and interconnected alleys are like a maze, hiding many unique small shops. You never know what surprises the alleys around the corner will bring you.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: No. 18, Ganli Road, Gankeng Community, Jihua Street, Longgang District
- Metro: Take Shenzhen Metro Line 10 to Gankeng Station
Dafen Oil Painting Village
As the name suggests, the most distinctive feature here is oil painting, and interested friends must come and visit. Walking in from the main road, you can smell the overwhelming scent of oil painting and feel the artistic atmosphere. The sculptures of various shapes on the street and the various oil paintings displayed outside the shops are dazzling. Each gallery has oil paintings for sale.
If you see a favorite, you can also take it away. Walking on the street, you can also see painters who are painting earnestly. Witnessing the birth of an oil painting firsthand is a great experience.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: Busha Road and Shenhui Road, Buji Street, Longgang District
- Bus: Take Metro Line 3 to Dafen Station, Exit A1
Guanlan Printmaking Village
One of the top ten Hakka ancient villages in Shenzhen, it is a quiet Hakka ancient village with a history of over a hundred years. It is now a printmaking industry base, gathering many practitioners in the printmaking industry.
The ancient-style house buildings and the well-arranged alleys, with pink walls and black tiles, are like a natural ink painting. The pond, ancient well, ancestral hall, wooden doors, stone foundations, winding stone paths… Everything in front of your eyes makes people feel as if they are in the “Peach Blossom Spring” described by Tao Yuanming.
- Tickets: Free, reservation required
- Address: Guanlan Printmaking Village, Niuhu Community, Guanlan Street, Longhua District
- Bus: Take Metro Line 4 to Guanlan Lake Station or Niuhu Station, then transfer to a bus and get off at the Printmaking Base Station
Shenzhen Antique City
Shenzhen Antique City, established in 2002, is one of the three largest antique cities in China. The antique-style buildings in the city are mainly in the Huizhou and Suzhou garden styles. It is both a paradise for antique enthusiasts and a picturesque place for taking photos.
Hidden behind the northwest gate of the Antique City is a space of freedom and passion. Every night, there is an open-air night market with a variety of delicious food, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of the Antique City after dark.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: 168 Nanmen, Xinxiu Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
- Bus: Metro Line 5, Huangbeiling Station, Exit D
Qingping Ancient Town
Qingping Ancient Town is one of the four ancient towns in Shenzhen, built in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, with a history of about 200 years. Yongxing Bridge and Xinqiao Granary have become historical and cultural heritage sites. Currently, it has also become a film and television photography base. The small town is built along the lake and preserves many ancient buildings with historical charm.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: Qingping Ancient Town Film and Television Town, Xinqiao Street, Bao’an District, Shenzhen
- Bus: Metro Line 11, Shajing Station, Exit D, walk 1.4km
Shangwei Art Village
Hidden in the Guanhu Street of Longhua is a Hakka ancient village, known as “the place in Shenzhen that most resembles Lijiang.” Bringing together artists, flowers, and sunshine, a trip here feels like stepping into a fairyland paradise. This is Shangwei Art Village.
Stepping into the village, not only will you find endless scenic beauty, but also cultural art nurtured by the ancient city. Every step allows you to feel the influence of history.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: No. 95, East District, Shangwei Village, Longhua District
- Bus: Exit E2 at Songyuanxia Station to “Dabu New Village” bus stop, take M344 bus
Phoenix Ancient Town
In the Phoenix Community of Fuyong Street in western Shenzhen, there is an ancient village with a history of more than 700 years: Phoenix Ancient Village. In the dazzling and prosperous metropolis, Phoenix Ancient Village is tucked away in a corner, simple and quiet.
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: At the foot of Phoenix Mountain, Bao’an District, Shenzhen
- Bus: Take a bus to “Phoenix Village Station” or “Phoenix Square Station”
Hehu New Residence
Hehu New Residence has the largest group of Hakka residential buildings in China. It is the most complete and representative of the more than 300 Hakka enclosures in Shenzhen, and is known as “a living fossil of Hakka architecture” and “the crystallization of Hakka architectural art.”
- Tickets: Free, no reservation required
- Address: Luo Ruihe Resident Group, Nanlian Community, Longgang Street, Longgang District
- Bus: Take Metro Line 3 to Nanlian Station, Exit C1; take a bus to “Longgang Sub-district Office Station”
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