You may know Shenzhen for its youthfulness and technological vibe, but did you know that the city also boasts a history spanning over a thousand years?
With over 7,000 years of human activity, nearly 1,700 years of county establishment, and over 40 years of reform and opening up, Bao'an District is hailed as the "Cultural Source of Shenzhen and Hong Kong."
On September 10th, several foreign friends, including an influencer with more than 6 million followers, delved into ancient villages and architecture in Bao'an, uncovering the rich historical heritage of the area and experiencing Shenzhen's millennia-old cultural lineage.
Experience heritages
"I can try my hand at lion dancing! I've participated in a course before," said Sebastien from France, eagerly eyeing the lion head at the Huangliansheng Lion Dance Cultural Center. Under the guidance of the lion dance team members, Sebastien teamed up with Umer from Pakistan; one danced the lion's head while the other maneuvered the tail, striking a pose together.
The Huangliansheng Lion Dance originates from the Shanghe community in Bao'an, and is recognized as a representative of national intangible cultural heritage.
The Huangliansheng Lion Dance originates from the Shanghe community in Bao'an and is recognized as a representative of national intangible cultural heritage. Emerging in the late Qing Dynasty, the Huangliansheng Lion Dance Team was established in the 1960s. By the early 1970s, the troupe had gained prominence, with disciples spreading the art form to regions like Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and India. In recent years, this team has frequently represented Shenzhen on international stages, achieving world-class recognition.
Bao'an is home to a rich array of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Currently, Bao'an boasts 67 representatives of intangible heritage across various levels, including 2 at the national level, 10 at the provincial level.
"Bao'an is rich in traditional cultural activities. I've noticed young people are eager to participate in traditions like lion dancing, dragon boat rowing, and Weiqi, which is beneficial for preserving and inheriting unique cultures," commented Tim from Australia.
Explore architectures
"I studied hotel management, which included world architectural history. The roof ridge is a distinctive feature of Guangdong's ancient architecture, so everyone, please look up," said TC, a video blogger from Jordan, who has more than 6 million followers. As he took on the role of a tour guide at the Wen Ancestral Hall in Fenghuang Ancient Village, TC introduced the key points of appreciating Lingnan architecture in fluent Chinese and English.
Fenghuang Ancient Village, located in the Phoenix community of Bao'an, near Phoenix Mountain, has a history of 700 years dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It was founded by the descendants of Wen Tianxiang, a scholar-general, and a famous poet in the Song dynasty. With a total of 64 buildings built during the Ming and Qing Dynasty, including ancestral halls and ancient wells, it is regarded as one of the largest best-preserved ancient villages in Guangdong Province. The "Eight Immortals" mural in the village is considered one of the largest, oldest, highest quality, best-preserved, and most finely crafted murals discovered in Shenzhen and even in the Lingnan region.
Ancient villages and buildings scattered across Bao'an hold the city's millennia-old memories. As of May 2023, Bao'an has 248 immovable cultural relics, the highest number among Shenzhen's districts, accounting for about a quarter of the city's total. This includes 31 cultural protection units, comprising 4 at the provincial level, with several being unique within Shenzhen.
For example, the oyster shell house of Jiang Ancestor Hall. Bao'an has been known as the 1,000-year-old Hometown of Oysters. The oysters produced in Bao'an are not only a local product well-known in China and overseas but also serve as a unique Shenzhen memory. Built in the early years of the Qing Dynasty, Jiang Ancestor Hall is the only oyster shell house in Shenzhen that still exists.
Built in the early years of the Qing Dynasty, Jiang Ancestor Hall is the only oyster shell house in Shenzhen.
"I've been in Shenzhen for 11 years; it's my first time visiting these ancient places. I truly sense the history of Shenzhen," said Irina from Russia, spending a long time admiring the texture of the oyster shell walls.
Enjoy delicacy
During our tour, foreign friends had the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese calligraphy using brush pens. They adopted calligraphic stances to write "Bao'an" and their blessings in their own languages. Umer shared, "We also have our own form of 'calligraphy', though our writing tools are slightly different; our brush tips are slanted."
Foerign friends adopted calligraphic stances to write "Bao'an" and their blessings in their own languages.
There is no better way of knowing a country than by tasting its food. Guangdong cuisine, known as Cantonese cuisine in the West, is perhaps the most 'Chinese' food outside China. During the trip, foreign friends are invited to taste roasted duck, one of the iconic delicacies in Guangdong cuisine, in a 30-year-old restaurant, Xianji.
During the trip, foreign friends were invited to taste roasted duck, one of the iconic delicacies in Guangdong cuisine, in a 30-year-old restaurant, Xianji.
Throughout Bao'an, many time-honored restaurants and traditional food brands, like Xianji Roast Goose King, can be found in the city. There are also several unique dining streets, such as Coffee Street, Michelin Gourmet Street, and Night Market Street.
TC is a food blogger with accounts called "TC in China." He expressed his desire to "taste around China." He noted, "Chinese dining culture emphasizes 'sharing,' which is also a characteristic of my hometown's food traditions." TC mentioned that Bao'an and Shenzhen attract people from across the country and around the world who come here to pursue their dreams, bringing their diverse culinary cultures. "You can enjoy flavors from various regions here; the delicious food reflects the inclusive spirit of this city."
Reporter | Wang Yue
Photo | Liu Daiqi
Editor | Will, James
