Guanlan Ancient Market: A Century-Old Hakka Commercial Gem in Shenzhen

As one of Shenzhen’s four major ancient markets, Guanlan Ancient Market boasts a 200-year history. It features Sino-Western arcades, 13 watchtowers, nightly light shows and Hakka delicacies, a must-visit for cultural exploration.

Founded in 1766, Guanlan Ancient Market is nestled along the Guanlan River in Longhua District, Shenzhen. Known as “Shenzhen’s First Street of Modern Folk Culture”, it is the only well-preserved ancient market block among Shenzhen’s historical fairs, covering over 60,000 square meters. Once a vital commercial hub for Bao’an, Dongguan and Huizhou, it was hailed as “Little Hong Kong” and witnessed the prosperity of the Pearl River Delta’s modern trade.

The market’s architecture is its highlight. Thirteen Republican-era watchtowers stand tall, with the 1938-built Red Building (Lange Pavilion) being the most famous. Its red facade combined with Roman columns showcases a Baroque style, and it is renowned for being moved 43 meters intact, a testament to architectural craftsmanship. The eight-story Wenchang Ancient Watchtower is one of the tallest surviving watchtowers in Shenzhen. The arcades along the streets, evolving through three stages, feature a layout of shops on the ground floor and residences upstairs, adapting to the Lingnan climate while reflecting commercial wisdom.

After protective restoration, the market has been revitalized, housing cultural venues like Wanding Art Museum and Dejian Bookstore. On weekends, visitors can enjoy intangible cultural heritage parades such as Kylin Dance and Yingge Dance, and experience traditional crafts like facial mask painting. Three nightly light shows (19:30, 20:10, 20:50) illuminate the ancient streets, with the South Gate Square offering the best view. Don’t miss local delicacies like lychee wood-roasted chicken, Hakka radish cakes and stuffed tofu.

Practical Info: Free admission (07:00-02:00 next day). A 900-meter walk from Exit B of Guanlan Station (Metro Line 4). Visit after 3 PM to enjoy both daytime charm and night-time light displays.