Qingping Ancient Market: A Timeless Gem in Shenzhen

Amidst Shenzhen’s towering skyscrapers lies Qingping Ancient Market, a 300-year-old Cantonese treasure dating back to the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. As one of Shenzhen’s “Four Great Ancient Markets” and the only remaining Cantonese riverside market with Qing Dynasty style, it retains intact architectural patterns and folk customs from the Ming, Qing, and Republican eras, making it a top destination for cultural exploration.

The market’s centerpiece is Yongxing Bridge, Shenzhen’s best-preserved ancient stone bridge built during the Kangxi period. Constructed with granite, it boasts exquisite lion carvings at the ends and dragon-phoenix reliefs on the railings. At sunset, the bridge offers a stunning view of dragon boats gliding past century-old arcade reflections. Nearby, Guang’an Pawnshop, the only surviving pawnshop site in Shenzhen, is a watchtower-style building with both storage and defensive functions. The “Guangxu 20th Year” inscription on its blue bricks tells stories of its past glory as the largest pawnshop in Bao’an, perfect for vintage photography.

The Xinqiao Granary, a circular building from the 1950s, has been transformed into a stepped theater and film art exhibition hall, blending old architecture with light art. During the day, visitors can experience intangible heritage like lion head making, enjoy Cantonese opera with chrysanthemum Tea, or send postcards with exclusive market stamps from the Time Post Office. The creative market offers handcrafted Cantonese Embroidery, vintage cameras, and street sketching services.

Food and night views add to the market’s allure. The food street serves Shunde specialties such as Jun’an sTeamed pork, Lunjiao cake, and double-skin milk, with an average cost of 40 RMB per person. After dusk, the 3D light show starting at 19:30 projects vivid images on the arcade buildings, combining traditional Culture with modern technology. The oil-paper umbrella wall and graffiti wall are ideal for photos, and the nearby Xinqiao Night Market extends the fun into the evening.

For transportation, take Metro Line 11 to Shajing Station Exit D and walk for 18 minutes, or take buses 781 or M291 to Xingfuju Station and walk 200 meters. Self-driving visitors can navigate to “Qingping Ancient Market Parking Lot” (10 RMB parking fee). Allocate 3-6 hours to explore: visit historical sites in the morning, enjoy cultural activities in the afternoon, and admire night views in the evening to fully experience the market’s charm.