Discover China

Next to Zhongshan Park in Nanshan District lies one of Shenzhen’s greatest treasures, Xin’an Ancient City. It has been a government seat on and off since 331, with its heyday in the Ming Dynasty when it became Dongguan Castle. To find out more about this significant site and the free “Culture and History Walks” in Shenzhen on Saturday mornings in October and November see James Baquet’s Shenzhen Daily article Xin’an Ancient City.

At first glance Shenzhen appears to be a completely new city. But do some exploring and you’ll find historical gems like the Siyue Shuyuan and the Zhang Ancestral Hall in Dongmen, which is now a thriving shopping area. Read more in the Shenzhen Daily article about Old Dongmen.

A great place to start an exploration of Shenzhen’s heritage is the outstanding Shenzhen Museum of History, which is located in the eastern end of the spectacular wing-roofed Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government building in Futian District in central Shenzhen. I had the pleasure of visiting the museum earlier this year – read the story of my trip or view the pictures.

Links to some other Shenzhen Daily articles on Shenzhen’s heritage can be found in More of Shenzhen’s treasures. The English language Shenzhen Daily newspaper has the latest news about Shenzhen and China including business, travel and entertainment updates, and often features fascinating insights into Shenzhen’s historical and cultural attractions.

Here are some more of Shenzhen’s great attractions, from the Shenzhen Daily newspaper:

• Three Parks in Luohu
• Phoenix Mountain in Bao’an District
• Old Nanshan

The English language Shenzhen Daily newspaper has the latest news about Shenzhen and China including business, travel and entertaintment updates, and often features fascinating insights into Shenzhen’s historical and cultural attractions.

Once again I have the privilege of  experiencing Lunar New Year and the Chinese Spring festival in China, this time in Shenzhen. The New Year was welcomed last night with the annual New Year Gala which has a massive nation-wide audience. You can watch video from the spectacular gala on the CCTV website.

Shenzhen saw a spectacular fireworks display at midnight, and city streets, shops and buildings are adorned with lanterns and other New Year decorations (as shown at left).