Shenzhen is often teased for having "no history", but in fact the city and its surroundings have preserved plenty of ancient villages, old market towns and military fortresses: a 600-year-old coastal defence city, Hakka walled-village settlements, and revitalised old market streets. All 5 of these places are free to enter, not far from metro stations, and perfect for a half-day trip — with a meal nearby to round things off.
| Place | District | Metro | Admission | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nantou Ancient City (南頭古城) | Nanshan District | Line 12, Nantou Ancient City Station, Exit A | Free | 2–3 hours |
| Dapeng Fortress (大鵬所城) | Dapeng New District | Line 8, Xichong Station / Line 2, Liantang Port Station then bus | Free | Half day to full day |
| Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑客家小鎮) | Longgang District | Line 10, Gankeng Station, Exit A | Free | 2–4 hours |
| Guanlan Old Market (觀瀾古墟) | Longhua District | Line 4, Guanlan Station then taxi | Free | 1.5–2 hours |
| Shajing Old Market (沙井古墟) | Bao'an District | Line 11, Shajing Station then taxi | Free | 1.5–2 hours |
1. Nantou Ancient City (南山區) — the root of Shenzhen
Nantou Ancient City has nearly 1,700 years of history and was the former administrative centre of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong region. Inside, old and new are mixed: on one hand the city gates, memorial arches and old houses are preserved; on the other, design boutiques, cafés and exhibition spaces have moved in. Half a day here won't bore you, and the lighting at night is great for photos.
- District: Nantou Subdistrict, Nanshan District (beside Shennan Boulevard)
- Transport: Metro Line 12, Nantou Ancient City Station, Exit A, about a 5-minute walk; from Shenzhen Bay Port, take Line 13 to Line 12, around 30 minutes
- Admission: Free entry; some exhibitions and workshops charge separately, shops generally open 10:00–22:00
2. Dapeng Fortress (大鵬新區) — a 600-year-old coastal defence city
Dapeng Fortress covers about 110,000 square metres and was a Ming–Qing coastal defence stronghold. Inside are the old city gates, the General's Residence and many old houses; some attractions (such as the museum) may charge separately. It's open all day with free entry, and afterwards you can head to Jiaochangwei beach nearby.
- District: Pengcheng Community, Dapeng New District
- Transport: Get off at Metro Line 8, Xichong Station or Line 2, Liantang Port Station, transfer to express bus E11, E91 or 833 to Dapeng Centre, then transfer to M471/M457 to Dapeng Fortress Stop, and walk 5–6 minutes to the South Gate; the whole journey takes about 1.5–2 hours
- Note: On holidays, entering Dapeng usually requires a reservation — register via official channels before you set off
3. Gankeng Hakka Town (龍崗區) — a Hakka walled-village settlement
Revitalised from an old Hakka village, it has walled houses, watchtowers, the Liangmao Theatre and creative boutiques. By day you can admire the architecture and exhibitions; at night, when the lanterns light up, the atmosphere is completely different. Entry is free, while some experience activities (hanfu, handicrafts) charge separately.
- District: Gankeng Community, Jihua Subdistrict, Longgang District
- Transport: Metro Line 10, Gankeng Station, Exit A, about a 10-minute walk; from Futian Port, Line 10 goes direct in one ride — the most convenient of the three ports
- Hours: The park is open all day; shops and exhibition halls generally 10:00–22:00
4. Guanlan Old Market (龍華區) — a revitalised old market town
Guanlan Old Market was a market town in days gone by. After restoration it has become a pedestrian district lined with old shophouses under arcades. At night there are light installations, and nearby around the Guanlan Printmaking Base there are creative spaces too — good for strolling and photos.
- District: Around Guxu Street, Guanlan Subdistrict, Longhua District
- Transport: Get off at Metro Line 4, Guanlan Station, then a short taxi or bus ride of about 5–10 minutes
- Admission: Free entry; best visited in the early evening when it's cooler and the lighting is lovely
5. Shajing Old Market (寶安區) — oyster-town old market + ancestral halls
The Shajing area is Shenzhen's famous oyster town. The old market preserves old streets and ancestral hall architecture, and has reopened after restoration in recent years. Pair it with oyster season (autumn and winter): stroll the old market then eat oysters for a complete itinerary.
- District: Shajing Subdistrict, Bao'an District
- Transport: Get off at Metro Line 11, Shajing Station, then a short taxi ride of about 10 minutes
- Admission: Free entry; some historic sites and exhibition halls have set opening hours — check on-site notices
6. Where else to go nearby
Right next to Nantou Ancient City are Zhongshan Park and the Nanshan Museum area, which together make a half-day culture route. Near Gankeng is the Longgang district shopping area, and back in the city centre in the evening you can eat at Nanshan MixC World or Coastal City. If you go to Dapeng Fortress, you can drop by Jiaochangwei beach on the way and then return via Yantian for seafood. Couples or groups of friends could consider the combo "Nantou Ancient City → Zhongshan Park → MixC World", all connected by Metro Line 12 and Line 1 — no need to call a car.
7. Itineraries and tips
- Half-day route (city centre): Morning at Nantou Ancient City → lunch inside the city → afternoon metro to Gankeng, then back to Hong Kong after seeing the night lights.
- Full-day route (east): Dapeng Fortress → Jiaochangwei beach → dinner at Yantian Seafood Street; crossing via Liantang/Xiangyuanwei Port is the smoothest.
- Ancient villages are mostly outdoor pedestrian areas — bring water and a hat in summer; stone-paved paths get slippery in the rain, so wear comfortable shoes.
- When entering ancestral halls or walled houses, follow the signs: don't be noisy or touch the exhibits; drone flying is banned in some places.
- Both Gankeng and Nantou Ancient City offer hanfu rental and handicraft workshops, generally ¥50–200 per person; book ahead if you want photos.
- On holidays crowds peak between 11:00–16:00; for better photos, arrive before 09:00 or go on a weekday.
8. FAQ
Do these places charge admission?
All five are free to enter; individual exhibition halls or experience activities at Nantou Ancient City, Gankeng and Dapeng Fortress charge separately, with prices as posted on site.
Is a same-day return trip from Hong Kong enough time?
The city-centre sites, Nantou Ancient City and Gankeng, can be done in half a day — a same-day return is more than enough. Dapeng Fortress is a longer journey, so allow a full day, or combine it with Jiaochangwei and Yantian.
Which port is most convenient?
For Gankeng, Futian Port (Line 10 direct) is fastest; for Nantou Ancient City, Shenzhen Bay Port is closest; for Dapeng and Yantian, Liantang/Xiangyuanwei Port is best, connecting smoothly to the eastern bus routes.
Is there food at the old markets?
Nantou Ancient City and Gankeng have plenty of restaurants and cafés, and Shajing has oyster-themed eateries; Guanlan Old Market has fewer options nearby, so it's best to eat back in the city centre, such as at Nanshan MixC World or Coastal City.
Can I visit on a rainy day?
Nantou Ancient City, Gankeng and Guanlan Old Market all have indoor shops and exhibition halls, so you can still visit in the rain; Dapeng Fortress and Shajing Old Market are mainly outdoor, so heavy rain makes for a poorer experience — better to reschedule.
Do I need to book?
Most are free and open without booking; but on holidays, entering the Dapeng Peninsula (including Dapeng Fortress) usually requires advance registration via official channels, and places are limited — check the notices before you set off.
Sources
Compiled from official announcements by Shenzhen attractions, Shenzhen Bendibao and mainland media public information for 2026. Opening hours and reservation arrangements are adjusted by season; before you set off, please refer to the attractions' official channels and real-time information on Amap.
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