Gankeng Hakka Townlet — Attraction in Shenzhen

We were graciously hosted by our local relative, Kala, during our visit to Shenzhen. She took time off to introduce us to Gankeng, an ancient village renowned for its strong Hakka roots and a history spanning over 300 years. The village, accessible via Line 10 of the Shenzhen MRT, features well-preserved Hakka architecture, including ancestral halls, watchtowers, and traditional courtyard houses. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, Gankeng offered us a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

The culinary highlight of our trip came at dinner. We indulged in a steamboat that featured a unique twist: coconut water as the soup base. This choice added a natural, delicate sweetness that harmoniously complemented the other ingredients. As we added chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms, the flavours intensified. The longer the broth simmered, the more the rich essence of the chicken melded with the subtle sweetness of the coconut water, creating an extraordinary and flavourful concoction. This delightful meal was not only a treat to our taste buds but also surprisingly affordable at 271 renminbi.

Overall, the visit to Gankeng was an adventurous journey that revealed a unique side of Shenzhen, filled with historical charm and...

甘坑古镇 (Gankeng Ancient Town) Gankeng Ancient Town is a charming place for a half-day visit, offering a nice blend of traditional architecture, cultural experiences, and local delicacies. The town has a different vibe between day and night—during the day. You can appreciate the intricate Hakka-style buildings and visit cultural spots like the Gankeng Museum, which provides insights into Hakka heritage and traditions. At night, the entire area lights up, creating a picturesque and lively atmosphere.

Getting here is quite convenient. You can take the Shenzhen Metro Line 10, which takes about an hour to reach Gankeng Station without needing to transfer. From Exit B, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the entrance of the town. However, if you prefer to save time and energy, there are local drivers offering rides (motorcycle that can sit about 6 ppl) for just 2 yuan per person. I used this both ways, and it was totally worth it—fast, cheap, and saved your energy from walking!

Overall, this is a great spot to explore Hakka culture, enjoy local snacks, and take beautiful photos. There are no entry fees. If you have extra time in Shenzhen and want to experience something different from the modern city vibe, Gankeng Ancient Town is definitely...

You can't expect to find major historical site in Shenzhen as it's a relatively young and vibrant city itself. In fact, I'd never heard of this place before I started searching for fun places to visit for our CNY holiday. We came in here on the 3rd day of lunar NY and boy, it was packed! As expected, you can find small scale museum showing you history and culture of the neighborhood. Good thing is, they have plenty of relatively modern shops and eateries blended in so you won't be bored by typical cliché old stuff. Btw, the place is admission free, hence it was so crowded on holiday. There is a Chaozhou-style restaurant somewhere at the center. We went there for dinner shortly after 5pm. By the time we finished and took off, there was a long line waiting at the entrance...