The Folk Customs of Shajing Oyster Farming

In the northernmost part of Shenzhen, in Bao’an District, is the Shajing (literally translated to sand-ditch) Residential District: a secluded area of sixty square kilometers bordered to the west by the Pearl River Estuary. A hidden gem of Shenzhen…

Shenzhen’s Urban Park System

Park systems and their place in cities

With fresh, clean airspaces, beautiful scenery and an overarching peaceful atmosphere, parks have always been a favourite getaway site. Shenzhen is consistently known for it’s abundance of…

Shatoujiao Fish Lanterns

Traditional craftsmanship in action.

Found in the sub-district of Shatoujiao in Shenzhen, the Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance is a folk dance created by the people of Lanxia village. Originating from the early Qing Dynasty, the villagers…

Nature within the Industrial

Strolling along the coastline of Shenzhen on a weekend, one is bound to encounter a line of cars packed alongside the road. Past the line of vehicles emerges the Shenzhen Bay Park, or 深圳湾公园, a popular resting area of Shenzhen residents. Established in 2000, Shenzhen Bay Park is…

Hualin Praying Mantis

The Hualin Praying Mantis is a form of martial arts most popular in Bao’an District of Shenzhen and surrounding areas. Making its first appearance in the Huayan temple of Laoshan, Shandong, the Mantis was mainly popularised in the southern regions of China despite its northern origins. Due…

Legend of the Answering Stone

With its origins unknown to this day, the Legend of the Answering Stone is a time-honoured tale passed through generations of Hakka storytellers residing amongst the seven community groups along Shiyan street, Baoaon district. A poignant tragedy of two lovers, this folklore…

Lo Hei!

The Prosperity Toss, otherwise known as Lo Hei (撈起), is the preparation of a salad-like dish, Yusheng (魚生), consisting of: a handful of miscellaneous foodstuffs such as shredded vegetables, raw fish strips (usually salmon), Pok Chui crackers, daikon, and a variety of condiments, sauces, and spices — traditionally…

Chinese New Year in Rural Changsha

Our celebrations here may be relatively small, but they are just as meaningful.

“Why don’t we just drive straight there? We‘ll be arriving around 3 am but at least there won’t be any…

Longgang Dragon Dance

Performed in the town of Longgang in Shenzhen’s very own Longgang district, the local dragon dance was introduced centuries ago by the Hakka migrants as an act of respect and worship for the iconic oriental beast. The head and body of the dragon used in the ritual is made from cloth, while…