Located in Xinlan Community, Guanlan Subdistrict, Longhua District, the Guanlan Ancient Market is a historic commercial street that opened to the public in 1766, boasting a history of over two centuries. Encompassing a total construction area of approximately 21,073 square meters, this market was primarily constructed during the late Qing Dynasty.

The layout of the site features a central avenue running from north to south and is surrounded by four east-west streets: Dongmen Street, Xindong Street, Maibu Street, and Longgangding Street. Additionally, it includes West Gate Street along the Guanlan River.

The Xindong Street of Guanlan Ancient Market. Photos by Lin Songtao

This market stands as one of the most well-preserved Hakka-style historical sites in Shenzhen and is recognized as one of Shenzhen's four ancient markets. During its heyday, it served as a vital transit point for imported goods destined for Bao'an, Huizhou, and northern Guangdong Province, as well as for the export of local products overseas. This earned it the nickname "Little Hong Kong." Festive gatherings were a common occurrence here on the first, fourth, and seventh days of the lunar calendar, each lasting for a day.

A scene at the Guanlan Ancient Market.

In December 2019, the Shenzhen Municipal Government officially designated the Guanlan Ancient Market as one of the city's inaugural historical and cultural heritage sites.

Furthermore, in June 2021, the site was included in a cultural tourism route as part of the second batch of cultural heritage tourism paths in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Tourist poses for a photo in front of an art mural at the Guanlan Ancient Market.

Add: Xinlan Community, Guanlan Subdistrict, Longhua District (龙华区观澜街道新澜社区)