Guanlan Old Market in Longhua District, which used to be called “Little Hong Kong,” was one of the four historical markets in Shenzhen from the 18th century to the early 20th century. After a recent renovation, it has become a popular place for inheriting the city’s history and culture.

Now a lacquer painting exhibition is being held at the Qiao Shiguang Lacquer Painting Research and Training Center inside the market. What makes the exhibition special is that visitors are required to hold retro lamps to observe the artworks exhibited in dimly lit rooms. This unique setup creates a nostalgic experience, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate details and hues of the paintings under the warmth of retro lamps in a centuries-old house.

Visitors learn to create a lacquer painting.

Lacquer paintings are visually striking, characterized by their vivid color palettes, intricate designs and reflective surfaces. The use of high-gloss lacquer creates a sense of depth and luminosity, enhancing the colors and patterns in artworks. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in lacquer paintings result in aesthetically pleasing compositions.

Chinese lacquer painting master Qiao Shiguang (1937-2022) signed an agreement with Longhua District in 2019 to collaborate with the district to develop lacquer art and encourage more people to appreciate this old art form. Lacquer paintings have a long and esteemed history, dating back thousands of years in China. The technique has been passed down through generations, contributing to the allure and cultural significance of these artworks.

Visitors hold lamps and admire lacquer paintings at an exhibition at Guanlan Old Market. 

In addition to the 50 lacquer paintings, most of which were created by Qiao, the exhibition also showcases lacquer wares from the Tang (618-907) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. On the second floor, visitors can also learn to make their own lacquer paintings.

The former Guanlan Old Market was a typical Hakka block that integrated residence, commerce and defense, where modern visitors now can still sense the traditional culture, folk beliefs and customs and its distinctive architecture in a mix of Lingnan, Hakka and Western styles. A dock by the Guanlan River used to be a transfer point for foreign goods entering Huiyang, northern Guangdong and inland areas. In 2019, to revive the old market, Longhua District began to renovate the area. Now, 15 diaolous (fortified watchtowers) and over 100 buildings dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) have been restored.

Visitors hold lamps and admire lacquer paintings at an exhibition at Guanlan Old Market. 

As night falls, a dream-like light show will be projected on the façades of the watchtowers in Guanlan Old Market from 8-9 p.m. to immerse visitors in a dazzling world of the old and new.

Dates: Until Sept. 9

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Mon.-Thu., Sun.); 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.)

Tickets: 78 yuan, various discounts available

Venue: Qiao Shiguang Lacquer Painting Research and Training Center, Guanlan Old Market, Longhua District (观澜古墟内乔十光漆画研修院)

Metro: Line 4 to Guanlan Station (观澜站), Exit B (Cao Zhen)