Isn’t it amazing that a place like Gankeng Hakka Town exists? This ancient town hides in the modern city of Shenzhen. Many only think of Dapeng Fortress when they consider Shenzhen’s old towns. But Gankeng Hakka Town offers so much more.
Gankeng Hakka Town boasts over 300 years of history. Once a simple village, it was home to the Yao people. Later, it became a Hakka gathering place.
Nicknamed “Little Lijiang”, Gankeng Hakka Town faced challenges. It was once a shabby Hakka town. Dilapidated buildings stood everywhere. Flooding was common after storms. But it was rebuilt into the Gankeng Hakka Town we see today. The rebuilders preserved the original Hakka buildings. These include Tulou and Hakka walled villages. They also kept the Hakka culture alive.
As you walk here among the traditional Hakka buildings. The ancient mottled walls may give you the feeling of traveling back in time. It is a great retreat from today’s steel and cement buildings.
The town isn’t huge. Not all buildings are original ancient structures. Some are recreated. They were built to fit perfectly with the original ones. Venture deeper into Gankeng Hakka Town. You will discover a European-style railway station. It was built along the Beijing-Kowloon Railway. Trains still pass behind the station from time to time.
Gankeng Hakka Town includes Liangmao Village. This village produces Hakka-style liangmao. These are woven bamboo hats featuring a veil. They are a unique feature of Hakka culture. In the 1970s and 1980s, every household in Liangmao Village made these hats. They exported them to Southeast Asia, Britain, and France.
Don’t miss the art gallery here. It contains old articles detailing local history. Visit the specialty snuff store. Snuff was once popular. It gradually faded as cigarettes became common.
Be sure to explore Qidu 116 Village. Also see the Zhuangyuan Residence. Check out the Wenchang Tower. Finally, find the 300-year-old watchtower in the town center. The tower was moved from Wuyuan brick by brick.
Gankeng Hakka Town is more than just an ancient town. It explores Hakka culture. It revitalizes villages. The OCT Culture Group explores culture, tourism, and urbanization. They use an “IP+VR+AI” model. This group innovates tech-based cultural business planning. Gankeng Hakka Town integrates leisure tourism and cultural venues. Gourmet accommodation and farming experiences are also here.
In 2017, the town was recognized. It became a China Cultural Tourism Integration Pilot Area. In 2018, it was named a Guangdong Province Cultural Tourism Integrated Development Demonstration Zone. CCTV featured Gankeng’s successful practices. Later, it became one of Shenzhen’s Top Ten Distinctive Cultural Blocks. In 2020, it became a “Shenzhen Characteristic Cultural District.”
Today, Gankeng Hakka Town is a famous Chinese Hakka cultural town. It offers a window into Guangdong spirit. It interprets Chinese culture for all. As you leave Gankeng Hakka Town, remember its blend of old and new. It is a testament to preserving culture in a modern world.