How about a beach that changes colors? Silverstrand is such a place. Here at Silverstrand, the water is crystal clear. It changes color with your perspective.
Welcome to Silverstrand. It is dubbed Silver Beach by sightseers. This makes sense. Silverstrand is one of Shenzhen’s most beautiful beaches. It has delicate clean sand. The sea water is clear.
Green hills surround Silverstrand on three sides. This beach is like a crescent moon. It sits between the blue sea and the blue sky. The water is white near the shore. About 50 meters offshore, the water turns light blue. Further away, it becomes deep blue.
Bright sunshine warms Silverstrand. Blue waters meet white sand. A gentle sea breeze whispers. All this makes Silverstrand an ideal seaside resort.
Let’s talk about Shenzhen. Its history goes back a long way. Around 7000 years ago, primitive humans lived here. They lived in Xiantouling. This is modern-day Mirs Bay in Shenzhen. These people were the earliest known immigrants to Shenzhen.
They were skilled. They made exquisite pottery. One example is a textured urn. It was unearthed in Xiantouling. The urn is beautiful and precise. The quality of the unglazed porcelain is excellent. Its surface is polished smooth. It could be a refined table decoration.
What did they use stone tools for? There are different theories about this grooved stone tool. One theory says it was for grinding. People used it to remove calluses. This was especially from their heels. Another idea suggests it imprinted patterns on pottery. Some think it was a stone bat. People may have used it to make bark cloth.
Archaeologists found 94 tombs here. It was the largest collection of Shang dynasty tombs. They were found and excavated in the Lingnan region. These tombs show Shenzhen was populous during the Shang dynasty.
People living here were often at war. History books say the Yue people enjoyed war.
Let’s talk about science and technology. Folk science and technology in Shenzhen was advanced. During the Shang dynasty, cups had a technical aspect. People used these cups to drink water. The cups had spouts. These spouts let liquid flow into the mouth. This prevented spills.
During the Han dynasty, Shenzhen residents used multiplication tables. A brick shows this. It is engraved with a nine by nine multiplication table. Mathematics was developed here 1800 years ago.
During the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern dynasties, there was unrest. People moved south. Common folk and gentry moved. This prompted rapid development in the craft industry. Ceramics became a focus.
The chicken head jug was a popular style. It comes from the Eastern Jin and Southern dynasties.
Cups for drinking tea were small. They were black and shiny. They were made with excellent craftsmanship. This was during the Tang dynasty.
Shenzhen’s maritime industry has thrived. Shenzhen sits by the ocean. Growing oysters is important. Making salt is too. Harvesting pearls matters for coastal residents.
The salt industry was well developed. During the Song dynasty, it peaked. Five salt fields were established. The annual production of the Diefu Salt Farm was 15000 dan. That is about 900 tons.
Oyster production in Shenzhen has a long history. It goes back to the Jin dynasty. Jinkang oysters were cultivated. This happened during the Song dynasty. Shajing oysters have been around since the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Shenzhen has been an important coastal town since ancient times. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, people built two large cities for defense. They defended against pirates. Nantou, Shenzhen sat at the intersection of waterways. It was Guangdong’s coastal defense stronghold. The city of Nantou was built in 1394.
Dapeng Fortress was built over 600 years ago. Invaders attacked it. The royal court added troops. Historical records state that Dapeng was the best coastal fortress. Its strategic position was important.
Castle-style compounds are distinctive. The Hakka people built them. They are from the Qing dynasty. They have defensive and residential functions. The halls retain a traditional courtyard style. This reflects the Hakka immigrant culture.
The Dawan Former Residence is large. It is one of the largest Hakka compounds. The Hakka people like living together. They enjoy each other’s company. They grow old together.
As you leave Silverstrand, remember the delicate sand. Think about the crystal-clear water. Recall the history beneath your feet. This place is more than just a beach. It is a testament to time.