Shenzhen Mini-Tour: Dafen as Seen Through Paintbrushstrokes + Dongmen with the Flavor of Everyday Life

Shenzhen One-Day Trip Guide | Healing Art in Dafen Oil Painting Village + Satisfying Food and Shopping in Dongmen Old Street

If you're in Hong Kong, you can cross the Luohu Port to Shenzhen in less than two hours. Every time I step into this city, I feel it's a contradictory yet captivating place—skyscrapers, fast-paced, yet hiding soft and human touches in its corners. This time, for my one-day trip, I decided to slow down and discover another side of Shenzhen through art and food.

🌥️ Highlights

🎨 Dafen Oil Painting Village: A day surrounded by the aroma of paint, experience oil painting firsthand, and take amazing photos.

🛍️ Dongmen Old Street: Shenzhen's most popular old street, perfect for shopping, bargain hunting, and delicious food all in one place.

🚆 Super Convenient Transportation: Cross the border at Luohu Port, directly accessible by subway, ideal for Hong Kong residents for a day trip.

📍Attraction Recommendations

1. Dafen Oil Painting Village
Address: Dafen Village, Buji Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen
Opening Hours: Open year-round, all day

The moment you step into the village, the pace slows down. The streets are adorned with vibrant oil paintings, and the air is filled with the scent of paint, creating a magical, instantly relaxing atmosphere. The village isn't large, but every alleyway holds a surprise.

Tips: The fastest way is through the Luohu Port. From Hong Kong, take the MTR to Luohu Station, walk across the border, and then take Shenzhen Metro Line 3 directly to Dafen Station. The oil painting village is right outside the station.

You absolutely must experience painting yourself—there are many studios in the village where you can sign up for an oil painting workshop (some shops charge 80-150 RMB per person, about 2 hours). Professional instructors provide hands-on teaching, making it stress-free for beginners!

The village also has several art galleries and exhibition halls dedicated to promoting oil painting. Local artists and young people returning from studying abroad often hold exhibitions, making it well worth spending 45 minutes exploring. The art supply stores are overflowing with goods, from brushes and paints to canvases, giving it an art wholesale market feel! There are also plenty of small creative markets and art-themed cafes, perfect for taking photos and relaxing.

Strolling through the village on a rainy day is also very pleasant; the soft daylight and the interplay of trees and modern architecture create a stunning, artsy vibe. Remember to take a picture of yourself with an incredibly stylish shot.

2. Dongmen Old Street
Address: Post Office Building, Dongmen Old Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen (Shennan East Road)
Opening Hours: Open all year round

Dongmen Old Street isn't exactly "refined," but it's authentic and warm. Its bustling, crowded, and fragrant atmosphere is the true essence of the city.

Must-Visit Shops: From daily necessities and trendy clothing to a fish market, you can find almost anything on Dongmen Pedestrian Street. The local small commodity market is especially recommended, offering everything from phone accessories and household items to fun trinkets.

Dining Recommendations: Dongmen Old Street boasts a wide variety of restaurants—popular snacks like "Old Street Sauna Chicken," Lanzhou noodles at "Northwest Food City," and hot pot at "Chaoshan Beef Shop"—perfect for taking shelter from the rain and resting.

If you get tired, find a tea restaurant to relax and experience the slow pace of old Shenzhen, or enjoy sweet soups, baked rice dumplings, and milk tea at various street food stalls.

🎒Luohu Border Crossing Guide + Travel Tips: From Hong Kong to Shenzhen, Luohu Port is a better choice as it has smoother passenger flow than other ports. Remember to check the border crossing hours beforehand on WeChat or the official website (generally 06:30 to 24:00). After crossing the border, use the Shenzhen Metro App to check transportation routes—very convenient.

Packaging Recommendations: For shopping and drawing, wear comfortable shoes and light clothing; an umbrella is essential for rainy days.

⚡Shenzhen One-Day Trip: Selected Tips

- The oil painting village has a lot of art supplies, so it's recommended to come in the morning or around noon. There are plenty of spaces for on-site painting experiences, and some shops accept WeChat Pay.

- Dongmen Old Street is best explored in the afternoon or evening. It's crowded but safe; remember to keep your valuables safe, especially your phone and wallet.

- On rainy days, Shenzhen's humidity is high, so bring a jacket and rain gear. It also offers a unique and romantic atmosphere for outdoor photography.

Shenzhen is more than just skyscrapers and shopping malls; it also has art, everyday life, and warmth.

In Dafen, I rediscovered my creative passion; in Dongmen, I rediscovered the vibrant atmosphere of life. This kind of day trip, without rushing to see the sights or being in a hurry, just strolling and enjoying the scenery, left me feeling completely healed when I returned to Hong Kong!

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