Gankeng Hakka Town
甘坑客家小镇
A cultural tourism town converted from a 350-year-old Hakka village, with Hakka walled houses, the 'Little Cooling Hat' brand character and nighttime lights. It is a popular family spot for photos in northern Shenzhen.
Gankeng Hakka Town is located in Jihua Subdistrict, Longgang District. It was once an ancient Hakka village with more than 350 years of history, famous for weaving Hakka cooling hats. After renovation by OCT Group in 2016, it became a cultural tourism town combining Hakka culture, family fun, guesthouses and food. Highlights include restored historic Hakka buildings such as Nanxiang Tower, Zhuangyuan Mansion and the Gankeng Fortified Tower; the nature trails and lake views of Phoenix Valley; the 'Little Cooling Hat' theme pavilion and family playground, built around the Hakka cooling hat; and lanes along the stream lined with Hakka restaurants (salt-baked chicken, stuffed tofu, ai ban), craft shops and small bars. At night red lanterns and light installations come on, the most popular time for photos. On holidays there are Hakka qilin dance performances and light shows at V Valley Park. The town is free to enter, while the Little Cooling Hat pavilion, V Valley Park and other attractions charge separately (about RMB 50–100). Plan to arrive after 3 pm, stroll the old lanes and Phoenix Valley, then eat Hakka food and enjoy the night views. Allow 2–3 hours. Getting there: Metro Line 10, Gankeng Station, Exit A, about a 10-minute walk, or about 50 minutes from Futian. Driving is possible, with parking, but spaces are tight on weekends. Note that the town is heavily commercialized and suits families and casual photo-taking best. It is busy on weekends and more relaxed on weekdays.
Opening hours
Open all day (shops about 10:00–22:00)
Nearby sights
- Dafen Oil Painting Village
- Guanlan Original Printmaking Base
- Shenzhen Art Museum (New)
- Honghu Park
- Fairy Lake Botanical Garden
- Lizhi Park
- Dongmen Old Street
- KK100