Nantou Ancient City
南头古城
The historical source of both Shenzhen and Hong Kong. A thousand-year-old county layout now blends with cafés, exhibition halls and creative streets.
Nantou Ancient City lies in Nanshan District. It served as the seat of Dongguan Commandery from the Eastern Jin dynasty onward, and in the Ming dynasty it became the county seat of Xin'an, which governed the areas of present-day Shenzhen and Hong Kong. This earned it the name “the root of Shenzhen-Hong Kong history and culture.” Surviving sites include the South City Gate, the county government office, the Guandi Temple and the Dongguan Guild Hall. After restoration, the lanes now house cafés, bookshops and exhibition spaces, and visitors can wander the north-south and east-west main streets. Admission is free. Metro Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station runs direct, and the site can be combined with Shenzhen Bay and Shekou on the same day trip.
Opening hours
Open all day (venues approx. 10:00–22:00)
Nearby sights
- Nanshan Museum
- Bay Glory
- Qianhai Stone Park
- China Resources Headquarters (Spring Bamboo)
- Dasha River Ecological Corridor
- Shenzhen Talent Park
- Dananshan Park
- Window of the World