Dafen Painting Village

Introduction

Dafen Oil Painting Village is a village under the jurisdiction of Buji Neighborhood Committee of Longgang District, Shenzhen City. It is with 4 square kilometers and over 300 aboriginal people. “Da Fen Oil Paintings” have become the well- known cultural brand at home and abroad.

In 1988, a Hong Kong businessman called Wong Kong, who had a business specializing in reproduction art, decided that there was no future in Hong Kong and set up in Dafen, even though it was not in the SEZ. Soon he was joined by artists from all over China, some classically trained but many just talented amateurs fresh from the paddy fields. And so Dafen was born. It is set in an old Hakka village and consists of street after street of shops selling art. Much of it is rubbish but some of China’s best artists also have studios in Dafen. For a few hundred Yuan you can commission an artist to copy your favorite piece of art, your wedding photo, or photos of your family. Insist on “A” quality – it costs a little more but it’s worth it. You can also get incredibly rapid framing while you wait and inexpensive art supplies. There is a handsome modern gallery exhibiting works by Dafen local painters. And don’t miss the experience of the Qi Xing tea-house, built round several 300 year old Hakka houses with beautiful courtyards.

Getting There