Dawan Ancestral Residence in Pingshan District was awarded as one of Shenzhen’s 10 cultural blocks with distinct features at a ceremony held at the Residence on Oct. 24.

Since 2018, Shenzhen has rolled out upgrades and renovations for 10 blocks with distinct characteristics as part of its efforts to build itself into a culturally significant city and a modern civilized city demonstrating China’s soft power. In February this year, the first seven blocks were recognized for their distinct cultural characteristics after two years of renovation work.

Dawan Ancestral Residence, built in 1791, covers 15,000 square meters and is China’s largest and most completely preserved Hakka-style square compounds. In 2002, it was classified as a provincial protected historical site. In 2008, it was placed on the city’s list of 10 blocks with distinct cultural characteristics.

Over the past two years, the Pingshan District Government has repaired and reconstructed Dawan Ancestral Residence into a cultural base featuring Hakka food, crafts as well as cultural and creative products.

In addition to existing exhibitions on Hakka culture, new exhibitions about modern art and calligraphy were also set up at the residence, along with a cultural fair, workshops and concerts to attract more visitors to experience the Hakka culture in Pingshan.