Reporter: Chang Zhipeng; video: Wang Haolan

Maria Petrovskaia from Russia recently embarked on a unique cultural exploration of Pingshan District, where she experienced the enchanting blend of modernity and tradition.

At Gangxia North Metro Station, Petrovskaia discovered Pingshan Station, a cross-regional urban promotional space. This captivating venue features a creative layout and rich cultural displays, allowing her to sense an atmosphere reminiscent of the future before even stepping into Pingshan.

Maria Petrovskaia at the Pingshan Station cross-regional urban promotion space in Gangxia North Metro Station. Photos by Wang Haolan

Witness of the past

In the heartland of Pingshan District, amid the hustle and bustle of modern urban life, lies a hidden gem — Dawan Ancestral Residence. This Hakka walled house, with nearly 300 years of history, quietly witnesses the intertwining of tradition with modernity. Every brick and tile here bears the marks of history, narrating the struggles and wisdom of the Hakka people throughout their migration, settlement, and growth. The house’s layout is orderly and well-planned, reflecting ancient military defensive ingenuity while showcasing the harmony and structure of family life.

A glance at Dawan Ancestral Residence in Pingshan District.

As time progresses, this ancient structure has not been buried under the dust of history; rather, it has rejuvenated through the influences of modern society. While preserving its traditional features, Dawan Ancestral Residence has cleverly incorporated contemporary design elements and lifestyles, transforming into a multifunctional space that seamlessly integrates cultural display, artistic exchange, and leisure tourism. The distinctive architectural style and details offer endless inspiration for artists, designers, and creative professionals, fostering the integration and innovation of modern art with traditional culture.

After visiting this historical gem, Petrovskaia enthusiastically shared: “This is a rare experience for me. I've learned that this is one of the best-preserved Hakka walled houses in China, allowing me to delve into Pingshan’s history, the culture and customs of the Hakka people, and gain a deeper understanding of Shenzhen.”

Maria Petrovskaia at Dawan Ancestral Residence. 

Drama vibes

Changshou Village, located in the Jiangling Community of Maluan Subdistrict in Pingshan District, is also a walled house with a history spanning 300 years. After meticulously renovations and utilizations, it has been given new life and is now open to the public under the new identity of Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville.

A view of Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville. 

Here, traditional Hakka culture intertwines with modern theatrical art, providing visitors with a sensory feast of visuals and sounds. Petrovskaia deeply experienced the significance of cultural heritage and innovation, as Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville has become a vibrant platform where drama art blends seamlessly with the traditional village and the natural landscape.

Petrovskaia reads at the library at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville. 

As a seasoned drama enthusiast, she reveled in the strong theatrical atmosphere created by the theater, library, exhibitions of drama scripts, costumes, rehearsal photos, and performance posters at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville, even performing an impromptu rendition of the classic musical "Mamma Mia!."

Actors from the Chinese drama “The Shawshank Redemption” discuss at a salon at the Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville on Aug. 8. 

Profound culture

The Pingshan Culture Center is a comprehensive complex covering 70,000 square meters, featuring a theater, an art museum, an exhibition gallery, a library, a bookstore, and a cinema. These facilities not only meet the diverse cultural needs of residents but also effectively integrate resources and utilize space thoughtfully, fostering a rich and elegant cultural atmosphere.

Petrovskaia takes interest in the Russian literature collection of Pingshan Library. 

Petrovskaia was captivated by the unique architecture and extensive collection of the Pingshan Library, while the modern art pieces on display at the art museum pleasantly surprised her. She remarked that every corner is filled with artistic vibe and charm, allowing her to truly feel Shenzhen’s cultural depth and innovative spirit.

Petrovskaia enjoys listening vinyl records at Pingshan Library. 

Pingshan Theater, dubbed the “Drama Box,” draws its design inspiration from traditional treasure boxes, symbolizing the endless cultural treasures within its square space. With a 1,200-seat multifunctional grand theater equipped with top-tier lighting, sound, and stage machinery, it hosts a variety of large-scale dance dramas, plays, and theatrical performances from both domestic and international artists. The theater actively introduces high-quality classic plays and original works from around the globe, encompassing various art forms such as ballet, opera, drama, Kunqu opera, and Huangmei opera.

As a splendid violin concert at Pingshan Theater concluded, so too did Petrovskaia’s journey in Pingshan. This trip allowed her to appreciate the district’s unique charm, where tradition blends with modernity. She expressed: “Pingshan is not just a place; it is a land filled with stories and dreams. I hope everyone can come to Pingshan to explore and experience its unique allure.”