An aerial view of the Longma • Changshou Commune at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville in Pingshan District. Photos by Xinhua

In late 2022, Guangdong Province launched the “High-Quality Development Project for Hundreds of Counties, Thousands of Townships, and Tens of Thousands of Villages” to address the imbalanced development between urban and rural areas.

In 2024, Shenzhen made significant efforts in this project, with the revitalization of Changshou Village in Pingshan District being recognized as one of the project’s top 10 Shenzhen cases from the past year. The list was published in the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily on Feb. 5.

Visitors wander at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville in Pingshan District.

Renovation of the centuries-old Changshou Village began in 2020. The project has preserved the original Hakka architectural style of the Jiang family residence while infusing new vitality into the structure and its neighboring areas. In June 2023, Pingshan District signed a collaborative agreement with Longma Studio to produce outstanding original works, leading to the establishment of the Longma • Changshou Commune in the village.

This initiative has introduced theatrical elements and vigor to the village, now known as Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville. The renovations were executed meticulously to maintain the historical allure while creating a dynamic venue for drama performances, cultural exchanges, and artistic endeavors.

The opening of the 2024 Shenzhen “Pingshan Drama” Carnival on Aug. 7, 2024 marked the debut of the dramaville, reviving this historic village through the power of theater.

Visitors engage in a drama salon at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville in Pingshan District.

A visitor admires Shaanxi Huaxian shadow puppets at an exhibition at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville in Pingshan District.