A Living Heritage in the Heart of Shenzhen
Nantou Ancient City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Shenzhen, with a legacy stretching back over 1,700 years. Once the administrative center of the historic Xin’an County, this walled settlement has transformed from a defensive stronghold into a contemporary cultural hotspot. Its ancient stone gates, Qing-era temples, and preserved alleyways coexist today with modern cafés, indie shops, and creative spaces. The charm lies in this seamless blend of the past and present—a space where dynastic China meets modern design.
Super Vinyl Factory and New Creative Spaces
Among the most popular venues is the Super Vinyl Factory, a unique hybrid of music, art, and design housed in a former industrial building. It’s not just a shop—it’s a curated experience for music lovers. Visitors can browse retro vinyl collections, attend listening sessions, and meet local musicians or curators who are often present. The surrounding area has become a magnet for creatives, with exhibitions, weekend markets, and pop-up installations appearing throughout the year.
Coffee Shops and Boutique Retail with a Story
Independent cafés like Jifu Coffee and Meetoo Café offer specialty brews served in beautifully restored courtyard houses. Many of these spaces are decorated with reclaimed wood and local stone, adding to the neighborhood’s historic atmosphere. Some are even built directly into the old city walls, making every sip of coffee feel like a quiet moment in a living museum. Bookstores, vintage shops, and designer studios are hidden along narrow lanes, waiting to be discovered.
Cultural Walks and Urban Surprises
Exploring on foot is the best way to experience Nantou. The South Gate and the restored city walls are key landmarks, often framed by street art or contemporary murals that reinterpret traditional symbols. Lantern-lit alleys lead to quiet squares where elderly residents play chess and artists sell handmade crafts. This is not a recreated tourist attraction—it is a real neighborhood where history lives on through its people.
Modern Life Amid Historic Layers
Beyond the attractions, the soul of Nantou lies in its rhythm. Morning markets bring fresh vegetables, tofu, and steamed buns to street corners. In the afternoon, you’ll see children chasing each other past temples and red brick houses, and by evening, live music drifts from small bars and rooftops. The juxtaposition of modern life playing out inside an ancient city layout is what gives Nantou its rare authenticity.
Traveler Impressions
Luca from Italy described it as “a peaceful yet vibrant neighborhood, where every corner tells a story.” Emily from Canada highlighted the contrast between “minimalist shops tucked inside centuries-old walls.” James from the U.S. appreciated the quiet energy of the area, saying it felt “less like a tourist site and more like someone’s living room, filled with culture.” These genuine experiences make it clear: Nantou is not about spectacle—it’s about connection.
Suggested Highlights to Explore
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Enter through the original South Gate and begin your walk along the preserved sections of the ancient wall.
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Visit the small but well-curated museum inside the old government office to learn about Xin’an County’s past.
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Sip coffee in a courtyard café built into centuries-old brickwork.
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Discover vinyl records, graphic art, and music at the Super Vinyl Factory.
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Explore Chunjing Street and Baode Square, where art markets and street performances often take place.
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Stop by local shrines or temples that are still in use, where incense smoke rises and bells chime gently.
Practical Information
Nantou Ancient City is free to visit and open every day. Most shops and cafés are open from late morning to evening. It’s easily accessible via Metro Line 12—just get off at Nantou Ancient City Station or Zhongshan Park Station. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the cobbled streets and stone alleys are best explored at a relaxed pace.
Why Nantou Stands Out
In a city known for speed and innovation, Nantou offers a chance to slow down and explore where Shenzhen began. It’s not frozen in time, but rather alive with the pulse of both heritage and modernity. Whether you’re there for the vinyl, the coffee, the history, or the human stories, Nantou welcomes you to experience Shenzhen’s roots—still growing, still evolving, yet proudly ancient.
