Art & Architecture1 hour

Dafen Oil Painting Village

Duration

1 hour

Price

Free entry (pay for paintings)

Best Time

Any day, 10:00 – 18:00

Dafen Oil Painting Village was once an ordinary village in Longgang District. In 1989, a Hong Kong art dealer named Huang Jiang brought the oil painting industry here, and over time, more and more artists and painters followed. Today, it has become one of China's most remarkable art destinations.

The village is filled with oil painting workshops where you can watch artists at work right on the street — brushstrokes transforming blank canvases into stunning works of art. You can browse thousands of paintings, purchase ready-made works, or even commission a custom piece.

Simply walking through Dafen is an art journey in itself. The streets are lined with color, creativity, and the quiet focus of working artists. It's a truly unique experience that you won't find anywhere else.

What You'll Do

Watch artists paint oil paintings live on the street
Browse galleries with thousands of paintings in every style
Commission a custom oil painting (portrait, landscape, or pet)
Explore the charming art village streets and alleys
Purchase affordable art as a unique Shenzhen souvenir

What's Included

•Guided tour of the village
•Translation for commissioning artwork
•Price negotiation assistance

What to Bring

•Reference photos if you want a commissioned painting
•Cash for art purchases

Nancy's Insider Tip

“If you want a custom painting, bring a photo on your phone and negotiate the price upfront. A small portrait can be done in a few hours — perfect for a same-day pickup!”