Folk beliefs are the most widespread and popular intangible cultural heritage in Futian District. Folk beliefs involves worship of ancestors and gods.
Most of the original inhabitants of Futian District moved to the area from Central China and Jiangxi and Fujian provinces during the Southern Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties. They built their villages on the basis of families, which ensured a stable environment for worshipping ancestors. Among the 15 villages under the administration of Futian District, 10 have residents of just one surname each. For example, villagers in Xiasha, Shangsha, Huanqing and Shangmeilin are surnamed Huang, while residents of Shuiwei and Huanggang villages are surnamed Zhuang. Villagers in Xinzhou, Shazui, Gangxia and Xiameilin are surnamed Jian, Ou, Wen and Zheng, respectively.
The remaining five villages have residents of different surnames, but not many. Worshipping ancestors of the Huang family is the most representative among of Futian's folk belief traditions. It has a long history and a well-preserved procedure, which provide important values in studying the history and social conditions of ancient Shenzhen.
Futian villagers have worshipped different gods since ancient times. For example, Xiasha villagers worship a lord named Chen Yang and Shazui villagers worship St. Hong, while villagers in Xiameilin and Shangmeilin worship the Three Gods and the Mother of Dragons, respectively. Most of these beliefs are closely related to their production and living customs.