Futian District in central Shenzhen has not only stylish skyscrapers but also old-world charms. Its centuries-old walled villages witness the changes of time in Shenzhen; local villagers and migrants from all over the world form a unique venue of urban customs and practices — the walled village culture.

A walled village is a kind of traditional cluster housing which is completely surrounded by thick defensive walls, protecting the residents from the attack of wild animals and enemies. Usually, people living in a walled village are families. Walled villages can be found in southern Guangdong and Hong Kong’s New Territories.

On Dec. 26, the 2021 Futian Walled Village Culture Season was launched at City Mall, featuring intangible cultural heritage demonstrations, displaying profiles of the district’s 15 walled villages, holding games and Chinese folk performances, and inviting calligraphers to write Chinese blessing characters for visitors. In the meantime, events at the 15 Futian villages (Puwei, Futian, Gangxia, Huanggang, Shuiwei, Yunong, Shixia, Xinzhou, Shawei, Shazui, Shangsha, Xiasha, Shangmeilin, Xiameilin, Tianmian) and one Hong Kong walled village (Ma Cho Lung) were also livestreamed on a screen at City Mall.

Chinese folk music performed at the 2021 Futian Walled Village Culture Season at City Mall in Futian District on Dec. 26. Photos by Sun Yuchen

In its third year, the Futian Walled Village Culture Season shows the cultural identities of the villagers of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao who share the same origin and encourages younger generations to learn about the walled village history.

A man performs Chinese folk art for children.

A visitor buys ginger milk pudding.

Craftsmen weave flower baskets.

A craftsman is making silverware coated with gold.

Paper-cutting works are on display.

A straw painting featuring a tiger.

Shoppers marvel at carved wooden dragon boats.