About
Dafen Oil Painting Village sits in the Longgang District of Shenzhen, in China's Guangdong Province. It is a community built around the making of paintings, and it draws visitors who want to see art being produced rather than only displayed. The village is known as a major centre for oil painting reproduction, and it has grown into a place where the working life of painters is visible on the streets.
What you will find
The village is made up of hundreds of studios and galleries, many of them open to the public. Walking between them, you pass rooms where painters work at their easels and shelves of finished canvases in every size. The atmosphere is that of a working neighbourhood rather than a museum, which is part of its appeal.
- Studios and galleries spread through the village's lanes
- Artists at work, which you can watch in many of the studios
- Original pieces that visitors can buy directly from the painters and dealers
Planning your visit
Dafen suits anyone with an interest in how paintings are made, from those who enjoy art to those curious about the craft behind reproductions. Set aside time to wander slowly, since the reward lies in looking into studios and talking with the people working there. The village is in Longgang District, so it makes a pleasant outing from the rest of Shenzhen, and you can combine it with other sights in the city.
The address to look for is 老围东一巷, 518100 Longgang District, China. Allow for the fact that studio hours and opening arrangements can vary, so check locally before you go.
