China Folk Culture Village
» Shenzhen, Guang Dong

中华民俗文化村

China Folk Cultural Village, lying at the Overseas Chinese Town - Shenzhen, adjoins Shenzhen Bay and Splendid China. Covering a total area of 200,000 square kilometers, it is the first large-scale cultural and scenic spot assembling China's folk and ethnic arts, customs, and residential buildings of ethnic groups together. It sticks to the principle of "Originate from life but lofty. Assume the marrow while desert the dross." China Folk Cultural Village features life-size replicas of 24 villages chosen from areas inhabited by ethnic peoples in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. The villages attempt to reflect the folk customs and the culture of China's nationalities.

What to visit

In China Folk Culture Villages, tourists can find a stone forest of Yunnan, a forest of coconut palms of Hainan, towering age-old banyans from Nanbin, a high statue of the Thousand-handed and Thousand-eyed Kuan-yin (or the Goddess of Mercy), memorial stone archways of Huizhou, laser folk music fountains, etc. In the village, you will see the distinctive architecture of ethnic groups and join their brilliant festivals. Buying some handicrafts or tasting local snacks is another way to experience the China Folk Culture Village.

Distinctive Architecture

Stone village

The stone village of the Buyi ethnic group, distributed mainly in the Sichuan and Guizhou Provinces, is a wonderful stone world. The simple furniture such as tables, stoves and basins are made of stone as it the stone-paved path.

Mosuo people's yard

When you come to the Mosuo people's yard, you will find that the prototype of modern flats originated from the Mosuo people's living structures. They piled the solid wooden stocks crossways into a square or rectangular house which was quakeproof. What really interests tourists is that this group is today the world's only matriarchal community in existence.

"A bamboo garden"

The Dai ethnic group inhabits Yunnan Province where there is an abundance of bamboo. Because of this, all the girders, tiles and roofs in their homes are made entirely of bamboo. Yes, you may call it "a bamboo garden." Actually, this kind of building is a two-storied attic in the air. Dozens of wooden stocks support the whole attic and the floor is tiled with flakes of bamboo.

Mongol yurts

Here is the Mongol ethnic group which is generally known as "a group on horse back" because of their nomadic living habits. Mongols live in the yurts which are not only cool in summer and warm in winter but easy to set up or dismantle. No matter which group you are visiting, young boys and girls will warmly welcome your arrival.

What to enjoy

Colorful performance

China Folk Cultural Village reflects the colorful Chinese culture in many respects. The performance of Villages, Folk dance and sing of the central playhouse, and large-scale joint performance of Folk Cultural Plaza displayed the Chinese folk arts incisively and vividly. After it was opened to the tourists, the China Folk Culture Carnival Parade, Four Seasons Rando, Chinese Charms, Blue Sun, Revised China Folk Culture Carnival Parade, and the latest Emerald, all these performances won the praise of Chinese terpsichorean and all the society. It can be recognized as the soul of Chinese arts that are imposing and implicated theory and poetry. All these performances bring a climax for the tourists and make a carnival by "Chinese Mill of Chinese Characteristics."

Brilliant festivals

If you come at right time, you will be able to experience some unique festivals of the minorities. In the Water-Splashing Festival, water is splashed on each other. In addition, the dragon-boat contest each spring, maintains the most important event in Dai people's lunar calendar. They hope to get rid of evil and misfortune from the last year and anticipate blessings in the coming year.

Torch Festival

Come prepared to get thoroughly soaked. In contrast, the Torch Festival is the most traditional event of the Yi ethnic group and held in the sixth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Tourists will see the Yi people in bright garments carrying torches as they walk around their houses and farmlands. Usually, chickens or ducks will be sacrificed to pay homage to ancestors. Maybe you will be invited to take part in the performance when the villagers happily sing and dance around their bonfires.

Knife Bar Festival

The breathtaking and memorable Knife Bar Festival of the Lisu ethnic group is celebrated in the second month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This two part festival starts on the first day by demonstrating the "jumping into the fire sea." Several barefooted men jump in and out of a blazing fire. The performance on the second day is as adventurous as that on the first day. It is called "climbing the mountain studded with knives" because courageous men will climb a ladder formed by two wooden poles with 32 sharp long knives inserted crosswise on their inner surfaces. When barefooted heroes reach the top of ladder, they light the firecrackers to declare their success. This traditional festival commemorates Wang Ji, a hero who valiantly helped the Lisu people to resist foreign invaders during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).

Others

In the China Folk Culture Village, additional attractions are local snacks and handicrafts. You will be able to choose many souvenirs from the variety of diverse designs. The tasty snacks may leave you wanting more of these delicious foods. All in all, after strolling through the adventures in this village, you will have a greater understanding of some of the Chinese cultural groups.

Something to remind you

China Folk Culture Village offers you minibuses or boats to tour. You may also walk to each spots within the China Folk Culture Village.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 09:00a.m. - 21:30p.m.

Getting there

Bus Route: 26, 101, 105, 113, 204, 209, 21

  Weather

  1. How's the climate in Shenzhen? Are there a lot of typhoons
  2. When is the best time to go there?

  Food

  1. A tip for money-savers on dining

  Shopping

  1. Can I use credit card in Shenzhen?

  Other Hints

  1. Is tap water safe there? and is there any common disease?
  2. How to stay safe
  3. A note for packing: drop what you think is useless
  4. Four kinds of tourist insurance that we suggest
  5. Emergency Numbers:
  6. Useful Numbers:
  • How's the climate in Shenzhen? Are there a lot of typhoons?

    Shaped by the subtropical marine climate, Shenzhen has a mild climate as well as plentiful sunshine and rainfall all year round. The measured temperature is 22.4C(72.32F) on average. Long but not overly hot summers and short but relatively warm winters make Shenzhen the ideal tourist destination in any season. However it should perhaps be noted that Shenzhen is located at the estuary of the Pearl River and is therefore an area which is often influenced by typhoons. Generally the most significant typhoons occur from May to December and especially from July to September.


  • When is the best time to go there?

    The best time to visit Shenzhen is really August to September when a series of celebrations are held. Additionally, the China Hi-Tech Fair is held in Shenzhen from the 12th to the 17th of October every year. It is therefore always advisable to make reservations well in advance of your visit to Shenzhen as the area is particularly busy during these days.


  • A tip for money-savers on dining

    There are some small restaurants around the out-skirt of city zone, where the price is reasonable. Restaurants in the city center is pretty expensive. We suggest that travelers eat some fast food before entering scenic areas. About 10 RMB, you will be pretty full.

    Also if your hotel has free breakfast, do take it or ask the servant there to save it for you if you sleep in. Because there are a lot of big companies along Shennan Avenue, not many breakfast stands or restaurants can be found, so it can be pretty difficult if you don't eat in your hotel.


  • Can I use credit card in Shenzhen?

    Major credit cards i.e. Visa, Masters, HSBC are accepted throughout Shenzhen. JCB and American Express have limited coverage. Cirrus, Plus & Maestro facilities allow owners to withdraw money from banks. Remember to activate your card for the pin usage. MixC has ATMs for some of the international Credit Cards, wherein cash can be withdrawn in those ATMs against your credit limit.

    Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, and most Chinese banks accept foreign cards. You may check with your bank to see if they have a local branch here. Most ATMs are open for 24 hours. Some are only opened if you swipe the card at the security doors.

    At places in Luo Hu, Cash is highly recommended. Some places charge an extra 10% for credit card purchases. The shop assistants will bring you to shops that have credit card processing machines. At Shopping centers, remember to check with the cashiers to see if they accept credit cards before making purchases. There are few shopping centers that accept credit card with passport verification, though you may lose your discount on the purchase.


  • Is tap water safe there? and is there any common disease?

    Tap Water is not safe to drink in any part of China. You should boil it continuously for 1-2 minutes in order to kill bacteria, spores, etc. Some hotels have free bottled or distilled water in their rooms but such water may still make you sick. Try it but if you get a stomach ache soon afterwards, stop drinking it (or boil it first).

    One in five have Hepatitis, and if you are eating local food wash your cups and eating utensils in a bowl of hot water or tea beforehand. TB is also prevalent in China, many people use black lite cabinets to sterilise their drinking cups.


  • How to Stay safe

    Crime levels in Shenzhen are significantly higher than in neighbouring Hong Kong. That being said, it is still no reason to panic as the crime levels are still comparable with any of the great Western cities like Sydney, London or New York. Use your usual commonsense and avoid going to deserted places alone at night, and you will probably be fine.

    Shenzhen has lots of pickpockets, especially in areas like bus and train stations.

    Leave your passports in the Hotel's safe deposit. Divide your cash by stuffing some in your pants pocket too.

    Be careful to exchange money only with recognized places or people as they may give you fake currency. To be safe, only do your currency exchange at the Bank of China.

    Be sure to keep an eye on the bigger notes (100 especially) given during payment to the salespeople, they may exchange it under the table while you are not watching and claim that you have given them a fake note. It is recommended to always keep loose change (smaller denominations) while taking a taxi or shopping at the market.

  • A note for packing: drop what you think is useless

    Travel as light as possible. Whether you cross the border at the Lowu train station or via the routes taken by shuttle buses and taxis, you will be required to handle your luggage a lot. It's a pain.


  • Four kinds of tourist insurance that we suggest

    Tourists, especially self-paid or packagers, may need security insurance for the whole trip. We suggest four kinds of tourist insurance: travel helping insurance, accident insurance. personal accident insurance and accommodation insurance.


  • Emergency Numbers:

    • Fire: 119
    • Police: 110
    • Ambulance: 120
    • Traffic: 122
  • Useful Numbers:

    • Shenzhen Tourist Bureau: 8200320
    • Consumer complaints: 12315
    • Price complaints: 12358
    • Quality complaints: 12365

"24 Folk villages covering 56 nationalities," the living folk customs, the glorious performances, elegant and harmonious atmosphere, all the above attracted every tourist from all over the world.



phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com