Shajing Ancient Market

Shajing Ancient Market is a historic market street in Shajing Subdistrict, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, in Guangdong province, China, and is closely associated with the town's long reputation for oysters. The area grew as a trading centre for the surrounding villages and the nearby estuary, and its older lanes retain traditional shopfronts, arcaded walkways and a lively street-level commercial atmosphere that contrasts with Shenzhen's modern towers. Walking the street is free, and shops generally operate from about 9:00 to 21:00. Visitors can browse stalls selling local snacks, dried goods, tea and household items, and the street is best known for the oyster restaurants nearby, where grilled, steamed and fried oysters are a regional speciality at modest prices. A visit usually takes one to two hours. Late afternoon is the best time, as the heat eases, the shops are fully open and the evening dining scene begins; dinner on the oyster street is a natural conclusion. Weekday mornings are quiet, while weekend evenings bring crowds of local diners. Photographers find the best angles along the arcaded frontages and in the side lanes where signage and market activity create busy street scenes. The market is reached by taking Metro Line 11 to Shajing station and then a taxi or Didi for about 10 minutes. Cash or mobile payment is accepted in most stalls, with mobile payment being the norm.