Dawan Ancestral Residence, built in 1791, is China’s largest and most completely preserved Hakka-style square compound. It covers an area of 25,000 square meters and once housed 100 families at the height of its prosperity. The square residence includes six houses in the site’s front, interlinked by tall walls connected by corridors. 

In 2002, it was classified as a provincial protected historical site. Over the past few years, the Pingshan District People’s Government has renovated Dawan Ancestral Residence into a cultural base featuring Hakka food, crafts, and cultural and creative products. In addition to existing exhibitions on Hakka culture, new modern art exhibitions have also occasionally been held at the residence, along with bazaars, light shows, workshops and concerts, to attract more visitors to experience Pingshan’s Hakka culture. In 2022, the Pingshan subvenue of the Ninth Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture was held at the Dawan Ancestral Residence.

An aerial view of Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo from Daily Sunshine

The main entrance to Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo by Liu Xudong

A visitor strolls at Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo by Liu Xudong

A glance at Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo by Lin Lin

Visitors at Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo by Hu Lei

Visitors admire contemporary artworks at Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo by Yang Shaokun

Lights featuring Chinese poems are on display at an event at Dawan Ancestral Residence. Photo from Shenzhen Economic Daily