Over 30 galleries, art shops, workshops and exhibition spaces can be found among this clutter of traditional Hakka houses.
One of the rooms exhibits Chen’s work tools, books, published works and letters he exchanged with the famous writer Lu Xun. His bedroom has been arranged according to the original, and personal family photos adorn the walls. It features three rooms and a large courtyard that surrounds the entire premises. China’s top printmakers work here and visitors get to watch the print-making process from start to finish, as well as mingle with the artists in residence.Ĭhen Yanqiao’s former home was remodeled to make space for this museum. The 1,000 square meter building is divided into four key areas dedicated to lithography, etching, screen printing and woodcutting. While strolling around this unusual area is a highlight by itself, below we introduce a few other places worth checking out while there.Ī visit to the Print Workshop is a must. Today, a museum stands in the village in his honor (more info below). However, long before Guanlan became an official artist village the area was already famous for being the home of Chen Yanqiao (1911-1970), a pioneer in contemporary Chinese printmaking and famous art theorist and educator. But for the average tourist, the biggest draws of this village are the quiet tree-lined streets, beautiful Hakka architecture and row upon row of gallery spaces. The area serves as a base for the creative printing industry and is home to a number of important annual print events. Guanlan Print Village is spread over 1400 square km, with the central area alone occupying an impressive 316 square kilometers.
NOVA PRINT ARTIST 25 HAS STOPPED WORKING FREE
The artist village was formally born in 2008 and is currently free to visit and explore. There are even impressive Diaolou buildings within the town. Situated in Bao’an District, Guanlan Print Village or “Guanlan Original Printmaking Base” as it is also known, is an interesting area where traditional Hakka homes merge with a fairly new artist village. Whether you’re longing for a change of scenery or you want to explore China’s creative scene, a daytrip to Guanlan Print Village in the outskirts of Shenzhen is an excellent choice.