“MADE in China” is old news; “created in China” is the new mantra, and nowhere exemplifies this spirit better than Shenzhen. This itinerary will get you under the skin of the city’s art and design scenes, which are positively fizzing with creative energy. Dafen Oil Painting Village Spend the morning exploring this increasingly on-trend art zone, once known as the “world’s art factory” for its workshops churning out facsimiles of famous oil paintings. These days Dafen is home to dozens of quirky independent studios like Sunrise Art Center, as well as a showpiece gallery complex on the edge of the urban village. Quick tip: Have a go at oil painting by ducking into one of the side alleys, where you’ll see rows of easels and stools set up. A small canvas and use of paints and brushes costs around ￥50. OCT galleries The Overseas Chinese Town area of Nanshan District is home to several worthwhile art galleries. Kick off at the He Xiangning Art Museum, an elegant gallery space with regularly changing exhibits alongside its more traditional permanent collection. Then check out the edgy OCT Art and Design Gallery next door, before wandering across to OCT-LOFT and its cobbled lanes strewn with street art. Make a beeline for the excellent OCT Contemporary Art Terminal, a former factory workshop turned gallery space. Artron Art Center The best selection of art books in Shenzhen, if not China, can be perused at this gorgeous bookstore, if you can drag yourself away from admiring the book wall, an architectural cliff-face of illuminated bookshelves rising up through the building. Quick tip: Note that entry into Artron costs ￥200, but that amount can be put towards purchases in the bookshop or the on-site restaurant. Sea World Culture & Arts Center Known for its association with London’s esteemed Victoria & Albert Museum, China’s first dedicated museum of design occupies a stunning building on the Shekou coastline. The two gift shops within are both good sources for arty souvenirs. Vinylhouse Shenzhen’s most boho music bar, Vinylhouse pulls in an arty crowd with its well-mixed drinks and DJs spinning rare vinyl records. | 