On the afternoon of October 18, 2025, the Dafen International Exchange Salon, full of artistic atmosphere and international exchange vibes, successfully concluded at the Dafen Art Museum in Shenzhen. The salon was hosted by the Cultural Development Center of Dafen Oil Painting Village in Longgang District, Shenzhen, and co-organized by the International Communication Center of Longgang District, Shenzhen, with the aim of"About your CITY WALK taking you to check in at Dafen Oil Painting Village"With the theme, successfully invited 10 people fromUnited Kingdom, Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, IndonesiaWaiting for the countryTogether with foreign friends and 10 English enthusiasts from Shenzhen, they embarked on an in-depth artistic journey exploring Dafen Oil Painting Village.

Dafen International Exchange Salon Wraps Up Successfully On the afternoon of October 18, 2025, the Dafen International Exchange Salon—an event brimming with artistic charm and cross-cultural dialogue—concluded successfully at the Dafen Art Museum in Shenzhen.Organized by the Dafen Oil Painting Village Cultural Development Center of Longgang District and co-hosted by the Longgang District International Communication Center, the salon was themed “CITY WALK: Explore and Check In at Dafen Oil Painting Village.” It brought together 10 international guests from countries such as the UK, Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Indonesia, along with 10 local English enthusiasts from Shenzhen, for an immersive artistic journey through Dafen.

The event gathered in the first-floor lecture hall of the Dafen Art Museum, where staff distributed Dafen art maps to each participant and gave a detailed introduction to the development history and unique charm of Dafen Oil Painting Village. As the 'Number One Oil Painting Village in China,' the core area of Dafen Oil Painting Village is only about 0.4 square kilometers, yet it has gatheredOver 1,200 galleries and art institutions, nearly 100 well-known enterprises, and about 8,000 oil painting professionals, including practitioners from surrounding communities, the total number exceeded 20,000 people. The staff not only explained the core industry of oil painting but also mentioned Chinese traditional art forms such as traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal carving, embroidery, and ceramics, as well as printmaking, sculpture, and contemporary art, giving participants a comprehensive and profound initial impression of this artistic hub. At the same time, the staff thoughtfully recommended special shops and highlight spots within the village, such asSun Mountain Art Center, Coffee Street, Huangjiang Oil Painting Art Square, Dafen International Art Village, etc.This laid a solid foundation for the subsequent CITY WALK segment.

The event began in the auditorium on the first floor of the Dafen Art Museum, where participants received an art map and an introduction to Dafen’s development and unique appeal. Known as “China’s No. 1 Oil Painting Village,” Dafen covers a core area of just 0.4 square kilometers. Yet it is home to over 1,200 galleries and art institutions, nearly 100 well-known companies, and around 8,000 oil painting professionals. Including those in surrounding communities, the total number of practitioners exceeds 20,000.

Staff introduced not only oil painting—the village’s core industry—but also traditional Chinese arts such as ink wash painting, calligraphy, seal carving, embroidery, and ceramics, as well as printmaking, sculpture, and contemporary art. This gave participants a comprehensive and vivid first impression of the area. They also recommended popular spots like the Sun Mountain Art Center, Coffee Street, Huangjiang Oil Painting Art Plaza, and Dafen International Art Village, setting the stage for the upcoming CITY WALK.

Next, each participant introduced themselves, beginning the process of getting to know each other and sharing their impressions of Dafen. The 20 participants were divided into two groups according to the plan, each led by a team leader, and started a two-hour free CITY WALK exploration. Holding art maps, the groups enthusiastically wandered through Dafen Oil Painting Village. At the art-rich Dafen Art Museum, participants paused to admire exquisite collection pieces and experienced the museum's exhibitions themed around Shenzhen's 45th anniversary and the unique features of Longgang; in the distinctive art shops, everyone was drawn to the novel art derivatives, occasionally picking up their phones to take photos; at specialty gallery shops, the strong artistic atmosphere was palpable, and participants eagerly checked in for photos, with some engaging warmly with artists to discuss creative inspiration and techniques. Benny from the UK recorded everything he saw and experienced with his camera as he walked, saying, 'The art atmosphere in Dafen Oil Painting Village is so strong, every corner is full of surprises, and all of this will become wonderful content for my YouTube channel and Douyin.' Chico from Brazil actively discussed different styles of oil paintings with fellow participants, frequently sharing his insights, considering such exploratory exchanges very meaningful.

After self-introductions and initial exchanges, the 20 participants divided into two groups, each led by a team leader, for a two-hour self-guided exploration. Armed with art maps, they enthusiastically wandered through the village’s vibrant lanes.

At the Dafen Art Museum, visitors paused to admire exquisite collections and exhibitions celebrating the 45th anniversary of Shenzhen’s establishment and Longgang’s local culture. In unique art shops, they were drawn to creative art derivatives and frequently stopped to take photos. Inside galleries, the rich artistic atmosphere captivated everyone—many took photos and chatted warmly with local painters about inspiration and techniques.

Benny from the UK documented his experience on camera, saying, “The artistic vibe in Dafen is incredible. Every corner holds a surprise. This will make great content for my YouTube and Douyin channels.” Chico from Brazil engaged in lively discussions with others about different painting styles, sharing his insights and praising the meaningful exchange.

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After the 2-hour CITY WALK, everyone returned to the Dafen Art Museum and began an exciting sharing session. Each participant took turns sharing what they had seen, heard, thought, and felt during the exploration. Some focused on their unique experiences at the Taiyangshan Art Center, where the architectural style and exhibitions left a deep impression; others talked about interesting interactions with local painters, feeling their passion and dedication to art; and some shared niche specialty shops they discovered and recommended to other participants. Aileen from Indonesia excitedly said, "This CITY WALK allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of Dafen Oil Painting Village. The artistic charm here far exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to share these wonderful experiences on my Instagram so that more people can learn about this magical place." CBA inspirational internet celebrity and Shenzhen Longgang District cultural and tourism ambassador 'Mopping Brother' Meng Fei also shared his feelings, saying, "The practitioners in Dafen Oil Painting Village strive for excellence in their fields. This spirit aligns perfectly with my own philosophy of perfecting even small tasks like mopping the floor, and it is truly worth learning from."

After the CITY WALK, everyone returned to the art museum for a sharing session. Participants took turns describing their discoveries and reflections. Some highlighted their unique experience at the Sun Mountain Art Center, impressed by its architecture and exhibitions. Others shared fun interactions with local painters, moved by their passion and dedication. Some recommended lesser-known specialty shops they had discovered.

Aileen from Indonesia exclaimed, “This CITY WALK helped me truly understand Dafen. Its artistic charm went far beyond my expectations. I can’t wait to share these amazing experiences on my Instagram so more people can learn about this magical place.”

Meng Fei, also known as “Floor Mopping Brother”—a motivational online influencer and cultural tourism ambassador for Longgang—also shared his thoughts: “The people of Dafen strive for excellence in their fields. That spirit resonates deeply with my own belief in perfecting even the smallest task, like mopping the floor. It’s truly inspiring.”

After the sharing session, all participants took a group photo in front of the Dafen Art Museum to capture this beautiful moment. The 2025 Dafen International Exchange Salon concluded successfully, allowing participants to deeply appreciate the artistic charm of Dafen Oil Painting Village.It has built a bridge for cultural exchange between China and other countries, and further enhanced the international reputation and influence of Dafen Oil Painting Village.I believe that in the future, more foreign friends will visit Dafen Oil Painting Village, experience the unique charm of art, and embark on more wonderful artistic journeys.

The event concluded with a group photo in front of the Dafen Art Museum, capturing the memorable day. The 2025 Dafen International Exchange Salon not only allowed participants to deeply experience the artistic charm of Dafen Oil Painting Village but also built a bridge for cultural exchange between China and other countries. It further enhanced Dafen’s international visibility and influence.

We believe that in the future, more international friends will visit Dafen, discover its unique artistic appeal, and embark on their own inspiring art journeys.

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