Shenzhen Photo Gallery - Dongmen

While Shenzhen is a relatively new city conceived during the economic reforms in the 1980s, Dongmen market's history pre-dates that, going back some 300 years to the Ming Dynasty. Mainland China's first McDonalds opened here in 1990. Today, it is a maze of street markets and dingy malls selling everything from snacks to clothes. It used to be famous for pickpockets and didn't have the nicest reputation although the side alleys still look a bit dingy and I wouldn't risk trying street food here.

Despite the street-level activity, there is a modern shopping mall right above Laojie metro station, which is closest to the markets.


While Shenzhen is a relatively new city conceived during the economic reforms in the 1980s, Dongmen market's history pre-dates that, going back some 300 years to the Ming Dynasty. Mainland China's first McDonalds opened here in 1990. Today, it is a maze of street markets and dingy malls selling everything from snacks to clothes. It used to be famous for pickpockets and didn't have the nicest reputation although the side alleys still look a bit dingy and I wouldn't risk trying street food here. Despite the street-level activity, there is a modern shopping mall right above Laojie metro station, which is closest to the markets.

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