Editor’s note: Shenzhen is composed of nine administrative districts, one new area, and the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone in Shanwei. While all 11 areas share Shenzhen’s defining spirit of innovation, each has its own unique characteristics. This page focuses on the latest developments in Yantian District, a dynamic area renowned for the vibrant Yantian Port, one of the world’s busiest container terminals. The district is also famous for scenic coastal areas like Dameisha Beach and Xiaomeisha Beach, making it a popular tourist destination. THE newly opened Yarra Art Center — a multifunctional cultural hub in Dameisha that combines gallery spaces, a café, a tea house, and homestays — was designed to reshape local tourism and everyday life. Named for Melbourne’s Yarra River, the center aims to fuse artistic practice with daily living, offering residents and visitors an immersive cultural destination. The center’s main building houses an Australian-style coffee shop and a flexible exhibition hall connected by garden-style corridors. An adjacent tea house — known for its Longjing and fruit teas — functions as both a designer salon and popular photography spot, with warm wooden décor, bookshelves, and greenery creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages creative exchange. The Yarra Art Center hosts year-round programming that stretches the definition of a gallery, including poetry readings, photography exhibitions, and fashion events. On-site studios showcase works by resident artists alongside handcrafted derivative products. The Shenzhen Mobile Photography Association has set up its Seaside Branch at the venue, bringing steady creative programming and community engagement. The center’s artistic ethos extends into the homestay area, which offers a range of rooms — from single rooms to multi-person lofts — outfitted with handcrafted bedding. There is also a rooftop vegetable garden. Its Student Support Program enables young creators to exchange skills or services for lodging, underscoring the center’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Looking ahead, the Yarra Art Center plans to expand its offerings with a village cinema, an art theater, and a broader cultural and creative community as part of a wider effort to spark a “Renaissance” in Dameisha Village. Organizers say the expansion will deepen the center’s role as a local cultural anchor and attract more artists and audiences. By combining everyday comfort with ongoing creative activity, the Yarra Art Center invites the public to slow down and discover how art can enliven daily life. (Lian Jiaqi) | 