An artist paints under the eyes of Albert Einstein and Mao Zedong.

Since my first visit, I’ve returned to Dafen numerous times, and not only for business. Each time it impresses me not only with its ambitious development, but as a peaceful enclave in a bustling city, worthy of a long, lazy art-filled afternoon. If you haven’t been there yet, don’t hesitate to explore the charms of Dafen.

Buses: 7, 300, 306, 371, 371B, 379, 383, 662, 788, 832, 836, 955, 995