A small private restaurant tucked into the stone-paved lanes of Jingkou Ancient Village in Guangming District is drawing visitors with its seasonal decor and fusion of Zhejiang and Guangdong cuisine.

The restaurant, called Shijian, was opened in March 2025 by Pan Xiaoqing, who moved from Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, to Jingkou in May 2024. Initially drawn by the village’s quiet, rural setting, Pan gradually developed the idea of starting her own business.

The restaurant occupies a space of just over 30 square meters. Pan personally designs its interiors, arranging fresh flowers, miniature models and seasonal displays that encourage diners to take photos. Both the menu and decor change with the seasons.

Pan combines flavors from her home province with Cantonese cooking styles. Popular dishes include pineapple-braised pork ribs, beef brisket stewed with tomatoes and red wine, and spicy river prawns. She also recreates and adapts dishes she discovers elsewhere to suit her customers’ tastes.

The approach has helped build a steady customer base. The restaurant serves about 20 tables a day on weekends and around 10 on weekdays, with many customers among younger diners. Some travel from central Shenzhen and return after their first visit.

“An attractive setting draws customers in, but good food is what brings them back,” Pan said.

Now in her 40s, Pan said running a restaurant is more demanding than her former life as a homemaker, but has also given her a sense of achievement.

Her business is part of a broader trend in Jingkou, where the village’s rural scenery and historic character are attracting new residents and entrepreneurs.