White-Headed Spring Festival Couplets: Tradition Meets Memory in Shenzhen Metro
Shenzhen Metro stations have displayed spring festival couplets with distinctive white tops, a cultural practice that originated from commemorating historical events and has evolved into a meaningful tradition in southern China.

In a striking cultural display, Shenzhen Metro stations have recently featured spring festival couplets with distinctive white tops, catching the attention of observant commuters. This unique presentation has sparked discussions about its historical significance and cultural meaning.
The tradition of white-topped spring festival couplets, known as “baitou chunlian” in Chinese, carries multiple origin stories across southern China. In Fujian province, particularly in Putian, this practice dates back over 400 years to the Ming Dynasty, when it emerged as a way to commemorate those who perished during historical conflicts. The white space at the top of these red couplets served as a subtle form of mourning while maintaining the festive tradition.
In Guangdong province, the practice gained new meaning during the 1932 Battle of Shanghai, where the 19th Route Army fought bravely against Japanese invasion. The battle resulted in significant casualties, with 8,792 officers and soldiers of the 19th Route Army losing their lives. This historical event deeply impacted the local community, leading to the adoption of white-topped couplets as a way to honor these sacrifices.
Today’s implementation in Shenzhen’s metro system represents a thoughtful blend of traditional culture and modern urban spaces. While some debate the historical authenticity of various origin stories, the practice serves as a powerful reminder of China’s past while maintaining cultural continuity in a rapidly developing city.
The white space at the top of these couplets, traditionally about 10 centimeters in length, has evolved from a simple manufacturing necessity into a meaningful cultural symbol. Whether originating from practical papermaking limitations or deliberate commemorative designs, these white-topped couplets now serve as silent witnesses to history in Shenzhen’s modern transit system.
This cultural initiative by Shenzhen Metro demonstrates how contemporary urban spaces can preserve and promote historical memory while adapting traditional customs for modern contexts. It represents a sophisticated approach to cultural preservation that resonates with both local residents and visitors, creating a unique intersection of past and present in one of China’s most dynamic cities.
Through this subtle yet meaningful display, Shenzhen Metro has created a space where daily commuters can encounter and reflect upon historical memory while participating in traditional festival celebrations, exemplifying how modern infrastructure can serve as a vehicle for cultural continuation and historical commemoration.