When it comes to food, overseas visitors traveling to Shenzhen often care most about finding dishes that are both delicious and suitable for their dietary preferences.
For example, many Indian friends avoid beef, and others may not eat lamb or pork due to religious reasons. But today, what I’m introducing is definitely not on anyone’s forbidden list — the famous Gongming Roast Goose, a must-try local specialty from Shenzhen.
My Experience with This Dish
When I was very young, back when China was still in the early stages of its economic reform, my grandmother would only take me to eat Gongming Roast Goose once a year, usually around the holidays.
I still remember licking every bit of goose fat off my fingers after finishing the meal — it was that delicious.Gongming Roast Goose is a famous traditional dish from Guangming District in Shenzhen (formerly known as Gongming Town).
It’s well-known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich aroma. Unlike ordinary roast goose, Gongming Roast Goose is made from high-quality local geese, carefully marinated, air-dried, and then roasted over charcoal.
The result is perfectly crispy skin, juicy and flavorful meat, and a taste that’s rich but never greasy.
The History and Cultural Connection of Gongming Roast Goose and Hong Kong Roast Goose
Gongming Roast Goose, also known as Gongming Charcoal Goose, originated in Gongming Subdistrict of Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.
It is a traditional Hakka-style roasted dish that has also been deeply influenced by Cantonese “Siu Mei” (roasted meats) techniques.
According to local legend, the craft of making Gongming Roast Goose has a history of over a hundred years, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, when villagers would roast goose during festivals and ancestral ceremonies to entertain guests — a tradition that gradually developed into a famous regional specialty.
Gongming Roast Goose is typically roasted over an open wood fire, using fruitwoods like lychee or longan to create a strong smoky aroma.
It is characterized by its rich and heavy flavor, crispy and slightly charred skin, tender and juicy meat, and thick, savory sauces, often reflecting Hakka culinary influences. Although Hong Kong Roast Goose shares the same roots, it focuses more on precision and refinement, using hanging charcoal ovens to achieve crispy skin and tender meat with a lighter, balanced taste, forming a standardized, high-end dining experience.
Due to the close geographical proximity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, there has been frequent exchange between the two styles throughout history.
Many early Hong Kong roast masters originally came from areas like Bao’an and Gongming.
After China’s economic reform, some Gongming Roast Goose establishments also adopted Hong Kong-style hanging oven techniques while retaining their signature wood-fire methods, creating a mutually influential yet distinct culinary relationship.
Here are some related videos about Hong Kong roast goose.
The Making of Gongming Roast Goose
Gongming Roast Goose is crafted using traditional and meticulous techniques, with great attention to detail at every step. First, fresh, plump geese are carefully selected.
After slaughtering, the internal organs and head are promptly removed to ensure the freshness and cleanliness of the meat. The goose is then marinated for several hours in a secret blend of spices and seasonings, allowing the rich flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Once marinated, the goose is hung in a specially designed oven and slowly roasted over a gentle fire. The roasting process is carefully monitored to control the temperature and cooking time, ensuring that the skin becomes crispy and golden, while the meat remains tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
The final result is a beautifully golden roast goose with crisp, thin skin and succulent meat that melts in your mouth.
Served with a special house-made sauce, it offers a rich, layered taste that leaves a lasting impression.
Not only is Gongming Roast Goose delicious, but it is also nutritious, packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals—a perfect dish that balances flavor and health for all to enjoy.
Why do we recommend this dish?
Gongming Roast Goose is a famous and beloved dish among locals, a true culinary staple that everyone in the region knows and enjoys. However, many foreign visitors often overlook this gem, and even some tour guides fail to highlight it.
One reason is that it is affordable and reasonably priced, unlike some high-end traditional dishes that usually catch tourists’ attention. Yet, despite its modest price, the flavor is absolutely outstanding, making it an authentic and great-value choice. If you want to experience true local flavors, Gongming Roast Goose is a must-try!
How Roast Duck Is Made and Related Products
How to Find This Dish?
Gongming Roast Goose is mainly found in Gongming Subdistrict, Guangming District, Shenzhen, China, and is one of the most iconic local delicacies.
You can simply search “Gongming Roast Goose” or “Guangming District Roast Goose” on Google Maps, and you will see many shops offering this dish.
The typical price ranges from 120 to 150 RMB, and each goose usually weighs about 1.5 kilograms (approximately 3 jin or 3 pounds) — perfect for sharing among several people.
However, please be aware that some dishonest vendors may overcharge or serve lower-quality products, so it’s recommended to choose well-reviewed, reputable restaurants to ensure you enjoy an authentic and reasonably priced Gongming Roast Goose.
Real Street Scenes of Guangming District, Shenzhen
How to Get to Gongming, Shenzhen
Gongming Subdistrict is located in Guangming District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, and is easily accessible via several transportation methods:
1. From Shenzhen Downtown:
• Metro: Take Shenzhen Metro Line 6 (Guangming Line) and get off at Gongming Square Station, then walk to the Gongming area.
• Bus: Several city bus lines (such as M413, B736, etc.) pass through Gongming, making it convenient to reach.
• Taxi / Ride-hailing: A direct ride from downtown Shenzhen takes about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. From Shenzhen Airport:
• Taxi / Ride-hailing: Around 40 minutes from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Gongming Subdistrict.
• Metro + Bus: You can also take the metro to Guangming District and transfer to a local bus, a more economical choice.
3. From Hong Kong:
• After crossing the border at Futian Checkpoint or Shenzhen Bay Port, take the metro or taxi to Gongming, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the route.
How to Use Shenzhen Subway
What is the name of this dish in Chinese?
The name of this dish in Chinese is “Gongming Roast Goose” (公明烧鹅). If you can’t remember the full name, just remember the two characters “烧鹅” (Roast Goose).
When you see a shop with these characters in Guangming District, Shenzhen, you can simply walk in and use a translation app to tell the owner: “I want one whole roast goose.”
A shop with these Chinese characters means it’s a roast goose restaurant.
Tips for Eating Roast Goose
When eating roast goose, remember to ask the owner for a dipping sauce (sometimes they will offer it automatically).
If you are not comfortable using Chinese chopsticks, you can bring your own fork or simply use your hands to dip the goose into the sauce.
This is the dipping sauce in my hand.
Reviews of Roast Goose (Gongming Roast Goose) Locally and Elsewhere
1. Official Recognition
The Guangming District Government has officially announced on its website that Gongming Roast Goose is a must-try local delicacy, representing the unique culinary culture and craftsmanship of the region.
2. Popularity on Social Media
On platforms like Instagram, videos featuring Gongming Roast Goose have gained high popularity with numerous likes and comments. Many users praise its crispy skin and tender meat, calling it a must-eat dish when visiting Shenzhen.
Need Help?
While trying to enjoy this delicious dish, you may encounter various challenges — such as finding an authentic restaurant, facing language barriers, or unclear pricing. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us via email.
I am fluent in English and will personally reply as soon as I see your message, offering free support to help you enjoy an authentic Gongming Roast Goose experience without hassle.
syusangma@gmail.com