In recent months, Shenzhen has emerged as a hotspot for foreign tourists seeking the latest in Chinese-made technology. Popular destinations like Huaqiangbei, known as China's electronics mecca, have seen a surge in overseas visitors who are filling their suitcases with everything from drones and foldable phones to smartwatches and AI-powered devices.

Videos and posts from excited foreign shoppers sharing their “tech treasure hunts” in Shenzhen are flooding social media platforms, putting the city at the center of a growing global trend: “flying to China to shop.”

Fueled by favorable policies such as the 144-hour visa-free transit and same-day tax refunds for overseas shoppers, Shenzhen has become a magnet for international visitors looking to combine travel with retail therapy.

Tourists from the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia now routinely make their way through the maze of electronics counters in Huaqiangbei, drawn by the city’s innovation ecosystem, competitive pricing, and access to cutting-edge products often unavailable in their home countries.

According to vendors, the number of foreign individual shoppers has increased noticeably in recent weeks. Products like drones, AI translators, and niche digital gadgets are particularly popular. "There’s so much variety here—many of the things we find aren’t even available back home," said a British tourist trying out a neck massager in SEG Plaza. Retailers echo the sentiment, noting that the latest tech items, especially those produced locally, are flying off the shelves.

This growing appetite for Shenzhen’s tech offerings is not limited to Huaqiangbei. Across major shopping districts, retailers report rising interest in locally made devices. At electronics stores in UpperHills and Bao'an International Airport, brands like Huawei and Honor have seen increased foot traffic from overseas consumers, particularly for high-end models such as foldable smartphones. "Foreign visitors are amazed by the lightweight, thin designs and the high value-for-money," said one store manager who recently sold four foldable phones to a French customer.

But it’s not just about buying products—it’s also about experiencing a piece of China that can be taken home. "These gadgets represent more than just good value; they’re a portable part of Chinese innovation," said an analyst at the China Development Institute. At a DJI store in Luohu, a staff member was busy issuing tax refund forms for a recently purchased action camera. "Foreign tourists, especially outdoor enthusiasts, really love the drones and sports cams," he said, noting that the price advantage and tax refund policies make the offer even more appealing.

Shenzhen was among the first cities in China to pilot the tax refund program for foreign visitors, and today it boasts over 400 participating stores across 87 major shopping areas. Local brands such as DJI, Huawei, and Honor are now seeing strong sales performance under the scheme. In the first half of 2024 alone, sales by local tech brands through the tax refund program grew by more than 30%, with smartphones and drones leading the way.

As Shenzhen continues to strengthen its reputation for innovation, its high-tech exports are becoming cultural ambassadors—offering international visitors not only top-tier gadgets but also a tangible, memorable slice of modern China.