They arrive in Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei with empty hands — and leave dragging suitcases packed with electronics.

The scene has become increasingly common in one of China's most famous electronics markets, where foreign tourists and international buyers are increasingly shopping for AI glasses, drones, translation devices, cameras, smart wearables and other technology products.

Huaqiangbei, widely known as China's “No. 1 Electronics Street,” is no longer simply a destination for electronics traders. It is becoming a popular stop for overseas visitors looking to experience and purchase China's latest consumer technology.

From Sightseeing to Shopping

Foreign visitors have traditionally come to China to see landmarks, experience local culture and sample Chinese food.

But a different kind of visitor is increasingly appearing in Shenzhen.

They arrive specifically to shop.

Some bring empty suitcases from the beginning. Others start shopping without one and eventually discover that they have bought too much to carry.

Local merchants have reported that foreign visitors sometimes purchase luggage in Huaqiangbei itself after filling their shopping bags with electronics.

The phenomenon has become so common that “arrive empty, leave with a full suitcase” has become a vivid description of the changing shopping experience in the district.

What Are Foreign Visitors Buying?

The shopping lists have also changed.

Traditional electronics accessories remain an important part of Huaqiangbei's business, but international visitors are increasingly interested in newer consumer technologies.

AI glasses are among the products attracting attention.

Visitors are also buying drones, translation devices, wireless headphones, portable cameras, smart devices and other technology products.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV recently interviewed an Iranian visitor who said he had purchased digital cameras, a mini camera, a hair dryer and a translation device.

He and his wife eventually bought a new suitcase because they had too many items to carry.

The story illustrates a growing trend: foreign visitors are not simply browsing China's electronics markets. Many are buying products they can use at home, give to relatives or potentially use in their own businesses.

“Good Price” Is a Common Reaction

One of Huaqiangbei's biggest attractions is the sheer density of products and suppliers.

Within a relatively small area, shoppers can compare different brands, specifications, designs and prices.

They can also test products before deciding whether to buy them.

CCTV reported that “Good price” has become a common phrase among foreign visitors shopping in Huaqiangbei.

The experience is different from conventional tourist shopping.

Instead of purchasing souvenirs, visitors are often buying practical technology products that can be taken home and used immediately.

Some buy electronics for their children. Others purchase gifts for family members, while some buy phones, headphones and display equipment for business purposes.

From Electronics Street to Global Tech Marketplace

Huaqiangbei's strength lies not simply in the number of stores, but in the enormous industrial ecosystem concentrated in the area.

According to Xinhua, Huaqiangbei covers about 1.45 square kilometers and is home to more than 115,000 commercial entities and 35 specialized markets, offering access to more than one million types of electronic components and consumer electronics products.

That density allows buyers to explore a huge range of products within a relatively small area.

The market itself is also changing.

Huaqiangbei was once primarily associated with phone cases, cables, chargers and electronic components.

Today, AI glasses, robots, drones and smart wearable devices are becoming increasingly prominent.

During the first seven months of 2026, sales of AI-related products across Huaqiangbei reportedly increased by more than 55% year on year. AI glasses sales doubled, while drone and robot sales rose by roughly 60% to 70%.

Why Are More Foreign Visitors Coming?

Several factors are contributing to the trend.

China has continued improving entry and transit arrangements for international visitors, while Shenzhen has also been developing more internationalized services in major commercial areas.

Huaqiangbei has introduced bilingual signs, foreign-card payment services and tax-refund facilities to make shopping easier for international visitors.

At the same time, China's consumer electronics industry is moving rapidly.

For international visitors, Huaqiangbei offers something that conventional retail stores may not: the ability to see a huge number of emerging products in one place, compare them directly and purchase them immediately.

“Arrive Empty, Leave Full”

The growing popularity of Huaqiangbei among foreign visitors reflects a broader change in China's inbound tourism market.

International travelers are increasingly coming to China not only to see the country, but also to experience and purchase products made there.

A visitor who once might have spent an afternoon sightseeing may now spend hours exploring electronics markets, testing AI glasses, comparing cameras or looking at drones and robots.

In that sense, the empty suitcase has become almost symbolic.

A foreign traveler may walk into Huaqiangbei with nothing more than a phone and a passport.

A few hours later, the same traveler may walk out carrying several shopping bags and dragging a brand-new suitcase filled with Chinese technology.

For Huaqiangbei, that simple scene tells a much larger story: China's technology products are increasingly becoming something international visitors want not only to see, but to take home.