China’s Huaqiangbei bets on AI improvements to revive international enchantment

For first-time guests like Abigail Slagveer from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the sheer scale of Huaqiangbei’s electronics market is overwhelming.

“I came here one and a half hours ago through that front door,” she stated, pointing to an entrance just some metres away on the primary ground of Huaqiang Electronics World, one of many main malls within the district. “I’m still stuck here [in the first few stalls].”

Slagveer, scouting for devices to promote on her on-line retailer, had simply spent half an hour on the stall of Red Hoho AI, the place a store assistant surnamed Kurmanjan demonstrated air drum kits and AI-powered instructional robots in English. Manager Tina Liu stepped in, stressing that by proudly owning the manufacturing unit behind the merchandise, they may provide the most effective value.

International patrons like Slagveer have been returning in higher numbers over the previous yr, with commerce truthful seasons busiest for Huaqiangbei, in line with Kurmanjan.