Int'l visitors enjoy 'very Chinese time' in New Year traveling, shopping

Tech Treasures

At a downtown duty-free store in South China's tech hub Shenzhen, an ROK tourist stood before the tech counter, shopping list in hand, inquiring a sales assistant over the various electronics items on it. "These are trending on the ROK's social media," she said.

During their travels in China, many inbound visitors like her make a special trip to physical stores to experience Chinese high-tech products firsthand that have long been on their wish lists. As foldable phones unfold in their palms and drones lift steadily into the air, their perception of "Made in China" is reshaped time and again -- from "affordable alternative" to "intelligently made in China."

According to a staff member at a smart product store on Shanghai's East Nanjing Road, travelers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the United States have shown strong interest in foldable devices. "Products like earphones and smartwatches are particularly popular in our store. Foreign customers often buy them as gifts for family and friends," said an employee at a Huawei flagship store in Beijing.

Russian tourist Valeriia said that Chinese smart products are "exquisitely made, of excellent quality, and offer a huge variety." This richness of choice has become a recurring keyword among international customers. "Shopping in China is like opening a blind box. Every store has something new to discover," said Jana Le, from Vietnam. In her view, China is not just the "world's factory" but also a source of innovation.

Some high-tech domestic products, though not yet available for immediate purchase, have quietly come to the attention of international shoppers. Martin and Lori, from Croatia, marveled after experiencing smart vehicles in Beijing's Wangfujing shopping district, calling China's new energy vehicles "impressive" for their intelligent cabins, interior design, and overall technological appeal. "If these models enter the European market, we would seriously consider buying one," Martin said.