The Huaqiangbei electronics market, the bustling commercial area often dubbed "China's No.1 electronics street" in the southern tech hub Shenzhen, has been drawing a growing number of international shoppers who travel to the country for its cutting-edge technology products.

At the sprawling marketplace, a new sight has become increasingly common so far this summer: groups of international tourists flocking to smart imaging device stores, loading up on cutting-edge cameras and accessories before heading home.
One imaging equipment specialty shop at the marketplace has recently been frequented by foreign travelers, who would carefully examine the devices and make purchases. Many of them come in organized groups specifically to purchase cameras for personal or professional use.
"I have one for me, and also I got some other stuff from other stores. I think it will help a lot because I can make videos during the trips," said a Brazilian tourist.
"Sometimes I have to make videos to show customers what we are doing, when we do it, and the process of how to finish it," said another tourist from the United States.
According to store managers at the Huaqiangbei, pocket-sized gimbal cameras and action cameras, which are easy to use and feature AI-powered smart editing functions, have become highly sought-after among international shoppers.
Dai Liang, store manager of an outlet of Chinese drone maker DJI at the Huaqiangbei, said sales have surged so far this year.
"For our handheld photography device series, our sales have increased 60 percent year over year. International customers now account for about 50 percent of our foot traffic," he said.
Cameras are far from being the only category seeing the surging sales. Shop owners said foreign tourists are also increasingly favoring lighting kits, microphones, and various mounts and brackets in bulk alongside their camera purchases.
A tourist from Cote d'Ivoire said she came to the Huaqiangbei for the "good quality and good price" of the products.
Huang Shaoxiong, a merchant at the Huaqiangbei, noted a dramatic shift in his customer base.
"Our revenue [from international tourists] used to account for about 10 percent of our total sales. Now, it's up to 25 to 30 percent," he said.
As Shenzhen plays host to this year's APEC meetings, the Huaqiangbei has upgraded multilingual services, digital payment options and visitor facilities to better serve international shoppers.