Welcome to Huaqiangbei, the most astonishing technology market in the world.

      One of my favorite destinations in China is Shenzhen. Founded in 1979, this once small fishing village located north of Hong Kong has evolved into the hub of China’s technology industry, perfectly represented by Huaqiangbei.

      Huaqiangbei, a district in Shenzhen, has emerged as the prime location for discovering the latest in technology. However, it offers much more than that; it is also the place where you can find the most diverse and eccentric assortment of tech devices, accessories, and components.

      Looking for an affordable pair of AirPods Pro? You’ll find them here. An Apple Watch powered by Android? No problem. Need a new screen at a fraction of what a local phone repair shop charges? This is the spot.

      Recently, I returned to Huaqiangbei for the first time in six years as part of my trip to China. I purchased a variety of products, ranging from budget-friendly to official items, among others. Here’s a closer look at the most exciting tech market in the world.

      A hub of top companies

      Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      It’s striking that every major smartphone manufacturer, along with many others outside the smartphone sector, has a significant presence in Huaqiangbei. Many of these companies operate multiple locations, each trying to outshine the others and attract every passerby.

      Take Huawei, for example. There’s a flagship store right at the corner by a large mall, and just a few doors down in either direction are additional official outlets. Xiaomi has at least four stores within a short 5-minute stroll. This only represents two blocks of Huaqiang Road North; the street continues much further.

      Similarly, DJI has at least three stores visible in close proximity. Oppo and Vivo also have a noticeable presence, although Oppo is slightly less prominent. Interestingly, Samsung is relegated to a single, standard-sized store, indicating less focus on this market compared to its competitors.

      And what about Apple? At least one official store exists, along with numerous smaller retailers that brand themselves as official resellers. This doesn't even include the various markets and stalls available.

      The third-party retailers

      Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      Beyond the official stores, you'll encounter numerous third-party retailers and resellers with storefronts directly facing the street. Unlike smaller, more discreet retailers hiding inside malls, these sellers resemble your neighborhood phone shop rather than a market stall.

      Here, you can find nearly all phone brands under one roof, along with attractive deals. While official stores maintain set prices—though promotions and occasional discounts are available—these resellers will test your negotiating skills, within reason. While you might not find 30% off the latest phone, you will discover minor discounts on the newest tech or more significant discounts on older models.

      Most of these resellers might not carry the latest phones for a few weeks, but they do offer negotiable prices. If you don’t speak Mandarin, it's wise to have a translation app ready. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the actual value and retail prices of products since some vendors might start with inflated prices, making it crucial to confirm you’re getting a real bargain.

      The largest aspect of Huaqiangbei is the malls and markets, where you can uncover hidden gems and less desirable items that contribute to making this area the most insane market in the world.

      The Huaqiangbei malls are a tech lover’s paradise

      Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      If you’re a gadget enthusiast like me, you'll either need a substantial amount of cash or strong self-control. Without either, you may end up buying far more than planned, especially if it’s your first visit to Huaqiangbei.

      Entering one of the numerous markets on Huaqiang Road North, you'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of small stall owners with an overwhelming variety of products. This is where your old phones are sold, and while many items are counterfeit—some quite absurd—many others are authentic.

      The stalls primarily showcase Apple products, with nearly every mobile stall featuring AirPods to entice you to spend your money. Beyond Apple, there is a plethora of foldable phones, and while you might not find the absolute best folding phones, many are just one or two generations outdated and priced significantly lower than traditional retail stores, making negotiation part of the shopping experience.

      Every stall is equipped with a calculator for price negotiation. Don’t accept the initial price right away, but don’t expect to slash it by 50% either. Some products are already priced low with minimal margins, but a discount of up to 15% is often considered reasonable and likely to be accepted by the vendor. Some new and used devices can save you up to 20% off retail prices. For instance, various stalls will sell you a new iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB for between $950 and $1,100, while it retails for $1,300 from Apple.

      After settling