In the heart of Huaqiangbei, often described as the world's largest electronics marketplace, a simple question reveals a much bigger story: what does AI really mean today?
To explore this question, this episode of China Xplained conducts an on-the-ground test to explore AI-powered products at different prices.
AI toys, AI translators, AI glasses, AI robots... the wide spectrum of AI technologies on display reflects a defining strength of Shenzhen: speed.
Huaqiangbei sits at the center of one of the world's most efficient hardware supply chains, where components, manufacturers, and distributors are tightly integrated. New ideas can be turned into consumer-ready products in a matter of days.
That speed is now being amplified by China's rapid AI development. From smart wearables to robotics, AI is moving beyond research labs and into everyday life at scale. What once took years to commercialize can now happen in weeks, or even days.
This transformation comes at a moment of growing global attention. With APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting set to open in Shenzhen this November, the city is poised to showcase not only its economic dynamism, but also how technology is seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Reporter: Xie Hongzhou
Cameraman: Deng Yingheng
Video & Poster by: Deng Yingheng
