2011 SU Update: Athletes go shopping in the Largest Electronic Street of the World

Huanqiang North Street

SHENZHEN – Located in the Futian District of Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Huanqiang North Street is a paradise for those who are passionate about electronics. Some 717 stores are spread out over 1.56 km, in shopping malls and galleries with some 130.000 employees to help you with your choice for what item to buy.

In the past, the street was just an industrial area, but the cost to keep factories open were so high that many electronics stores began to  replace these factories. Causing a huge change in that area. With the support of the policy of reform and opening proposed by the Chinese government, the Shenzhen government has found an opportunity to develop this commercial area.

In 1999, in a joint effort between the government and companies, facilities were provided so more companies could be attracted to establish stores there. A subway line was built to facilitate consumer access to the street, a strong incentive to advertisements for different types, mainly electronics, and an investment of 45 million RMB by the government and 120 million RMB by the store owners, turned theHuanqiang North Street in the largest street of electronics stores in the world.

After winning a bronze medal in the judo competition of the 26th Universiade in Shenzhen, Brazilian judoka Marcelo Contini came with his teammates to the shopping paradise.

“Here you have a great variety of choice what to buy”, Marcelo said. “However, sometimes, communication might be problem but sign language seems to be working OK.”

In China, there are lots of people in the streets everywhere.North Huanqiang Street is no exception. Pan, a Shenzhen citizen, gives the visitors a great hint. When you want to buy a good quality product, look at the stores where there are more people waiting in line, for surely this store is the place to buy it. 

(Source: Everton Melo, FISU-AIPS Young Reporter/Brazil)

Marcelo Contini and his teammates