For many foreign tourists visiting the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, Huaqiangbei, one of the world's largest electronics markets, is a must-visit destination.
Known for its countless small shops selling a wide variety of electronic gadgets, Huaqiangbei has become a shopping hub for international visitors, with many leaving the city carrying suitcases packed with the latest tech products.
Dubbed "China's No. 1 Electronics Street," Huaqiangbei is a major hub for electronics commerce and manufacturing, drawing more than 7,000 foreign visitors every day. With over 110,000 businesses operating in the area, it's a bustling marketplace offering everything from smartphones to smart home appliances and high-tech gadgets.
"This is basically my sixth time here in Huaqiangbei," said a Colombian buyer.
He purchased a Chinese-made tracker, which offers more advanced features than foreign brands he had used before, such as the ability to track an item's movement for up to seven days.
"This is a very good product. I buy many of those to send to my country," he said.
Meanwhile, a French businessman was attracted to a counter selling automatic translation devices.
Huaqiangbei offers not only a wide variety of goods, but also services such as currency exchange, packaging, and international logistics, making it a one-stop shopping destination for foreign visitors. Tourists can shop on the upper floors and ship their purchases downstairs, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
"I think China is improving. All the products are good," said another foreign customer in Huaqiangbei.
As the number of foreign buyers grows, Huaqiangbei has established a volunteer team, whose members work in their spare time to provide free services to both customers and merchants.
Andy, a volunteer from the U.S. said that when he heard Huaqiangbei was recruiting volunteers, he signed up right away. This volunteer work allowed him to witness firsthand the rapid pace of technological advancements in China.
"The variety of [products] here is really amazing. There are many goods, just different specifications at any wallet (price). Variety is one of the words that I would love to say. That's really great," said Andy.
With the surging popularity of "China Travel," foreign tourists' shopping enthusiasm is also on the rise.
According to data from the Shenzhen Customs, as of May 25, foreign tourists had purchased tax-refunded goods in Shenzhen worth 67.73 million yuan (about 9.42 million U.S. dollars), with a tax refund totaling 6.10 million yuan (about 847,940 U.S. dollars).
Foreign visitors flock to Shenzhen for electronics amid "China Shopping" boom
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
