A growing number of international travelers are flocking to Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong Province, drawn by a new kind of tourism that offers a close-up look at the city's high technologies.
Shenzhen has seen a steady rise in the number of inbound visitors this summer. In July alone, the number of foreign visitors entering China via Shenzhen's Luohu Port exceeded 50,000.
Beyond traditional landmarks, tech-themed attractions have become must-visit stops.
At the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, foreign families are looking into China's scientific and technological progress through the exhibits.
"I love to watch the science robots. I think they are interesting," said a visitor from the United States.
"[We have] four people. Because [we are] interested in technology, robot things. That's why we visit here," a visitor from Uzbekistan said.
"More and more families are visiting the museum to learn about science and technology. Overseas visitors make up about 20 percent of people we receive during peak hours," said Zheng Yongchun, curator of Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum.
At the world's first robot 6S store in Longgang District of Shenzhen, foreign tourists try on AI glasses and interact with robot dogs.
"I think AI is very interesting. It has an important place, and it's getting more important and more important, and we just want to see it," said a visitor from Switzerland.
"This is the first time I see a robot like this. It feels like future," said a visitor from Italy.
Store managers said that foreign tourists account for over 30 percent of customers in summer. Desktop robots, smart wearables gadgets, and exoskeleton devices are among the popular items on foreign tourists' shopping lists.
"We receive at least seven or eight foreign tour groups a week, sometimes more than ten. I estimate that foreign clients account for 30 to 40 percent of product priced at 10,000 yuan and below," said Fan Binji, Overseas Market Manager of the robot store.
Many visitors are also joining themed study tours that include visits to tech factories and companies.
"Because I think Shenzhen has a lot of headquarters of various companies, and a lot of them they are specializing on health care and medicine. That's a great place for collaboration between different people," said a returned student from Russia.
Local travel agencies have seen a clear shift in demand.
"We used to handle a large number of business groups, but now we have seen a significant increase in family trips, study tours, and industrial visits. We also offer small-scale, customized programs. Overall, [our inbound tourism business] has grown by about 30 percent year on year," said Zhang Bin, Product Manager of Shenzhen Century Holiday Travel Agency.
Foreign visitors favor Tech tours to Shenzhen
