Shenzhen is well-known not only for its electronics industry and general wholesale markets, but also as a hotspot for high-quality replicas. This post introduces 5 key replica markets—what to expect, what they sell, and how to shop smart.
Huaqiangbei: No.1 electronics street by day, “Ghost Market” by night.
Huaqiangbei (华强北) is the world’s largest hub for electronics and components. It was once also the birthplace of China’s knockoff phone industry.
Here, digital and electronic products are updated quickly, with endless choices and competitive prices. You’ll find high-quality replicas of big-name items—like Apple AirPods, smartwatches, and Dyson hair dryers—for just $10 to $30, often around 10% of the original retail price.
But here’s the catch: you won’t see any of these replicas on display during the day. Due to stricter enforcement, most malls and street shops in Huaqiangbei no longer dare to openly sell knockoffs—you’ll have to explore Huaqiangbei Ghost Market (华强北鬼市) instead.
Huaqiangbei Ghost Market (华强北鬼市)
This market began in the early 1990s as a temporary market for electronics wholesalers to offload excess inventory. Today, it has evolved into a full-scale night market where you’ll find all kinds of replica electronics.
- From midnight to 4 AM. If there’s a police check, it may open later or not at all, so check ahead.
Most replicas come from small workshops or OEM factories in nearby areas like Bao’an District in Shenzhen and Dongguan City. Many of the parts used are recycled components taken from dismantled digital devices, which helps keep costs low. The replicas often reach 80–90% similarity to the real thing in terms of appearance and basic functionality.
In addition to electronics, you’ll also find replicas of luxury watches, designer bags, shoes, clothing, accessories, perfumes, and cosmetics.
It’s like a combination of Guangzhou Baiyun Leather Market, Zhanxi ghost watch market, and Guoda shoes mall—all rolled into one night market.
- Near Science Museum Station, Futian District, Shenzhen (深圳福田区科学馆站地铁口附近)
Note: The location may change, but it’s usually around this area. Nearby, you’ll find Mingtong Cosmetics Market (明通化妆品市场) and Yuanwang Digital Plaza (远望数码城), both key spots within the Ghost Market.
Some tips
- Most vendors carry similar products, so check out multiple vendors first and make sure to haggle. The general rule is to start at 50% of the price they offer.
- Bring some cash (RMB) in small bills—most vendors prefer cash transactions. Some take WeChat Pay/Alipay, but foreign currencies are rarely accepted.
- Use a flashlight to check items, especially electronics. A phone light works, as long as it’s charged.
- It’s generally safe, but if it’s your first time, it’s a good idea to go with a local friend or agent.
- If you want to take photos, ask first—most replica sellers don’t like being photographed.
- Besides replicas, you’ll find phone cases, screen protectors, and accessories cheaper than mall booths.
Luohu Commercial City (罗湖商业城)
Luohu Commercial City (罗湖商业城) has been for over 30 years and is popular with both locals and international visitors. Even the most basic shop staff usually speak at least 3 languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, and functional, deal-making English—like “Inside Look!”
- Many foreign business travelers make it a must-stop when visiting Shenzhen, especially for replica luxury bags and watches.
- A lot of Hong Kong visitors also come here to shop and eat, since the mall is located right next to Luohu Port (罗湖口岸)—you literally walk out of immigration and you’re there.
All displayed samples are logo-free luxury bags, apparel, and accessories. The entire range is shown through a digital catalog, and once you pick a style, someone will head to the nearby warehouse to fetch your order. These replicas are produced by factories in Houjie town, Dongguan (东莞厚街镇) and Guangzhou Sanyuanli (广州三元里). Also, to reduce the risk of being caught, vendors usually don’t provide WeChat or phone numbers.
- No. 25 Guangchang Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen (深圳市罗湖区广场路25号)
Shuibei International Jewelry Trade Centre (水贝珠宝城)
Shuibei International Jewelry Trade Centre (水贝珠宝城) is also located in Luohu District. It’s China’s top destination for wholesale precious metal and diamond jewelry. You’ll also find replica luxury jewelry here. But since it involves copyright issues, these items aren’t openly displayed. Ask the staff at the counter, and if they trust you, they’ll show you what’s available.
Replica jewelry generally falls into 3 tiers.
TOP version
Made with real gold and real diamonds, closely matching the original in cut, specs, and craftsmanship. Big factories buy brand-name originals to create molds; smaller workshops use their data.
Due to the high production cost and limited customer base, this level is made to order only, with no ready stock available. Sellers who offer this version usually have special sourcing channels, and lead time is typically 10–15 days.
Quality replica
The quality replica version also uses real gold and diamonds. But to reduce cost, the gold weight is lighter and the diamonds are smaller and of a lower grade.
Prise en charge VCA (Van Cleef & Arpels) replicas as an example, the thickness of the mother-of-pearl is different from originals. But such small details are hard to notice from a normal social distance.
Basic version
Basic versions are in stock and cheap—suitable for situations where you just need it to look the part from a distance. They’re made with lower-quality materials, may fade over time, and have no resale value.
- No. 2, Beili North Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen (深圳市罗湖区贝丽北路2号)
Nanyou Fashion Wholesale Market (南油服装批发市场)
Nanyou Fashion Wholesale Market (南油服装批发市场) is huge, with dozens of buildings.
Buildings 110 and 111 are the most popular, the “replica fashion hub” of Nanyou, where you can find knockoffs of almost every major international brand. Most vendors require a minimum order of 3 pieces.
If looking for replica women’s clothing, head to Building 111, 2nd floor. The styles update quickly and mostly follow current fashion trends. Floors 3 and 4 are focused on branded bags and shoes.
If you prefer classic styles, visit Guihang Building (贵航大厦), floors 6–8—just note that styles there are updated less frequently.
- Guihang Building, No. 48 Xiangnan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区向南路48号贵航大厦)
Dongmen Pedestrian Street (东门步行街), also known as Dongmen Laojie (东门老街), is another spot where you can find a wide range of replica clothing, shoes, bags, hats, and accessories. The selection is huge, and on average, prices are lower than in Nanyou.
One more thing, there are many food stalls and restaurants—you can enjoy some Shenzhen snacks while you shop!
- Near Laojie Metro Station, Luohu District, Shenzhen (深圳市罗湖区老街地铁站附近)
Dafen Oil Painting Village (大芬油画村)
Dafen is a small urban village in Shenzhen, covering just 0.4 square kilometers, yet it’s known as “China’s No.1 Oil Painting Village.”
It became popular overseas for mass-producing hand-painted replicas of famous oil paintings. You can find high-quality copies of classic masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt—all at very affordable prices, often just a few dozen US dollars per painting.
Most factories here are just small rooms. A single painting involves over a dozen workers – one person paints the sky, another does the mountains…Each person only focuses on one fixed part of the artwork. This assembly-line style not only speeds up production, but also ensures consistency in quality.
These “painters” don’t need much skill — they rely mainly on muscle memory and physical endurance. And based on Dafen’s mature supply chain, even someone with no background can start working after just two or three months of training.
- Dafen Village, Buji Town, Longgang District, Shenzhen (深圳市龙岗区布吉镇大芬村)
Le bilan
Hope this post gave you a better look at the Shenzhen replica markets. It’s for informational purposes only. Not planning to visit China? You can still find these replicas online—here are a few platforms and tips to help you get started.
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