Anne Zhang

    zhangy49@gmail.com

    THE Jianian market compound is not merely a shopping block, but a place that embodies local culture and tradition, expat visitors said.

    “Malls look alike everywhere, but markets like this one are very local. I like it,” Pakistani Magad Khan said.

    James Girzendanner from Switzerland visited the market for the first time Saturday and was looking for clothes for his wife. He said he felt lucky to come across such a market where he could buy cheap, good-quality clothes and experience the local Chinese culture.

    American Trufasu Florea felt sorry when he learned the market is closing down. Florea is from Chicago and has a Chinese wife from Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. He often travels between the two places. He said he visits the market compound every time he comes to China to buy clothes for his daughter and gifts for friends.

    “The market is crowded and goods are not necessarily the best quality, but it’s part of Shenzhen’s culture and tradition and should be preserved,” Florea said.

    The market compound reportedly receives a lot more foreign visitors than the shopping malls downtown. A man surnamed Jin selling men’s clothes said his shop receives at least two foreign customers every day, mostly from the Middle East and South America. Jin attributed the high flow of expat visitors to the markets’ low prices, free shopping environment and proximity to the country’s biggest electronics market.

    “Besides, foreigners can find clothes in extra-large sizes here,” he said. “They are good bargainers. I’ve picked up some English while bargaining with them.”

    Many sellers in the markets have learned some English words relating to garment selling, such as colors, sizes, materials and prices, Jin said.