A Ding

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    AFTER being closed for four years due to Metro construction, Huaqiangbei, dubbed “China’s No. 1 Electronics Street,” has reopened to the public as a new commercial pedestrian street. New images of novelty, fashion, technology and innovation unfolded before citizens.

    The Huaqiangbei pedestrian street opening ceremony was held at 8:40 a.m. on Huaqiang Road North in Futian District on Saturday.

    After several years of retail stagnation and closures due to Metro construction, the day of the street’s reopening was a high-profile event in Shenzhen. Leaders of the municipal and district governments, as well as business representatives gathered and witnessed the historic moment.

    Chen Biao, vice mayor of Shenzhen, said at the opening ceremony that electronics transactions at Huaqiangbei accounted for 90 percent of Shenzhen’s market and that the street was expected to become an international commercial electronics street in the future.

    Gao Shengyuan, head of the Futian District Government, said that Huaqiangbei possesses 6 million square meters of commercial space after its reopening. It has also been built into a three-dimensional shopping paradise that includes maker spaces.

    With the effort of relevant authorities, Huaqiangbei has returned gorgeously. It is now the most convenient traffic hub in Shenzhen, accommodating citizens along four Metro lines, namely Metro 1, Metro 2, Metro 3 and Metro 7.

    The main pedestrian street is 930 meters long and 88 municipal facilities have been added, including 20 emergency evacuation exits, 13 entrances to underground commercial space and five subway entrances. Vehicles and bicycles are banned on the main street.

    The latest and most dazzling products produced by Huaqiangbei in recent years — including AR/VR/MR products, robots, drones and intelligent wearables — were showcased at the opening ceremony and citizens were invited to participate in interactive activities.

    A laser show also entertained visitors Saturday evening. Thirteen sets of laser light emitters installed on the roofs of SEG Square, Maoye Building and other high buildings on the street presented a dazzling laser show for shoppers.

    Around 300 actors and musicians gave beautiful performances for the public through their various art forms. The performances given by the singers, dancers and the musicians playing the electronic piano and electronic violin attracted many onlookers.

    (Photo Highlights: Page 8)