Yao Chonghao/Chen Xiaochun

654789759@qq.com

APPLE opened its new retail store in Bao’an District at 10 a.m. Saturday, drawing long lines of customers. The most dedicated fans began queuing as early as 8 a.m. Friday — a full 26 hours before opening — with many camping overnight to secure their spot.

By opening time, the store in Uniwalk Qianhai was greeted by massive crowds of excited Apple enthusiasts, all eager to experience its innovative design and cutting-edge technology demonstrations.

Wu Yang, 16, was the first in line, arriving at 8 a.m. Friday. He came all the way from Ningbo in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province specifically for this opening.

“Because I knew this store’s launch ceremony would be different from others. Besides, this location features many new design elements,” Wu said.

By Friday evening, the line had swelled to several hundred.

Yang Zhen, a 18-year-old Bao’an resident, arrived at 5 p.m. Friday and spent the night in the mall’s dedicated area.

“This store is different from the other two at Yitian Holiday Plaza and Luohu MixC. The space features solid wood interiors and the glass wall gives it a distinctive Apple look. I actually prefer this one because its overall design feels completely fresh and innovative,” said Yang.

A 15-year-old teen who identified himself as Fan came all the way from Shanghai for the opening of the new outlet. A 9-year Apple user, he arrived at 11:30 a.m. Friday and was the fifth in line.

Ma Shaojun traveled from Zhengzhou, capital of central China’s Henan Province, for the event.

The store adopts Apple’s “Vintage E” design concept. Shenzhen has three Apple stores, each with a distinct style reflected in many small design details, according to Ma.