SHENZHEN, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- For decades, Chinese families marked the Chinese New Year by gifting boxes of health supplements and traditional delicacies. Now, high-tech gadgets, from drones to AI glasses, are emerging as the gift of choice, fueled by government subsidies, innovation and a consumer shift toward smart lifestyles.
At Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei electronics market, known as "China's Hardware Silicon Valley," the transformation is impossible to miss. What was once a wholesale hub for components has become a bustling fair where thousands hunt for digital gifts.
Li Ye, a native of northeastern China working in Shenzhen, found himself swept up in the weekday crowds. "I thought it would be quieter," he said, clutching three drones purchased for relatives back home. Nearby, a vendor reported shifting over 30 units in a single day this month.
The market's appeal has extended beyond domestic shoppers. More than 7,000 foreign buyers stream through the fair daily in the Chinese New Year season, according to local officials. The district has deployed volunteers in orange vests to assist international visitors.
During a Hangzhou consumption expo, the 125-gram flying cameras drew a steady stream of inquiries. Desktop companion robots equipped with large language models and dancing capabilities became the center of attention, captivating children and young adults alike.
Beijing's silver-age festival told a similar story. Exoskeleton-assisted walking robots and AI mattresses that monitor heart rate and breathing data have emerged as popular ways for younger generations to express filial piety toward elderly relatives.
The boom is not accidental. Government subsidies have played a crucial role. Smart glasses were added to the national subsidy catalog for the first time this year, with some products available at 50 percent off through combined trade-in programs and state support.
At an offline experience store in Beijing, a man surnamed Sun was trying on AI glasses he had long coveted. He had browsed them online extensively before deciding to purchase some for himself and his family. A store staff member said the subsidies have heated up demand for robot vacuums, smart kitchen appliances, whole-home intelligence systems, and 3C products over the past month.
Data from the Ministry of Commerce show that in January, sales of home appliances and digital products under China's subsidy program exceeded 15 million units, with total revenue nearing 59 billion yuan (8.5 billion U.S. dollars).
Local governments have allocated over 2 billion yuan in funds to directly benefit the public through consumption vouchers, subsidies and cash handouts during the holiday season.
The shift reflects bigger changes in Chinese consumption patterns as consumers increasingly prioritize service and value experiences enabled by new technologies.
"Whether for family trips or as gifts, these products are about capturing and sharing moments," said a salesperson at the Shenzhen retail store, where Insta360 cameras saw heavy traffic. The panoramic cameras, developed by a local startup, carry discounts of up to 1,400 yuan. Last April, this hardware maker's product became an instant U.S. hit, with customers lining up at dawn to grab the new release.
An online platform is adding spice to the hardware gift frenzy. Doubao, ByteDance's AI assistant, announced it will distribute more than 100,000 gifts during China Central Television's Spring Festival gala on Feb. 16. Those prizes include humanoid robots, robotic dogs, 3D printers, and drones, all integrated with Doubao's large language models. ■
