Shuibei was once a small fishing village in eastern Shenzhen, Guangdong province, about a 15-minute high-speed train ride from Hong Kong.

According to the Shenzhen government website, Shuibei supplies over 50% of China's gold jewelry, making it the largest hub in the country. By the end of 2025, the area is projected to host over 9,000 businesses in the industry and more than 20 specialized markets, with a scale exceeding 200 billion yuan (nearly 30 billion USD).

Photo: China Journey

Shuibei is transforming from a wholesale center into a shopping destination for tourists.

During China's National Day holiday (1-7/10), the jewelry markets here welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors daily, with sales increasing by 28% compared to the same period last year. Many people from other provinces come to buy gold, combining shopping with tourism in Shenzhen. Photo: SZ News

At the trading centers, customers gather around gold counters to view designs, compare prices, and look for wedding jewelry. Some stores reported visitor numbers increasing two to three times during the initial days of the holiday. Lightweight jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces are popular.

"From opening until now (7/10), the counters have been packed with customers", said Xiao Chen, a gold counter employee at IBC Shuibei Gold Trading Center, as he quickly ate his cold lunchbox to continue serving customers.

Photo: SCMP

Despite lacking gold mines, Shuibei attracts customers due to its jewelry crafting and trading activities. Starting from order-based processing workshops in the 1980s, it developed into a center for jewelry production and distribution, ranging from gold and silver to diamonds, jade, pearls, and other gemstones. Photo: ST

Shuibei attracts buyers with its diverse products and competitive prices. During this year's National Day holiday, gold jewelry here was priced at about 1,061 yuan (158 USD) per gram, approximately 200 yuan (30 USD) lower than branded gold stores. Photo: UDN

Shuibei is primarily a jewelry trade and industrial zone, not a traditional tourist destination. Visitors should compare prices, check gold purity, certificates, and processing fees before purchasing. For high-value products, it is necessary to request an invoice and confirm the return policy. Photo: SCMP

Visitors interested in the history and techniques of jewelry crafting can visit the Shenzhen Jewelry Museum, located on the 3rd and 4th floors of Gold Plaza, at 20 Beili North Road. Opened in 2019, the museum displays gemstones, jewelry, and introduces traditional crafting techniques. Photo: SZ

Some famous gold shopping locations in Shuibei include: Shuibei International Jewelry Trading Center, IBC Shuibei Gold Trading Center, and Shuibei Wanshan (pictured).

For jewelry enthusiasts or those interested in China's gold, silver, and gemstone industry, Shuibei offers a different perspective on Shenzhen, a city known for its technology and modern commercial districts.

Photo: SZ

Anh Minh (According to SCMP, Shenzhen News)