SZ is US engineer's preferred Chinese city

The joke that you might get a strange look if you tell people you are traveling to Shenzhen is often heard whenever a public holiday nears, and it plays on the city’s stereotype of being somewhat unexciting and lacking distinct characteristics.

However, for American acoustic engineer Charles Sprinkle, Shenzhen holds a special place as his preferred Chinese city.

After more than a decade of traveling regularly between Shenzhen and California for work, spending half the year in each location, Sprinkle has developed a deep familiarity with this hospitable southern Chinese city.

Acoustic engineer Charles Sprinkle poses for a photo during an interview with Shenzhen Daily. Wei Jie

Inclusiveness draws talent

Shenzhen is known for its large population of migrants from various regions of the country, as well as its increasing allure to expatriates worldwide. This diversity nurtures an inclusive atmosphere where every individual, whether a newcomer or long-term resident, is embraced and valued.

This inclusive environment has been pivotal in attracting both domestic and international professionals, like Sprinkle, to contribute to the city’s fast growth.

With a wealth of skilled professionals, a market-oriented law-based business environment, and a robust industrial supply chain, Shenzhen emerges as a much preferred destination for entrepreneurial ventures.

In 2019, Sprinkle and his business partners, who established Kali Studio in Burbank, California, in January 2018, chose to settle their company’s production base in Shenzhen.

“We have a trusted manufacturing partner in Shenzhen,” said Sprinkle. That relationship enables them to conveniently source raw materials and all the parts needed to produce loudspeakers and related products, which cater to recording studios and audio aficionados.

“If it wasn’t for the office here [in Shenzhen], it would have been very difficult to keep product development going at all.”

Shenzhen’s extensive industrial ecosystem has significantly boosted Kali Studio's operational efficiency by reducing the time it takes to move from product research and development (R&D) to product launch.

Shenzhen’s comprehensive supply chain also enables Sprinkle to indulge in making electronics and mechanical parts outside of his regular work responsibilities.

‘Need to identify opportunities’

The business environment is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Companies require a resilient and robust economic ecosystem to thrive and compete in today's competitive market.

After weathering the storm of the last three years -- which saw the frequent disruption of economic activities -- through collaborative efforts between the government and businesses, many local enterprises are facing a new wave of challenges triggered by Western decoupling. Many of them have resolved to venture out their comfort zones to sharpen their market competitiveness.

These factories, with motivated engineers and skilled labor, previously catered to Western customers but are now pushed to innovate and establish their own brands.

“I see this will make China stronger in the long run," Sprinkle said of the painstaking transformation of Chinese manufacturers, suggesting that they need to develop products that appeal to international markets, create effective sales channels, and implement strong marketing strategies.

Using China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers as an example of overcoming adversity, Sprinkle noted their successful global expansion efforts despite facing challenges like increased U.S. and European tariffs.

Shenzhen-based NEV manufacturer BYD Co., recognized by U.S. behemoth Tesla Inc. as a formidable rival, has impressed Sprinkle with its quality and value. “I’m even thinking of paying the tariffs myself to get a BYD [NEV],” said Sprinkle, who drives a Tesla in California.

Sprinkle, underscoring the importance of a continuous search for new opportunities and adapting accordingly, said, “There will always be something disruptive. We need to identify opportunities.” 

SZ, where business thrives

After living in Shenzhen for more than a decade, Sprinkle has grown to admire the city's vibrant economy, which thrives on its efficient business registration process and the business-oriented policies of local authorities.

While not directly involved in Kali Audio's registration in Shenzhen, Sprinkle learned about the efficient and straightforward procedures from some of his entrepreneur friends in the city. He said his friends only had to visit the local market authority once to complete all necessary paperwork. In cases where mandatory documents were missing, they could easily submit electronic copies online instead of making in-person visits.

More importantly, the streamlined registration process now involves a single government department that oversees all requirements, a stark contrast to the previous multi-agency approach which led to confusion regarding tax matters, social security, and the opening of corporate bank accounts.

“This is really awesome,” said Sprinkle, as it was a totally different story to register a business in his home state.

He said a couple years ago, a friend in California encountered numerous bureaucratic obstacles while registering a business in Los Angeles. Despite several months spent on paperwork, his friend, who had struggled with ever-changing requirements that were disclosed during each visit to the government office, ultimately failed to secure a business license.

SZ beyond business

Since his first visit to Shenzhen in 2012 on a business trip for his former employer, Sprinkle has frequently traveled between Shenzhen and Burbank. He now calls Shenzhen his favorite city in China.

He disagrees with the common perception that Shenzhen is a cultural desert, believing it is reasonable that Shenzhen lacks a distinct cultural identity because of its relatively brief history of only 40 years and its diverse, migrant populace.

“I don’t think this is a bad thing, actually,” said the American, noting the city’s fusion of Cantonese culture, elements of Hunan and other provinces, and some international influences.

“It’s like a giant melting pot where various cultures and traditions blend. Over time, it will naturally develop a unique identity,” he said, adding that cultural identity is an ongoing evolution rather than an instant creation.

This essence, according to Sprinkle, is what makes Shenzhen a great city. “Seriously, I had the best-ever burger right here in Shenzhen, despite it being a typical American food. When I crave something spicy, I’ll go to a Changsha-cuisine restaurant.”

Charles Sprinkle (5th R back row) poses for a group photo with fellow whisky enthusiasts at a local bar during “Whisky Night” on June 30. Courtesy of Terry Given

The leisure scene in Shenzhen is equally enticing. Just two weeks ago, Sprinkle indulged in a delightful “Whisky Night,” savoring various Japanese whiskies with fellow whisky enthusiasts at a local bar.

Right now, the American engineer is working on a side project to construct a sophisticated scientific instrument integrated with custom electronics that are readily available in Shenzhen.

“I have no idea if it will work or not. But theoretically, it should. Even if it doesn’t, the experience is worth the effort,” he said, highlighting Shenzhen as a good place for makers.