Shekou hosts flea market to mark Earth Day

An open community space in Shekou bustled with a flea market event marking World Earth Day on Saturday afternoon. Around 30 booths, operated by local and expat residents sold second-hand products like toys and books, as well as handmade creative items, attracting a large crowd.

British designer Hattie Gordon displays handmade earrings and rings with vibrant colors and creative designs during the flea market in Shekou on Saturday. Photos by Wei Jie 

The flea market was organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) with the aim of promoting public awareness of environmental issues while strengthening community connections, according to Nicole Tao, vice director of the Shekou MSCE.

Abigail Evelynede, a teacher at Shenwai International School from the U.K., ran a booth that attracted quite a few people who browsed neatly categorized goods like small child’s jumpsuits, dresses, tops, and toys. “They are given out for free,” she told people browsing her items. Some thanked her and left with a piece or two they liked, while others hesitated. “People might not be accustomed to receiving free things from someone they don’t know,” said Evelynede. 

Abigail Evelynede (L) from the U.K., a teacher at Shenwai International School, gives out items her families no longer needs for free during the flea market Saturday in Shekou.

Evelynede told Shenzhen Daily that she had brought various items no longer needed by her family, including clothes her two children had outgrown and curtains. “The idea of swapping or selling items you no longer need is great,” she said, noting that the second-hand market in neighboring Hong Kong, where her family had lived before relocating to Shenzhen two years ago, was huge, and people there embraced the idea of exchanging things for something useful.

Sebastien Berger, from France, engages with potential buyers who show interest in his items at the flea market. 

For her, the main reason for participating in this flea market was to pass on items to other people for reuse. “Selling them wouldn’t raise much money for charity, so I thought, why not give them to people who need them for free?” 

Illustrated books for young children were among the most popular products at the market. “We’ve sold about 70 books in less than two hours,” said a father surnamed Wang. He said they brought a whole suitcase full of children’s books that belonged to his daughter, who attends a local Korean school in Shekou, along with another suitcase filled with toys and other everyday items for the flea market. Wang said their family set very low prices to pass the items on to people who could use them.

Mark Ayos (R), a percussionist from the Philippines, introduces his products to potential customers at the flea market in Shekou.

Among the second-hand books and toys, Hattie Gordon’s handmade earrings and rings with vibrant colors and innovative designs drew the attention of many young people, who stopped by her booth for the creative jewelry.

Hattie Gordon smiles for the camera during the flea market in Shekou.

Gordon, also from the U.K., started making polyester earrings as a hobby four years ago while living in Beijing. Her creations unexpectedly gained popularity among friends and colleagues, prompting her to sell them at Beijing’s Christmas markets. She gradually developed the hobby into a small business.

After relocating to Shenzhen a year ago, she has continued this work. Gordon said she’s happy that young people like her earrings. Some expats even came to the flea market specifically to buy her jewelry.

Percussionist Mark Ayos (R) of the Philippines, sits with his daughter, Nina, at the flea market in Shekou on Saturday.

Adding to the event’s atmosphere was a mini percussion concert hosted by Mark Ayos, a percussion musician from the Philippines, which attracted expats and local residents. The Dongjiaotou Community buzzed with lively, festive energy.

Residents gather at the Shekou flea market to enjoy a mini concert Saturday.

“This is a new attempt, and we want to see how it goes,” said Rita Yang, director of the Shekou MSCE. “We hope to make it a signature weekend cultural and leisure event in Shekou, hosting regular weekend activities here.”

Ayos’ experimental percussion concert turned out to be a success, beginning with around 10 expats participating and growing to over two dozen by the second hour. Shenzhen-based American musician Don Rechtman also improvised by singing a Chinese song, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd. 

Mark Ayos (1st L), a percussion musician from the Philippines, hosts a mini concert at the flea market in Shekou on Saturday.