From vintage 'scrap' to 'electronic gold': Huqiangbei's latest tech craze

Shenzhen’s iconic Huaqiangbei electronics district is witnessing a surreal market phenomenon as two ends of the technological spectrum collide. Demand has skyrocketed for both vintage CCD digital cameras — outdated “relics” from the early 2000s — and cutting-edge AI smart glasses, creating a new gold rush in the world’s largest electronics market.

The CCD resurrection: Retro is the new luxury

Once sold by the kilogram as “electronic waste,” charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras have undergone a staggering price correction. After the Spring Festival holiday, local vendors reported that models previously priced at 300 yuan (US$42) are now fetching upwards of 2,500 yuan — a nearly ten-fold increase.

“Four or five years ago, you could pick these up for 100 yuan. Now, a decent one starts at 800 yuan, and top-tier models from brands like Canon exceed 2,000 yuan," says Mr. Wang, a veteran secondhand camera dealer.

Vintage CCD cameras at a Huaqiangbei stall. Photos from WeChat account “幸福福田”

The surge is driven by Gen Z and Millennials seeking the “CCD aesthetic” — a low-fidelity, high-saturation, grainy look that modern smartphone AI filters struggle to replicate authentically. “I bought this for 1,258 yuan because the vintage output is just beautiful," said Ms. Wang, a young consumer. 

However, enthusiasts warn of a bubble, noting that prices have far outstripped the hardware’s actual utility.

The new bestseller: AI glasses take flight

While some look back, others are looking forward — literally. AI smart glasses have emerged as the “must-have” tech of 2026. Sales in Huaqiangbei have surged 70% to 80% in the last two months, bolstered by their inclusion in the government’s 2026 “trade-in” subsidy catalog.

Budget-friendly AI smart glasses in Huaqiangbei. Photo from Shenzhen Economic Daily

The market offers a range of options catering to all budgets:

Entry-level (150 yuan): Basic Bluetooth connectivity for music, calls, and real-time translation.

Mid-range (400 yuan): Integrated cameras and microphones for instant social media syncing.

High-end (2,000+ yuan): MicroLED transparent displays with heads-up AI translation text.

Premium (5,000+ yuan): First-person view (FPV) integration for drone piloting.

“This is the wind of 2026,” says one shop owner who pivoted to AI wearables last July. “We have our own factories in Bantian. While overseas competitors sell for thousands of dollars, we leverage Shenzhen’s supply chain to keep products stable, reliable, and affordable.”