Explore a security marketplace in Huaqiangbei

Last week we wrote about our visit to the Huaqiangbei electronics market in Shenzhen with program director of HAXLR8R and former co-founder of Makerbot, Zach Hoeken Smith. On that trip Zach mentioned that there was an entire building dedicated to security products. That piqued my interest so today I went back to explore.

The “Pacific Security and Protection Market” is a 6-story building with warehouse-sized floors of factory outlet stalls pedaling every conceivable security and surveillance product imaginable. Interestingly, I estimated that upwards of 95% of the gear was fixed/wired or wireless radio-based technology as opposed to internet protocol-enabled gear. Note: I didn’t visit every floor and my Chinese is pitiful, so please take my impressions with a grain of salt.

I hope by sharing some photos and notes from just one of the many marketplaces in Huaqiangbei that I can help give you a sense of what the entire area is like. Keep in mind these photos are from one of many buildings in the area. As Zach told us, “these markets are huge; if you visit the LED marketplace, you better wear good quality shades.”

Lots of component vendors, including this IP-enabled module with optional Wi-Fi adapter

The majority (estimated 90%+) of equipment was not IP-enabled, like these wireless (RF) based video systems

This Wi-Fi webcam, or one just like it, seemed quite popular.

There were lots of vendors dedicated to motion sensors like these

One of the *very* few outlets that seemed dedicated to internet-enabled devices. Will be interesting to take a pulse in another 2 to 3 years.

Listening devices

IR and camera modules

Guy is foreground is customer testing a raw camera board and guy in background is assembling boards into housings. Probably just a small factory.

Interesting to see the lingo “smart home” used when none of the devices offered were internet-connected. How is that “smart”?

More modules

Tiny RF cameras

GSM listening and tracking devices. When we wrote about cheap hardware we detailed that unit in the middle there! Amazing to see the factory that I ordered from online and say “hi” to them.

Spy movie approved bugs.

Poker cheating contact lenses! when worn and paired with their specially-coated playing cards, let the wearer read the cards from the back.

As I left the building I ran into another entire building dedicated to security products. The scale of Huaqiangbei is truly mind-blowing.