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I think you're missing the scale of this here. Being to both I can tell you that Akihabara might have specialized shops, but nothing to the level of Huaqiangbei. Neither in terms of component diversity nor in the number of shops around.

And the article also mentions the direct access to actual people from the companies/factories. This alone is what makes it absolutely unique, in my view.

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The scale is definitely different, but my main point is that its very likely a local phenomenon. People might read this and assume stuff like this is everywhere in China.

Although it might be like that.

I think you are right. Shenzhen is located in one of the wealthiest provinces in china, is less than an hour's train ride from Hong Kong, and is designated a special economic zone. That probably gives it several advantages over other Chinese cities.

I agree that it's not everywhere in China that's like that.

At least in Beijing and Shanghai you can find malls full of electronic shops. But nowhere near that scale anyway.

Also, there doesn't seem to be much of a maker scene here anyway from what I can see. Just a few spread individuals.

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