Qianhai unveils intl. shopping areas, merchants

The first batch of “International-Friendly Shopping Areas” and “International-Friendly Merchants” in Qianhai were announced on Nov. 13 during the opening ceremony of the 2024 ASEAN Food and Cultural Week at Qianhai Uniway.

These initiatives, launched by the Qianhai Authority, aim to transform the Guiwan area into Shenzhen’s first comprehensive international service hub, accelerating Qianhai’s vision of becoming an international neighborhood and a new urban center.

Qianhai Uniway and Breeze Valley at the Qianhai MixC shopping mall were recognized as the first “International-Friendly Shopping Areas,” each featuring over 15 stores that have been certified as “International-Friendly Merchants.”

The certifications were granted by EyeShenzhen.

To qualify as an “International-Friendly Merchant,” stores must offer international payment options, such as accepting foreign bank cards or electronic payments linked to foreign accounts, and provide bilingual menus and service lists. Additionally, store staff are required to have basic English communication skills — some merchants are able to offer fluent English services. Staff meeting these standards will wear a smiley face badge on their shirts.