Life of Guangzhou - A Photographer's Paradise in Guangzhou

Entrance of the Shengxian Photography Market

For great deals on cameras and photography accessories, the big shopping malls in Guangzhou aren't your best options. Instead, check out Shengxian Street (盛贤街) located in Dashatou Market (大沙头市场) next to the river. They offer lower prices and a larger selection of equipment ranging from small little DCs to ancient 6X6 or the latest Leica.

Shengxian Street specializes in quality brands such as Canon, Nikon and Pentax. They offer two kinds of cameras – "Hang Huo" (行货, officially imported and manufactured) which is of a more trustworthy quality but more expensive; the other is called "Shui Huo" (水货, unofficially imported or assembled) and is a riskier buy, with a potentially lower quality.

The second floor of Shengxian Market

Yilian (艺联) is one of the popular and relatively reliable local dealers at the market.

Many stores provide a one year guarantee for both 'Hang Huo' and 'Shui Huo' products. Unfortunately, this guarantee is only valid in Mainland China.

Some shops also sell and purchase second-hand cameras, attracting local shutterbugs who gather to talk, shop, and find unique items at good prices.

Many professional brands can be also found such as Hasselblad and Leica. These cameras are most often second-hand and sold in stores held by experienced photography lovers.

Yilian (艺联) and Qingmi (情迷) are two popular and relatively reliable local dealers both located on the ground floor next to the road. These shops not only sell cameras but also provide repair services.

(By Li Weijia, David Keyton)