In 2010, China’s first makerspace, XinCheJian (which means “new workshop”), opened its doors in Shanghai. A year later, the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission proposed the Chinese Makerspace Initiative, where the government would fund the building of 100 “Innovation Houses,” each at least roughly 328 square feet and equipped with lathes, saws, drills, milling machines, […]
Food artist Annabel de Vetten undertook the monumental task of recreating China’s Terracotta Army in pizza dough to commemorate the opening of the 500th Pizza Express in restaurant in Beijing.
Maker Faire Shenzhen concluded on April 7, making Shenzhen the seventh city in the world to host a Featured Maker Faire.
Maker Faire Shenzhen is bringing a whole new show to China’s industrial city.
Right after the overwhelming experience of Maker Faire Rome I left Europe for a week a quick tour in China. There are a lot of cool things happening there. I’d been to China twice before for a very short time so this time I wanted to spend a few days to meet with people and take part in some cool events going on in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Shenzhenโthe city made famous by its booming manufacturing industry and the engine of Chinese economic growth over the past few decades โ is a sprawling region of plain, gated factory buildings and high-rise towers. But set foot in OCT LOFT, the cityโs ultra-chic arts-and-design district, and youโll get a taste of a new and different economy. The hiss of latte machines and live jazz are the soundtrack here. Boutiques featuring handmade items fill repurposed industrial buildings alongside bars and restaurants. Murals brighten the exterior walls, and eye-catching sculptures line the brick sidewalks. On the second floor of Building A5, a cheerful, glass storefront with lime-green walls displays books, toys and curious electronic gadgets. This is Chaihuo, Shenzhenโs first makerspace.
How cheap can you make a cellphone? Bunnie Huang recently bought one in Shenzhen for just $12. There wasn’t a carrier subsidy, it was contract-free, and unlocked. As Bunnie says, “…that about the price of a large cheese pizza, or a decent glass of wine.”
