China's first AI eyewear mall opens in Longgang

Shopping for glasses in Shenzhen just got a high-tech upgrade.

The Henggang AI+ Eyewear Center, China's first commercial complex dedicated to AI-powered smart eyewear, officially opened Wednesday in Henggang Subdistrict, Longgang District.

Visitors select glasses at the Henggang AI+ Eyewear Center on its opening day. The center is known as China's first commercial complex dedicated to AI-powered smart eyewear. Li Zhong

The six-story complex blends industrial research and development with experiential retail and cultural tourism, aiming to redefine how consumers see — and interact with — the world. While the first two floors are now open to the public, the remaining levels will roll out in phases.

A centerpiece of the launch is the Vision Hub, a global AI and augmented reality (AR) experience center established in partnership with the Shenzhen AR Industry Association. The hub serves as a testing ground for cutting-edge smart glasses, bridging the gap between traditional optics and wearable tech. More than 40 brands and supply-chain companies have already moved in, ranging from original design workshops to retailers showcasing the latest AI-integrated frames.

Vision Hub is a global AI and augmented reality (AR) experience center at the Henggang AI+ Eyewear Center. 

To woo visitors, the center launched a free shuttle bus service connecting the Liantang Checkpoint directly to the complex. The 30-minute shuttle will run on weekends and public holidays through Dec. 31. The route is designed to turn a shopping trip into a "one-stop" experience, linking major eyewear malls with local jewelry markets and dining hotspots in the subdistrict.

The opening marks a new chapter for Henggang, one of China’s eight major eyewear production bases.

The area’s optical roots date back to 1983, when a Hong Kong businessman opened the first factory in the 168 Industrial Zone, sparking a manufacturing boom. At its peak between 2005 and 2010, Henggang produced 125 million pairs of glasses annually — more than 50% of the global mid-to-high-end market.

Today, Longgang District stands as a manufacturing powerhouse, housing 1,500 eyewear firms — 70% based in Henggang and Yuanshan subdistricts. With the nation's most complete supply chain, it can turn a raw mold into a finished pair of glasses within just five kilometers. Longgang is also the home to 90% of China's top eyewear designers and produces for iconic global brands including LV, Gucci, Chanel, Armani, and Ray‑Ban.