Gadget hunt can leave you feeling wired

Being the obsessed gizmo-lover that I am, whenever I visit an Asian city, my top priority is to find and explore the local gadget markets. Let's face it, a greater selection of electronics items are offered this side of the globe because most of them are made in Asia, and top among the production areas is Shenzhen.

So far, I can say I've checked two markets off my list, one being Akihabara in Tokyo and the other being in Beijing. After my experiences shopping in Japan and those from my home country, nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting in Beijing.

Exiting the train at Zhongguancun, China's own Silicon Valley, and making your way to the sea of vendors, it's almost as if you're entering an unknown world. Gone is the easy browsing Best Buy and megastore experience where the most attention you receive is a kind "may I help you?" from staff, which one can easily decline.