# LightSphere

Shanghai’s AWE Turns Trade Show Into a Visa‑Free Shop Window for China’s Hard Tech

Shanghai’s Appliance & Electronics World Expo introduced an “Oriental Hub” with visa‑free entry for invited foreigners and duty‑free handling for exhibits, turning a consumer fair into an efficient international marketplace for Chinese hard tech. The policy enabled overseas buyers to inspect and negotiate on AI chips, edge compute, optical interconnects and robotics on the spot, accelerating commercial engagement while signalling China’s push to export integrated technology solutions.