Cui Xiaoli

VISITORS attending Top Show Shenzhen 2008 that ended yesterday thought it should be improved in terms of scale and the number of visitors and exhibitors.

The show, labelled the most exclusive luxury goods show ever held in the city, attracted 15,000 visitors and clinched 300 million yuan worth of negotiated deals in three days.

"The exhibition hall is not big enough and there are not so many visitors compared with similar events held in Shanghai, but we are confident with the city's purchasing power," said Xiao Juan, an exhibitor from the Shenzhen Marine Club. During the show, Xiao signed several new membership deals with each costing 400,000 yuan (US$54,784) for a total membership of 30 years.

Chinese luxury goods brands, such as embroidery and wooden furniture, attracted little attention and VIP visitors were disappointed because there was not enough choice at the show.

"We invited more exhibitors to promote Chinese luxury goods, but the brands weren't widely accepted," said Sheng Lei, curator of the show. Chen Jinsong, an exhibitor from Yaojianping Embroidery Art Co., said the traditional Chinese luxury goods market was not big because there were few people who had the money and appreciation for traditional Chinese arts.

Daniel Porzel-Fang, a VIP visitor from Switzerland, was surprised to see Chinese wooden furniture at the show. "It is expensive, but I don't think it is unique," said Porzel-Fang.

"The scale is too small, and I have to fly to Switzerland to buy a watch, as there are only a few choices here," said a VIP visitor surnamed Jiang.

Most of the visitors came with curiosity and even negative ideas to the luxury show becuse the products seemed to be out of reach of ordinary families. A set of toilet ware was sold for 1.83 million yuan at the show.

"When I get rich, I will pursue something meaningful instead of using a toilet plated with gold to show off my wealth," said Zhang Juntao, a visitor.