Dubai China Center

United Arab Emirates8 photographs2007

One of these days, some movie's going to be filmed in the endless corridors of this wholesale market for Chinese goods. It won't be a comedy.

Notice that China's rising?

Notice that China's rising?

The name sounds corny, at least in English, but the iconography of dragons suggests that the Chinese play to win.

The name sounds corny, at least in English, but the iconography of dragons suggests that the Chinese play to win.

Inside, a ceremonial river, much like the one in the Forbidden City.

Inside, a ceremonial river, much like the one in the Forbidden City.

Even the layout is dragonesque.

Even the layout is dragonesque.

Lots and lots of vendors.

Lots and lots of vendors.

Not on your average consumer's shopping list.

Not on your average consumer's shopping list.

Next door, the warehouse.

Next door, the warehouse.

Hey, look, mom! It's a culvert pipe crossed with the sky-supporting towers of the Ming Tombs.

Hey, look, mom! It's a culvert pipe crossed with the sky-supporting towers of the Ming Tombs.