【Epoch Times April 14, 2026】 On April 13, three residential buildings in the Happiness City Zhenyuan project in Longhua District, Shenzhen, opened for sale, attracting a large number of people queuing up at the scene. During the process, security guards sprayed pepper spray on the crowd for nearly half an hour, causing chaos on the scene. Additionally, an informant revealed that some individuals were hired to pose as potential homebuyers.
On April 12, the developer issued a statement announcing that the three residential buildings of the Happiness City Zhenyuan project, developed by Shenzhen Hongyao Tai Industrial Co., Ltd., were scheduled to open for sale on April 13 in a “first-come, first-served, number selection for housing units” manner.
According to the Shenzhen real estate information platform, Zhenyuan residence is located in Longhua Street, Longhua District, Shenzhen.
The China News Weekly reported that the three residential buildings in the Zhenyuan project obtained a pre-sale certificate on April 8. The three buildings being opened for sale include units with sizes of 65 square meters, 82 square meters, and 89 square meters. The opening price at the event is significantly lower than the recorded price. For example, for a 65 square meter unit, the total recorded price is around 2.9 million yuan, while the discounted price is approximately 2.5 million yuan. The discounted average price per square meter is about 37,000 to 40,000 yuan.
A real estate agent mentioned that the two-bedroom units in the new Zhenyuan project are relatively scarce, with only 72 units available. The price of the new units, at around 30,000 yuan per square meter with renovations included, is lower than the 50,000 yuan per square meter price of second-hand units in the adjacent area, making it a more affordable option for many considering buying a home. He also described the chaotic situation during the sales event, where security personnel unexpectedly sprayed pepper spray on the crowd for nearly half an hour.
The agent further explained, “Initially, the developer said it would be on a first-come, first-served basis, leading many people to queue overnight. Those of us with clients volunteered to queue on their behalf to help them secure priority in selecting housing units. However, on entering the sales venue the next morning, the developer announced a change to a lottery system and even used pepper spray. After spending the night queueing in vain and being treated in such a manner, it is indeed difficult to understand.”
According to a man contacted by Epoch Times, he was paid to act as a “stooge” (someone who pretends to be a genuine homebuyer). “I was given 200 yuan. They hired a total of 100 stooges, we have a group, but I can’t disclose further details.”
Another individual stated that he was introduced by an acquaintance to work as a “stooge.” “The basic rate was 300 yuan. Those who climbed over fences or were in the front lines were given an additional 200 yuan. The developer is trying to create hype, but there are actually very few genuine buyers. It’s hard to make money nowadays.”
Following the incident of pepper spray and chaos during the sales, on the afternoon of April 13, the developer, Shenzhen Hongyao Tai Industrial Co., Ltd., issued an apology letter stating that the unexpected high turnout at the sales event caused a brief disorder at the venue. An informal security guard at the scene, in the process of maintaining order, carried and used pepper spray without permission or authorization, causing discomfort to some customers and real estate agents.
Shenzhen News Network reported that the involved enterprise was summoned for discussion by the Longhua District Housing and Construction Bureau after the aforementioned incident.
(A contribution to this article by Epoch Times reporter Gu Xiaohua)