Apple Inc.'s CEO Tim Cook next to tech representatives from China at Apple store. (Photo : Reuters)
Apple is no doubt trying to take a solid grasp on the Chinese market and is planning to open retail stores in several regions in the coming months.
The company recently opened a retail store in Hangzhou, China, which is considered to be the biggest Apple retail store in Asia.
With the launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple is aiming to penetrate the Chinese market that is currently dominated by local products like Xiaomi and Samsung.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, posted on Twitter about the occasion, saying, "Starting Something New in Hangzhou, China! #AppleStoreWestLake."
Like the rest of Apple retail stores, the one in Hangzhou features a Genius Bar, a space for one-to-one personal training.
The new store is considered to be a "masterpiece." The architecture was designed by the firm who designed Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters. The facade is decorated with calligraphy mural by famous Chinese calligraphy artist Wang Dongling.
Wang's foundation for the calligraphy art is the 2,000-year-old Chinese poem "Praising West Lake in the Rain." The poem celebrates Hangzhou, provincial capital of Zhejiang Province.
To date, 35 percent of iPhone shipments go to China. The Shanghai Apple store is now considered the world's busiest Apple retail store as it services more than 25,000 customers a day.
After the Hangzhou opening, two additional retail stores will open in the country, although their locations are not yet announced.
It has been reported previously that Apple is planning to open five new retail stores in China before the Chinese New Year.
