This dataset includes first-hand data about the ecologies of the local maker movement collected in Shenzhen, China. Audio recordings of interviews with 50 interviewees (i.e. makerspaces staff members, makers, and other key players in the ecosystem of "making") together with their corresponding transcripts are included. Photos from observation in the two renowned makerspaces "CHAIHUO" and "HAX" as well as other supply chain businesses are also contained.