Visit Yiwu, China
Visit Yiwu, China
Yiwu, located in China's Zhejiang province, is home to the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities. Known as the "International Trade City," Yiwu attracts over 500,000 foreign businesspeople annually who come to source products directly from thousands of suppliers.
As FuroSourcing's headquarters is based in Yiwu, we offer comprehensive support for international buyers planning to visit this vibrant trading hub. Our team can help you navigate the massive markets, arrange supplier meetings, provide translation services, and ensure your sourcing trip is productive and successful.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned trader, our local expertise will help you make the most of your time in Yiwu and build valuable connections with reliable suppliers.
About Yiwu Market
Understanding the world's largest wholesale market
Market Overview
Yiwu International Trade City spans over 5.5 million square meters and houses more than 75,000 shops selling over 1.8 million different types of products across five districts. The market is organized by product categories, making it easier for buyers to find what they're looking for.
Each district specializes in different product categories:
- •District 1: Ornaments, toys, crafts, and gifts
- •District 2: Hardware, electronics, and daily necessities
- •District 3: Textiles, accessories, and cosmetics
- •District 4: Sports equipment, stationery, and office supplies
- •District 5: Clothing, shoes, and fashion accessories
The market operates year-round, with business hours typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many suppliers in Yiwu also have factories in nearby cities, allowing for customization and larger production runs beyond the samples available in the market.
Why Visit Yiwu?
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Product Variety: Access to an unparalleled range of products in one location, saving you time and travel costs compared to visiting multiple factories.
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Direct Supplier Contact: Meet suppliers face-to-face, build relationships, and negotiate better terms than you might achieve online.
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Product Discovery: Discover new product ideas and trends that may not yet be visible on online platforms or in your local market.
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Quality Assessment: Physically inspect products before placing orders, reducing the risk of quality issues later.
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Competitive Pricing: Access wholesale prices directly from manufacturers and trading companies, often at better rates than online platforms.
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Market Insights: Gain valuable insights into Chinese manufacturing capabilities, pricing structures, and supply chain dynamics.
Beyond the Market
Attractions and experiences to enjoy during your visit to Yiwu
Yiwu Cultural Street
Experience traditional Chinese architecture and culture while shopping for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Xiuhu Park
A beautiful urban park perfect for relaxing after a busy day of sourcing, featuring a lake, gardens, and walking paths.
Yiwu Museum
Learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Yiwu and its transformation into an international trade center.
Local Cuisine
Sample authentic Zhejiang cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and exquisite presentation.
Bingwang Night Market
Experience the vibrant night life and try various local street foods at this popular evening market.
Yiwu Factory Tours
Visit manufacturing facilities in and around Yiwu to see how products are made and understand production capabilities.
Our Yiwu Visit Services
How FuroSourcing can support your sourcing trip to Yiwu
Pre-Trip Planning
Customized itinerary planning based on your product requirements, market research, and supplier pre-screening before your arrival.
Market Guide Services
Experienced guides who know the Yiwu market inside out, helping you navigate efficiently and find the right suppliers for your products.
Translation & Interpretation
Professional interpreters to facilitate clear communication with suppliers, ensuring your requirements are understood and negotiations go smoothly.
Supplier Meetings
Arrangement of meetings with pre-vetted suppliers who match your requirements, both in the market and at their factories if needed.
Transportation Services
Airport pickup, hotel transfers, and daily transportation to markets and factories during your stay in Yiwu.
Accommodation Arrangements
Assistance with booking suitable accommodation based on your preferences and budget, with options close to the markets.
Planning Your Visit
Essential information for a successful trip to Yiwu
Best Time to Visit
The ideal times to visit Yiwu are:
- •Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather with temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F). The market is active but not overly crowded.
- •Autumn (September-October): Another comfortable season with similar temperatures to spring and generally clear skies.
Avoid:
- •Chinese New Year (January/February): Many businesses close for 1-2 weeks during this major holiday.
- •Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F).
- •National Holiday (first week of October): Many businesses may be closed or operating with limited staff.
Practical Information
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Visa Requirements: Most visitors to China require a business visa. We can provide invitation letters to support your visa application.
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Getting to Yiwu: The nearest major airport is Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), about 1.5 hours from Yiwu by car. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 3 hours away.
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Accommodation: There are numerous hotels in Yiwu ranging from budget to luxury options. Many are located within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the markets.
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Language: While English is increasingly spoken in business settings, it's not widely used. Having a translator or guide is highly recommended.
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Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments, but cash is preferred in the markets.
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Internet Access: Some western websites and apps are restricted in China. Consider setting up a VPN before your trip for access to familiar services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting Yiwu
How many days should I plan to spend in Yiwu?
For first-time visitors, we recommend at least 3-5 days in Yiwu. This allows enough time to explore the relevant sections of the market, meet with potential suppliers, and possibly visit nearby factories. If you have a wide range of products to source, consider allocating more time.
Can I place small orders in Yiwu Market?
Yes, many suppliers in Yiwu accept smaller orders compared to factories, making it ideal for testing products or starting a new business. However, minimum order quantities (MOQs) still apply and vary by supplier and product. Our team can help negotiate favorable terms for your specific needs.
Do I need to speak Chinese to shop in Yiwu?
While not absolutely necessary, having a Chinese-speaking guide or translator significantly improves your experience. It helps with navigation, communication, negotiation, and ensures your requirements are clearly understood. FuroSourcing provides professional interpreters as part of our Yiwu visit services.
How do I arrange shipping for my purchases?
FuroSourcing can handle all logistics arrangements for your purchases, including consolidation, quality inspection, packaging, and shipping to your destination. We work with reliable freight forwarders to ensure your goods are delivered safely and efficiently.
Is it possible to customize products found in Yiwu Market?
Yes, many suppliers in Yiwu can customize products with your logo, packaging, or specific requirements. For more substantial modifications, suppliers can often connect you with their manufacturing facilities. Our team can help facilitate these customization requests and ensure they meet your specifications.
How far in advance should I book FuroSourcing's Yiwu visit services?
We recommend booking our services at least 2-4 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for thorough preparation, including market research, supplier pre-screening, and itinerary planning. This ensures we can create a tailored experience that maximizes the productivity of your visit.
Ready to plan your visit to Yiwu?
Contact us today to discuss your sourcing goals and how we can support your trip to make it productive and successful.
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