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What is Yiwu Market? A Complete Guide for First-Time Buyers

Introduction – Why Yiwu Market Matters to Global Importers

Yiwu Market, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities. With over 75,000 booths and 400,000+ product types, it has become the go-to sourcing destination for Amazon sellers, importers, wholesalers, gift shop owners, and supermarket buyers from all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for trending toys, gift items, custom logo products, or seasonal decor, Yiwu Market offers unbeatable variety, low MOQs, and supplier flexibility unmatched by other platforms.

Where Is Yiwu Market Located?

Yiwu Market is located in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. It’s about:

  • 🛬 2 hours from Shanghai by high-speed train

  • 🚄 1 hour from Hangzhou

  • 🚗 Easily accessible via Yiwu International Airport or direct train

Yiwu is a small city by Chinese standards but a giant in global trade—serving thousands of foreign buyers daily.

Shanghai Hongqiao International airport to Yiwu market

How Big is Yiwu Market? A Look at the Numbers

Yiwu Market is also known as the International Trade City, and its scale is massive:

  • 🏬 75,000+ supplier booths

  • 🛍️ 400,000+ product types

  • 📦 5 large districts divided into 26+ specialized categories

  • 🌍 100,000+ international buyers visit annually

  • ⏰ Open year-round, 8:30 am–5:00 pm (except holidays)

You could easily spend a week exploring all 5 districts—and still not see everything!

What Can You Buy in Yiwu Market?

Yiwu is a paradise for product sourcing. Some of the most popular categories include:

  • 🎁 Gifts & Crafts – DIY kits, decor, novelty items

  • 🧸 Toys – Plastic toys, plush, educational games, action figures

  • 👜 Bags & Fashion Accessories – Handbags, backpacks, wallets, belts

  • 🍳 Home & Kitchenware – Utensils, storage, cookware, cleaning tools

  • 💍 Jewelry – Costume jewelry, accessories, beads

  • 🎄 Seasonal Items – Christmas, Easter, Halloween, party supplies

Many booths offer:

  • Low MOQ (200–500 pcs)

  • 🏷️ OEM/private label customization

Yiwu stationary wholesale market

How Does Buying Work in Yiwu Market?

Buying from Yiwu can be simple—with the right knowledge or local support.

Common buying methods:

  • Direct purchase from booths (good for ready stock)

  • Factory orders via catalog or samples (better for custom/OEM needs)

Challenges to expect:

  • 🗣️ Language barrier (most sellers speak limited English)

  • 💵 Payment terms – Usually 30% deposit, 70% before shipment

  • 📦 Shipping – You arrange or your agent consolidates and ships

  • 🎁 Samples – Bring cash to buy and take samples on-site

Why Use a Yiwu Market Agent?

A local Yiwu sourcing agent can save you time, money, and mistakes.

Services a good agent provides:

  • 🗺️ Market navigation + supplier filtering

  • 🗣️ Live translation during market visit

  • 📋 Order follow-up, contracts, and payment handling

  • 🔍 Product inspection and quality control

  • 📦 Consolidated shipping to your destination

📣 Need Help Navigating Yiwu?
[Contact Our Agent Team → Free Consultation]

Yangzhou WuTingLong Market

When to Visit Yiwu Market?

Yiwu Market is open year-round, but the best times to visit are:

Recommended Months:

  • March–May: Post-Chinese New Year, full stock

  • September–November: New arrivals for holiday season

⚠️ Avoid:

  • Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) – Most shops are closed

  • National Week (Oct 1–7) – High travel congestion

Travel Tips:

  • 🏨 Book hotels near District 2 or District 3

  • 🕘 Market hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

  • 🧳 Travel light but bring a wheeled suitcase for samples

Yiwu Market vs Other Wholesale Platforms

FeatureYiwu MarketAlibabaCanton Fair
Product DiscoveryIn-person, thousands of SKUsOnline onlyOffline, limited to exhibitors
MOQLow (200–500 pcs)Varies (often high)Medium-high
Customization OptionsFlexible with samplesSlower, more negotiationLess flexible on-site
Speed of SourcingFast decisions in personSlower communicationSlower order cycles
Relationship BuildingFace-to-face trust buildingOnline-onlyShort-term meetings

Tips for First-Time Buyers

  • ✅ Don’t go alone – hire a translator or sourcing agent

  • 📷 Take photos of products + booth numbers

  • 🧾 Collect business cards, pricing lists, and MOQ info

  • 💵 Bring cash for samples and small deposits

  • ❌ Don’t place big orders without QC and inspection

Conclusion – Is Yiwu Market Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Yiwu Market is a game changer for global buyers who want:

  • Broad product variety

  • Competitive prices

  • Small MOQs

  • Fast lead times

  • Custom logo options

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can source 100+ items in one week, directly from manufacturers.


Ready to Start Sourcing in Yiwu?

💼 Get a Free Sourcing Consultation
🗺️ Yiwu Market Tour + Translation
📦 Order Management, Product Inspection & Shipping

✉️ [Contact our Yiwu Sourcing Team today to plan your visit or remote sourcing experience.]

Tony Chen

Tony Chen, the founder of TonySourcing.com & TonyPromos.com He is Professional merchandiser in China since 2011, Now he have quote a lot of Professional knowledge for all kind of Toys and Promos item.

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