75,000 shops and half a million goods on display, Yiwu Wholesale Market is called “the world’s largest small commodity market” for a reason. What type of products exactly are sold in this market? How can you visit the market? And what are the best ways to buy from Yiwu International Market?

We’ll be answering these questions and more in this comprehensive guide on how to buy from Yiwu Wholesale Market. Read on to find out what makes this market so special.

Yiwu Market, also called Yiwu International Trade City, is the biggest wholesale market for small goods in the world. It is located in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, China. Until you visit Yiwu in person, you’ll never understand how huge this market is.

The market covers more than 4 million square meters and has over 75,000 booths, divided into five main districts. These booths sell over half a million different products at cheap wholesale prices, which is why thousands of importers from all over the world flock to Yiwu.

You can find almost anything in Yiwu market—jewelry, toys, bags, clothes, tools, electronics, and household items. Since Yiwu is close to major shipping ports in Shanghai and Ningbo, you can easily export your goods to your warehouse in any country. Even if you’re not buying anything, Yiwu is still worth visiting as a tourist destination. The city is filled with fun places to explore, good transport, and many quality hotels.

Yiwugo is the official online platform for Yiwu Market. If you can’t visit the market in person, then Yiwugo is a great place to start. The website lists goods from over 75,000 vendors, most of whom also have physical shops inside the market.

Yiwugo uses a 360° panoramic view of the market, making it feel like you’re truly walking through it. On the site, you can search for products, view the profile of different suppliers, and make direct inquiries. You can also use the Yiwugo mobile app to shop from your phone.

If you can get around the communication barrier, problems with inconsistent quality, and middlemen, there are many reasons to shop at the Yiwu market. Here are some of the biggest advantages:

1. Many Products and Suppliers in One Place- We already mentioned that Yiwu Market has over 75,000 shops. You can find different varieties of your product here and compare prices with different suppliers.
2. ​Low Prices- Most sellers in Yiwu get their products directly from factories. This means their prices are very low, and they can offer huge discounts when you buy in bulk.
   
3. Low MOQs- Most suppliers in Yiwu have small minimum orders, usually around 50 pieces. This is good for you if you’re starting a new business or want to test new products without spending too much money.​
4. Easy Shipping- You can buy loads of goods from different shops in Yiwu and then consolidate them all into one container. Since the market is fairly close to major ports in Ningbo and Shanghai, you can ship your orders back to your country conveniently.
5. Open All Day, All Year- Unlike trade shows that happen once or twice a year, Yiwu Market is open all year round, except during the Chinese New Year. The market is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, so you can visit anytime to check the millions of goods exhibited.
6. Meet Suppliers Directly- Finally, visiting Yiwu gives you the chance to discuss with the supplier directly about your customization needs, MOQs, Incoterms, negotiate discounts, and other important details.

Yiwu Market is home to so many goods across several categories:

• Artificial Flowers: Various types and designs for decoration.
• Toys: Plush, electronic, and inflatable toys.
• Jewelry and Accessories: Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and hair accessories.
• Decorative Crafts: Porcelain, crystals, photo frames, and other decorative items.
• Hardware and Tools: Locks, electrical products, hand tools, and fittings.
• Kitchenware and Appliances: Cookware, utensils, small kitchen appliances.
• Office Supplies: Pens, notebooks, staplers, and other stationery items.
• Cosmetics and Beauty Products: Skincare, makeup, beauty tools, and accessories.
• Clothing and Textiles: Socks, gloves, hats, underwear, zippers, and various fabrics.
• Shoes and Footwear: Casual, formal, and sports shoes.
• Bags and Luggage: Backpacks, handbags, suitcases, and travel accessories.
• Automotive and Electric Supplies: Car accessories, parts, and maintenance tools.
• Imported Goods: Products from various countries, including specialty items.

Yiwu is so large and busy that you can easily get confused on your first visit. We usually advise that you plan your itinerary days ahead, and if possible, go along with a market guide.

There are only a few international flights that go directly to Yiwu, so most visitors arrive through larger cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, or Beijing and then travel to Yiwu.

By Air

• Yiwu Airport (YIW) is mainly a small domestic airport with flights from major cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Xiamen.
• From the airport, it takes 20–30 minutes by taxi to reach the market.
• If you’re flying internationally, your best option is to arrive at Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, or Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, then connect to Yiwu by train, bus, or domestic flight.

By Train

• Yiwu is connected by China’s high-speed rail network.
• From Shanghai Hongqiao Station, trains leave every 5–10 minutes and take 1.5 to 2 hours.
• From Hangzhou, the train ride takes about 40–50 minutes.
• From Beijing, expect 6.5 to 7 hours by high-speed train.

💡Winsky’s Tip: You must show your passport to buy tickets. Foreigners cannot use the self-service ticket machines — you’ll need to go to the ticket counter or ask an agent to help.

By Bus

Long-distance buses to Yiwu run from nearby cities. You can get from:

• Hangzhou Airport to Yiwu in 1.5 hours (bus every 40–60 minutes).
• Shanghai to Yiwu in 3–4.5 hours.
• Guangzhou to Yiwu in around 6–8 hours, depending on traffic.

By Private Car

Buyers sometimes choose to hire private cars or vans. It is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Yiwu, but it is more expensive. Expect to pay between CNY 350–800 ($54–120 USD) depending on origin  city and the vehicle you book.

We recommend you stay close to the market to save time and energy. No one wants to walk long distances to their hotels after a full day of shopping. The good news is that there are several quality, well-priced hotels within the Yiwu market axis that are suitable for you.

The market is open every day, including weekends, from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. It is closed for about 2 weeks during Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). Remember that some booths close before 5:30 PM, so try to visit much earlier in the day.

If you’ll be navigating the market alone, you can avoid getting lost by doing the following:

• Download the Yiwu Market Guide App: It shows your location and product categories by floor and district.
• Get a physical market map: Most hotels or booths at the entrance of the market can give you these for free.
• Use Free Shuttle Buses: There are 10 free shuttle routes around the market.
  • Line 1 runs everywhere.
  • Line 3 is a direct route with fixed stops.
• Use Didi (China’s Uber) for local transport. Taxis are also very cheap (around CNY 7 or USD 1).

• Comfortable shoes
• Notebook or phone – You’ll need to take lots of product pictures and notes from suppliers about your brand.
• Business cards – It’ll come in handy if you need suppliers to contact you later.
• Translator app – Many vendors in Yiwu market are not fluent in English.
• Cash – Many shops don’t accept international credit cards. ATMs and banks are available, but bring enough cash to start with.
• Chinese SIM card – You’ll need this to access free Wi-Fi at the market (you’ll receive the login code via text).

You must have heard about the 5 major districts of Yiwu International Trade City. Each district specializes in different product categories.

This is one of the busiest districts in Yiwu and has four floors. It is known for small commodities. It is a good place to start if you’re looking for gifts, decorations, or accessories.

• 1st Floor: Artificial flowers, plush toys, and inflatable toys.
• 2nd Floor: Hair accessories and jewelry.
• 3rd Floor: Decorative crafts, porcelain, crystals, and photo frames.
• 4th Floor: Factory outlets and trade services.

If your business is based on hardware and tools, then district 2 is the one for you. It was opened in 2004 and covers over 600,000 square meters with more than 8,000 booths.

• 1st Floor: Raincoats, umbrellas, bags, and suitcases.
• 2nd Floor: Locks, electrical products, and tools.
• 3rd Floor: Kitchenware, small appliances, clocks, and watches.
• 4th Floor: Regional specialty products, showrooms, malls, and trade services.

This district has five floors and over 7,000 shops. It focuses on office and beauty products.

• 1st Floor: Glasses and pens.
• 2nd Floor: Office supplies and sports equipment.
• 3rd Floor: Cosmetics, skincare, and beauty tools.
• 4th Floor: Stationery and sports goods.
• 5th Floor: Imported products and trade services.

Since it opened in 2008, this has been the largest district in Yiwu International market, with over 19,000 shops across 5 floors. It is centered around clothing and textiles.

• 1st Floor: Socks and daily necessities.
• 2nd Floor: Gloves, hats, and knitted products.
• 3rd Floor: Shoes and sewing materials.
• 4th Floor: Belts, bras, and underwear.
• 5th Floor: Tourism and shopping services.

Yiwu’s newest district opened in 2011, covering 640,000 square meters and over 7,000 shops. It is popular with buyers seeking imported goods and automotive supplies.

• 1st Floor: Imported products and specialty items.
• 2nd Floor: Bedding and textiles.
• 3rd Floor: Knitted fabrics and materials.
• 4th Floor: Automotive supplies and accessories.
• 5th Floor: E-commerce and trade services.

Buying from Yiwu is simple, but it’s also easy to waste your time and money. Here’s how you should go about your shopping.

Before you even arrive in Yiwu, plan ahead and know exactly what you need. You can start by researching the exact products you’re interested in and checking which districts and floors those items are located on. If possible, explore the market virtually and use the Yiwu market app/website to get booth numbers and contact suppliers ahead of time. Make sure the products you plan to buy meet your country’s import regulations.

Even though Yiwu Market is well-organized, it’s huge and confuses importers. When you arrive, you’ll see that similar items are grouped in the same areas. For example, if you’re buying socks, you’ll find dozens of socks suppliers all on one floor, which makes it easy to visit several wholesalers and compare prices. Have a clear idea of your budget and materials needed, and visit several shops before making a decision. If you don’t follow your product plan, you’ll end up making impulse buys.

Not every vendor in Yiwu speaks fluent English, so communication can be tricky. We advise that you keep your questions short and simple. If you’re discussing a complex order, you should use a translation app or hire a local interpreter. Better still, you can work with Winsky or other Yiwu agents to assist with your communication.

Bargaining prices is normal in Yiwu. Most suppliers are open to negotiations on price, payment terms, and MOQs. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially when you’re making large orders. If you’re not satisfied, leave. Sometimes that’s all it takes for the seller to make a better offer.

Whatever arrangements you have with a supplier should be formally written on paper. Double-check the details: quantity, colors, packaging, delivery time, and any special requirements, and then ask the seller to include these in a proforma invoice. If you make a deposit upfront, make sure this is recorded too. You should understand the return policy of any supplier in case something goes wrong. If you use Winsky, we’ll handle this step for you and make sure the order is placed correctly.

Never skip product inspection. What you see on display in the shop might not be the same as what gets packed into boxes for delivery. You can either check the products yourself at the warehouse or hire a professional quality inspection service to do it for you.

Once your products are ready, you need to get them home. We’ve mentioned already that you can use the Shanghai and Ningbo ports to ship to your country. If logistics is difficult for you, then rely on Winsky Freight. We’ll consolidate your goods into one shipment, and then transport them inland to the port. We use air freight, sea freight, or train transport depending on how fast you need the goods and your budget. If you choose our DDP services, we’ll handle customs clearance and deliver to your final destination.

When you find a good supplier, try hard to keep them. Subsequently, you wouldn’t need to travel to Yiwu in the future to get your products delivered. A good supplier relationship will lead to better discounts and more flexibility in orders.

1. Visit the Market in Person- It goes without saying that the best way to connect with a supplier is to visit Yiwu yourself. Nothing beats being able to see products up close, feel the materials, and test the quality. Face-to-face meetings also makes negotiations much easier.
2. Use Online Tools Like Yiwugo- If you can’t visit Yiwu in person, you can start your search online on Yiwugo.com. It gives you a feel for available suppliers and their prices. Please do not make big orders from the website without using a sourcing agent.
3. Understand the type of Supplier- Yiwu Market has a mix of manufacturers and trading companies. Trading companies may give you several types of products, but manufacturers will give you better prices and quality control. Always know the suppliers you’re dealing with.
4. Verify Supplier- Genuine suppliers will have business license, tax certificate, or export permit. If you’re working on a larger order, ask to visit their factory. Factories that welcome visits tend to be transparent, and you can easily confirm their production capabilities.
5. Ask for Samples- We cannot stress this enough. Always test product quality before buying big. Make sure the quality, branding, and packaging fit your brand and meet your country’s standards.
6. Don’t Skip the Sourcing Agent- If it’s your first time, it’s advisable to use a Yiwu sourcing agent. Since they understand the market better than you, they’ll help you negotiate great deals and save stress and money.

Once your goods have been packed and are ready to go, you can choose between air freight, sea freight, railway freight and express courier, or simply use a freight forwarder. The best method for you depends on how urgently you need the goods, the volume of goods to be shipped, and your budget.

• Air Freight will get your goods delivered very quickly. Products like electronics, accessories, or luxury goods are commonly sent by air. Your shipments should arrive in your country under 10 days, but this method comes at a higher cost.
• Express Delivery (Courier Shipping) in Yiwu is handled by global couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, EMS, and SF Express. It is perfect for small and urgent orders. Although more expensive, these companies provide door-to-door service and deliver in 3–5 days. You may also find many express shipping offices near Yiwu Market that can give you better prices than going through the official global courier websites.
• Sea Freight is the most affordable way to ship large quantities, although transit times are much longer (20–45 days) depending on your destination. Be aware that sea freight also involves customs clearance and import fees, so you should prepare for this beforehand.
• Railway Freight is great if you’re shipping goods from Yiwu to Europe. The Yixinou Railway connects Yiwu to countries like Germany, Spain, Poland, Russia, France, and Kazakhstan. Delivery takes about 14 to 25 days, which is faster than sea and cheaper than air.
• Freight Forwarders in Yiwu are your best bet if you’re buying from multiple suppliers. You can find many freight forwarding companies around Changchun and Futian Districts, just near the market. Some forwarders like Winsky Freight offer end-to-end services- product pickup, warehousing, customs clearance, international shipping, and home delivery. Since we’re specialized in delivering to major countries around the world, your shipping process becomes simpler, more affordable, and quicker with us.

💡Winsky’s Tip– Many sellers in Yiwu Market do not have export licenses. This means they cannot ship your goods directly overseas. Working with a freight forwarder like Winsky Freight or an agent is better for you.

Whether you need a Yiwu shipping agent is not a straightforward answer. The main thing you should know is that a Yiwu agent will help you in all areas related to procurement and logistics, which makes your buying process way easier. They can also help consolidate goods, store your goods temporarily in warehouses, and package them on your behalf. Since they understand the local language, you’ll face no issues communicating with suppliers.

However, you should know that they come at a cost. Some agents are also known to deceive buyers by colluding with suppliers to make extra profits. Therefore, you must be careful when choosing an agent. If you need help with sourcing and shipping in Yiwu market, contact Winsky Freight.

Here are Winsky’s essential tips for first-time buyers navigating the Yiwu Market:

• Plan your visits ahead, and avoid the rush of peak season shipping.
• Allocate sufficient time to explore the market properly.
• Carry a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a business visa (L or M type), and business cards in both English and Chinese.
• Bring along comfortable walking shoes, a power bank, a backpack for samples, and a notebook or digital device to take notes and photos of products and booths.
• Download translation apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate, navigation tools like as Maps.me and WeChat for easy communication.
• Have cash handy, or set up a chinese bank account if possible.
• Hire a local guide.
• Inspect products before making purchases.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
• Use Winsky Freight to simplify your shipping.

Shopping from Yiwu gives you access to thousands of suppliers, millions of products, and endless business opportunities in one place. In this guide, we’ve explained the steps to help you navigate the market like a pro and buy whatever products you need. With a bit of good planning and following our tips, you’ll have an enjoyable shopping experience. And when you’re ready to move your goods, Winsky Freight is here to help you pack and ship them quickly to your destination. Contact us today. We love to hear from you.