

City Overview
Yiwu, located in central Zhejiang Province, China, is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Jinhua. Despite its administrative rank, Yiwu has earned global recognition as the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities and is often referred to as “The World's Supermarket.”
Area: 1,105 km²
Population: Around 2 million (including 15,000 resident foreign traders)
Key Industries: Small commodity manufacturing, wholesale trade, cross-border e-commerce
Languages: Mandarin is widely spoken, but in the markets you'll hear Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and over 20 other languages.
Economic Miracle: From "Trading Feathers for Sugar" to Global Trade
Historical Background
Yiwu's entrepreneurial spirit dates back to the Ming Dynasty with the tradition of hawkers exchanging feathers for sugar. After China's reform and opening-up, the local government pioneered a "sector-based market" model and established the Yiwu Small Commodities Market in 1982. It has since grown into the Yiwu International Trade City, hosting 75,000 booths and 210,000 suppliers.Key Facts
Daily Foot Traffic: 210,000 visitors
Product Range: 2.1 million items (from buttons to drone parts)
Annual Turnover: Top of China's specialized markets for over 30 consecutive years
Export Ratio: 65% of goods exported to the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America
Belt and Road Hub
The Yiwu-Madrid Railway stretches 13,052 km across Eurasia, linking Yiwu directly with countries such as Spain and Russia.
Urban Character: A Unique Blend of Business and Culture
Must-Visit Landmarks
Yiwu International Trade City: Divided into five zones. Zone 1 (toys/accessories) and Zone 5 (imported goods) are highlights.
Santing Road Night Market: A late-night hotspot for global street food like Turkish kebabs and Yemeni honey.
Fotang Ancient Town: 300-year-old Anhui-style architecture with a rich merchant heritage.
Cultural Fusion
Chouzhou North Road: A multicultural street filled with Arabic restaurants, Persian carpet shops, and Eastern European wine dealers.
Expos: Yiwu hosts the Imported Commodities Fair (June) and Yiwu Small Commodities Fair (November) every year.
Must-Do Experiences: A Fusion of Trade & Culture
1. Trade-Focused Adventures – A Paradise for Global Buyers
Yiwu International Trade City (5 zones, 1 week to explore!)
Zone 1: Toys & accessories (Fun fact: 80% of the world's Christmas goods are from here)
Zone 2: Hardware & appliances (mini fans, LED lighting)
Zone 5: Imported goods (Russian chocolate, Iranian saffron)
✅ Tips:Wear comfortable shoes – walking through shops can easily hit 20,000 steps
Look for "Sample" signs to find retail-friendly vendors
Cultural Day Trips – Multinational Flavors in One City
International Cuisine Tour
Beyti Restaurant: Turkish grilled meat & tandoor bread
Sulaiman Middle Eastern Restaurant: Yemeni honey-roasted fish
Chouzhou North Road: A whole street of Arabic hookah bars and Persian carpet shops
Instagram-Worthy Spots
Jiming Pavilion: Tang-style tower with panoramic views of Yiwu at night
Fotang Ancient Town: 300-year-old homes + modern cultural cafés
Unique Markets
Santing Road Night Market: Evening-only market with foreign overstock treasures
Jiangdong Freight Market: Watch Yiwu's logistics in action (order today, ship to Dubai tomorrow)
In-Depth Travel Suggestions
Business Route
Day 1: Product sourcing at Trade City → Visit top-tier e-commerce warehouses
Day 2: Meet freight forwarders → Learn Yiwu-Madrid freight rail process
Family Fun Route
Day 1: Kids toy district → Yiwu Amusement Park (Ferris wheel for city views)
Day 2: Handmade brown sugar twists at Fotang → Jiming Pavilion nightscape
Practical Information
Language: Most vendors understand basic English and Arabic numerals
Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay accepted; some traders take USD cash
Why Is Yiwu Considered China's Most Globalized City?
In Yiwu, you might:
Enjoy Arabic coffee with a Syrian merchant in the morning
Source 100,000 Christmas stockings for a South African client in the afternoon
Hear Russian bargaining at the night market
Living in Yiwu as a Foreigner: From Settling Down to Running a Business
Yiwu attracts over 15,000 resident traders from 100+ countries. Here's a practical guide for foreigners living and doing business here.
1. Housing & Communities
Popular Residential Areas
Chouzhou North Road
Highlights: Middle Eastern community, Arabic restaurants, mosques, currency exchanges
Recommended:
Jinfuyuan International Plaza (high-end apartments near Trade City)
Beicun Village: Budget-friendly, ideal for startup traders
Jiangdong Subdistrict
Highlights: Popular with African and South American traders, many logistics companies
Recommended:
Jiangdong Area 4: Near freight market
Qingkou: Hub for e-commerce workers
Around the International Trade City
Highlights: Great for short stays
Recommended serviced apartments:
Shangri-La Yiwu (luxury)
Yindu Hotel (affordable with good amenities)
Rental Tips (2024 Estimates)
Studio apartment: ¥2,500 – ¥4,500/month
3-bedroom unit: ¥5,000 – ¥8,000/month
Premium complexes (e.g. Jinfuyuan): ¥10,000+/month
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