Visit Yiwu
Plan your visit to Yiwu, China
Yiwu is one of the world's most important wholesale hubs for small commodities. This guide helps international buyers prepare for their first visit to Yiwu International Trade City.
What is Yiwu?
Yiwu is a city in Zhejiang Province, China, known globally for wholesale trade in small consumer goods — toys, gifts, home decor, accessories, electronics, and more. Thousands of foreign buyers visit each year to source products for retail, e-commerce, and distribution in their home countries.
Browse Yiwu Guide articles →Yiwu International Trade City
Yiwu International Trade City (Futian Market) is the main sourcing destination — a massive wholesale complex organized by product districts and floors. Buyers walk booth to booth, compare products, collect supplier contacts, and negotiate MOQ and pricing before placing orders.
Plan to focus on districts matching your product categories rather than trying to cover the entire market in one day.
How to get to Yiwu
Most international visitors fly into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) or Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao (PVG/SHA), then take high-speed rail or private transfer to Yiwu. Yiwu also has its own airport (YIW) with regional and some international connections.
- High-speed train: Hangzhou to Yiwu takes about 30–40 minutes; Shanghai area to Yiwu roughly 1.5–2 hours.
- Private transfer: Convenient if carrying samples or traveling with a group.
- Local taxi/Didi: Widely available in Yiwu city.
Yiwu airport & train information
Yiwu Railway Station connects to China's high-speed network. Yiwu Airport (YIW) serves domestic routes and select international flights. Confirm schedules before travel as routes change seasonally.
Transportation tips
- Stay near the market or city center for easier daily access.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps; agree on long-distance fares upfront.
- Allow extra time during peak trade fair seasons.
- Keep supplier booth numbers and market gate locations recorded daily.
Where to stay
International-friendly hotels are available in Yiwu city and near the market. Many buyers choose 3–4 star business hotels with English-speaking front desk staff. Book early during Canton Fair season and major holidays.
Payment tips
- Mobile payments (WeChat Pay / Alipay) are common — set up before arrival if possible.
- Carry some cash for small purchases and emergencies.
- Never pay 100% upfront to unknown suppliers; use staged payments for bulk orders.
- Confirm whether prices are quoted in RMB and clarify export terms.
Language & translation tips
Many suppliers speak basic English, but Mandarin is the primary language. Use a translation app, hire a local interpreter, or work with a sourcing guide for complex negotiations. Clear written specs reduce misunderstandings.
First-time Yiwu visit checklist
- ✓Valid passport and China visa (if required for your nationality)
- ✓Product photos, specs, target prices, and packaging requirements
- ✓Business cards and a notebook for supplier booth numbers
- ✓Mobile payment setup or cash for local expenses
- ✓Translation app or local guide contact
- ✓3–5 days minimum for meaningful market visits
- ✓Shipping plan discussed before placing large orders
Visit & sourcing FAQ
- Can I buy from Yiwu without visiting China?
- Yes. Many overseas buyers source from Yiwu remotely through sourcing agents or verified partners. You can share product photos, specs, and target pricing, receive samples, and place orders without traveling. Visiting Yiwu is helpful for complex product lines but not required for every buyer.
- What is the minimum order quantity?
- MOQ varies by product, supplier type, and customization. Yiwu traders often accept lower MOQs than factories, while custom branding usually increases MOQ. Typical ranges start from a few hundred to a few thousand units depending on the category.
- How do I find reliable suppliers?
- Shortlist suppliers with export experience, request samples, verify business licenses, compare multiple quotes, and start with a small trial order. Working with an experienced Yiwu sourcing team helps verify suppliers before you pay.
- How long does shipping take?
- Sea freight from Yiwu to most destinations takes roughly 25–45 days. Air freight is faster at 5–10 days but costs more. Express courier works for small samples. Timeline depends on destination, customs clearance, and shipping method.
- Can you help with inspection?
- Yes. Qualified sourcing requests can include quality inspection support — pre-shipment checks, sample approval, and factory verification — handled by our experienced Yiwu sourcing partner team.