Yiwu International Trade City (often just called Yiwu Market) is located in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China. It's a massive complex divided into five districts, covering over 4 million square meters with more than 75,000 booths. District 1 and District 4 are particularly famous for clothing and apparel wholesale. It's a go-to hub for international buyers sourcing affordable, trendy clothing in bulk, including:
Men's, women's, and children's wear.
Sportswear, underwear, socks, and accessories.
Seasonal items like winter coats or summer dresses.
Customizable options for branding (e.g., private labels).
The market operates year-round, but it's busiest during trade fairs like the Yiwu Fair (held in October). Prices are incredibly competitive—often 30-50% lower than other Chinese markets like Guangzhou—due to direct factory sourcing and minimal middlemen.
Guides usually break down the process for first-time buyers, exporters, or e-commerce sellers. Here's a synthesized overview of what such a guide might cover, based on common content:
Address: Yiwu International Trade City, Chouzhou North Road, Yiwu, Zhejiang. Get Yiwu market location map before you go.
Transportation: Fly into Yiwu Airport (YIW) or nearby Hangzhou (HGH) or Shanghai (PVG). From there, take a high-speed train (e.g., 1-2 hours from Shanghai) or a bus/taxi. The market is about 10-15 minutes from Yiwu Railway Station.
Best Time to Visit: Avoid Chinese holidays like Spring Festival (January/February) when many suppliers close. Aim for weekdays (9 AM - 5 PM) for fewer crowds.
District Breakdown:
District 1: Focuses on accessories, socks, hats, and some basic apparel.
District 4: The main Yiwu clothing market hub with over 20,000 suppliers offering ready-to-wear garments, fabrics, and textiles.
Product Variety: From fast-fashion knockoffs to high-quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) items. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) start as low as 100-200 pieces per style, making it ideal for small businesses.
Pricing: Expect to pay $1-10 per piece for basic items (e.g., T-shirts at $2-3 wholesale). Bargaining is key—suppliers often quote 20-30% higher initially.
Language and Communication: English is limited; use translation apps like Google Translate or hire a local agent (costs $50-100/day). WeChat is essential for follow-ups.
Sourcing Process:
Wander the booths, collect samples, and negotiate.
Verify quality—check fabrics, stitching, and ask for certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX for eco-friendly materials).
Use Yiwu's "one-stop" services: Many agents handle shipping, customs, and consolidation.
Common Challenges: Counterfeits are rife, so inspect for IP issues. Shipping via sea (cheaper for bulk) or air (faster) from Ningbo or Shanghai ports.
Costs Beyond Products: Factor in agent fees, shipping ($0.50-2/kg), and import duties (varies by country, e.g., 10-20% in the US/EU).
Pros and Cons of Sourcing from Yiwu:
Pros: Huge variety, low prices, quick production (2-4 weeks for custom orders), and proximity to factories.
Cons: Overwhelming size (wear comfortable shoes!), potential quality inconsistencies, and logistical hurdles for international shipping.
Additional Resources and Alternatives:
Agents and Services: Companies like Dolphin Wholesale often offer sourcing, quality control, and logistics help. Other platforms include Alibaba, 1688.com, or local firms like Yiwu Amanda.
Visa and Legal Tips: Most visitors need a business visa (M visa). Register for temporary residence if staying longer.
Alternatives: If Yiwu doesn't fit, check Guangzhou's garment markets (higher quality, fashion-focused) or online platforms like DHgate for smaller orders.
Sustainability Note: Increasingly, buyers seek eco-friendly suppliers—look for those using organic cotton or recycled materials.
