- Updated for 2025
First Time Visitor Guide to Yiwu Market
Everything a first-time buyer needs to know — when to visit, how to navigate the world's largest wholesale market, and how to get the best deals.
5 Districts
Market Areas
4M m²
Total Floor Space
500,000+
Product Types
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon–Sat
Mar–May & Sep–Nov
Yiwu City, Zhejiang, China
WeChat / WhatsApp / Email
Business Visa (L or M type)
01
Best Time to Visit
Best for Selection
- March – May: Spring season with new products
- September – November: Best for Christmas items
- Most suppliers available during these months
- Wider product selection and samples
Best for Negotiations
- December – February: Winter season deals
- June – August: Summer discounts
- Less crowded, more attention from suppliers
- Better prices but limited new products
02
Daily Market Schedule
Morning Schedule
Recommended for serious buyers
8:30 AM
Some shops start opening
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Best time for serious buyers —
suppliers most energetic and attentive
11:30 – 1:30 PM
Lunch break — many shops close temporarily
Afternoon Schedule
Less crowded, slower pace
1:30 – 4:00 PM
Regular business hours resume
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Shops begin closing for the day
After 5:00 PM
Most shops closed — suppliers may be tired
03
Essential Documents & Items
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Business visa (L or M type)
- Business cards (English & Chinese)
- Company registration documents (if buying bulk)
- Cash in Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Power bank & universal adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack for samples
04
Essential Apps & Tools
- WeChat — Essential for supplier contact
- Google Translate — Download offline Chinese pack
- Baidu Translate — Better Chinese translation
- Microsoft Translator — Good for image translation
- Alipay — For payments (needs Chinese bank account)
- WeChat Pay — Alternative payment method
- Didi — Chinese ride-hailing app
- Maps.me — Offline map navigation
VPN Required in China
Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in mainland China. Download and test a reliable VPN before you leave home — this is essential for staying connected with your team.
05
Market Visit Planning Guide
Yiwu International Trade Market is divided into 5 districts covering over 4 million square metres. Each district specialises in different product categories.
District Overview
District 1 Accessories & Ornaments
- Floor 1: Jewelry, Hair Accessories
- Floor 2: Cosmetics, Beauty Tools
- Floor 3: Watches, Glasses
- Floor 4: Fashion Accessories
District 2 Consumer Goods
- Floor 1: Jewelry, Hair Accessories
- Floor 2: Cosmetics, Beauty Tools
- Floor 3: Watches, Glasses
- Floor 4: Fashion Accessories
District 3 Electronics & Toys
- Floor 1: Jewelry, Hair Accessories
- Floor 2: Cosmetics, Beauty Tools
- Floor 3: Watches, Glasses
- Floor 4: Fashion Accessories
06
Visit Route Plans
One-Day Route
Three-Day Route
1
9:00 – 10:30 AM
District 1: Focus on main product categories
- Quick overview of accessories
- Collect business cards
- Take photos of interesting products
2
10:45 – 12:00 PM
District 2: Essential consumer goods
- Visit pre-selected shops
- Quick price research
3
1:30 – 3:00 PM
District 3: Electronics and toys
- Focus on main suppliers
- Sample collection
4
3:15 – 4:30 PM
Return to priority shops
- Price negotiations
- Order confirmation
1
Day 1
Research & Overview
- Quick overview of accessories
- Collect business cards
- Take photos of interesting products
2
Day 2
Detailed Sourcing
- Morning: Complete District 2
- Afternoon: District 3
- Start negotiations with selected suppliers
4
Day 3
Finalizing Deals
- Morning: Return to priority suppliers
- Afternoon: Complete negotiations
- Arrange shipping and payments
Pro Tips
Use mornings for important negotiations when suppliers are fresh and most attentive
Take breaks between districts to organize your notes and photos
Keep contact with multiple suppliers for the same product for better pricing leverage
Take photos and notes of shop locations — at 75,000+ booths it's easy to forget where you were
Consider hiring a local translator for better negotiation results and supplier relationships
Expert Support Available
Need a Direct Transfer or Custom Arrival Plan?
We can arrange reliable airport/train station pickup, hotel bookings, and a custom market visit itinerary tailored to your product needs.
07
Market Visit Planning Guide
Getting to Yiwu
Taxi
~¥50 · 30 min to city
Airport Shuttle
¥20 · Every 30 min
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Private Transfer
¥200 · Door-to-door
Taxi
~¥20 · 15 min
Public Bus
¥2 · Routes 1, 2, 8, 12
25 minutes
Walking
Free · ~30 minutes
App
~¥50 · 30 min to city
Interface
English available
Payment
WeChat / Alipay / Cash
vs. Taxi
Usually cheaper · 24/7
Getting to Yiwu
Bus Route
Destinations
Frequency
Hours
Bus 1
Train Station ↔ Market District 1
Every 10 mins
6:00 – 21:00
Bus 2
Airport ↔ Market District 2
Every 15 mins
6:30 – 20:30
Bus 8
City Center ↔ All Markets
Every 12 mins
6:00 – 22:00
Bus 12
Hotel Area ↔ Markets
Every 15 mins
6:30 – 21:30
Transportation Card — Save 20%
Purchase at any bus station or ShiZu convenience store. Cost: ¥20 (includes ¥15 initial balance). Get 20% discount on bus fares. Refundable ¥5 deposit. Valid for buses and some taxis.
Taxi Safety Tips
- Use official blue taxis or Didi only — avoid unofficial "black" taxis
- Starting price: ¥8 (first 3 km), then ¥2/km · 20% night surcharge after 11 PM
- Keep your hotel address saved in Chinese — show the driver your phone
- Always take the receipt and note the taxi license number
08
Recommended Hotels
Our team has special corporate rates with most hotels near the market. Contact us to ensure the best rates and arrange airport/station pickup.
★★★★★ 5 Star
Yiwu Marriott Hotel
Business Center
English Service
¥680/night
★★★★ 4 Star
Yiwu Shangri-La Hotel
Free Airport Pickup
¥630/night
★★★★ 4 Star
Ocean Hotel Yiwu
Budget Friendly
Basic English
¥340/night
Booking Tips
What to Look For
- Book at least 1 month ahead during peak season
- Reliable WiFi for business communications
- Within 15 minutes of the market
- English-speaking staff availability
- Confirm breakfast & airport transfer are included
Long-Term Stay (Serviced Apartments)
- Monthly rates from ¥1,000
- Fully furnished with kitchen & utilities included
- Weekly cleaning service
- Minimum 1-month stay required
- Flexible payment terms available
09
Emergency Contacts
110
Police
120
Ambulance
119
Fire Brigade
12315
Police
12345
Government Hotline
+86 159 0679 1672
Mr. Michael (Your Agent)
Our Team Can Also Help
Union Service provides airport pickup/drop-off, visa extension assistance, local SIM card, currency exchange advice, and restaurant recommendations. We're here to make your stay smooth and productive.