Where Is Yiwu and Why It's the World's Largest Wholesale Market

If you've been researching product sourcing from China, chances are you've come across the name “Yiwu.” But where is Yiwu, and why is it such a hotspot for global buyers, Amazon sellers, and wholesale importers? In this article, we'll explore Yiwu's location, its massive international trade market, and why working with a Yiwu sourcing agent could be your smartest move in 2025.

Where Is Yiwu Located in China?

Yiwu is a small but mighty city located in Zhejiang Province, eastern China. It lies about:

• 300 kilometers southwest of Shanghai

• 150 kilometers south of Hangzhou

Despite its modest size, Yiwu has become a global trade hub, attracting over 210 countries and regions annually with its legendary small commodities market.

How to Get to Yiwu

1. By Air

• Yiwu Airport (YIW)

  • Limited international flights (mainly from Southeast Asia)

  • Domestic connections from major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.)

  • Alternative option: Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) (1.5-hour drive to Yiwu) or Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) (3-hour drive)

2. By High-Speed Train (Recommended)

• From Shanghai:

  • Take bullet train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station → Yiwu Station (1.5 hours, ~¥120)

• From Hangzhou:

  • Trains from Hangzhou East Station → Yiwu Station (40 minutes, ~¥50)

• From Guangzhou/Shenzhen:

  • Direct high-speed trains available (~6-7 hours)

Tip: Yiwu Station is well-connected to the city center by taxi (¥20-30) or bus.

3. By Long-Distance Bus

• Available from nearby cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, or Ningbo (less comfortable than trains)

• Yiwu Bus Station is centrally located

What Is Yiwu Famous For?

Yiwu is most famous for the Yiwu International Trade City, also known as Yiwu Market — the largest wholesale market in the world.

Key Facts About Yiwu Market:

• Over 75,000 booths

• Covers 5.5 million square meters

• Sells more than 400,000 types of products

• Open year-round, unlike traditional trade fairs

• Divided into multiple districts: toys, fashion accessories, home goods, kitchenware, tools, electronics, holiday décor, and more

Who Shops in Yiwu?

• Amazon, eBay, Shopify sellers

• Supermarket chains

• Brick-and-mortar store owners

• Importers and wholesalers from Africa, Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America

Why Source Products from Yiwu?

Yiwu is a paradise for small commodity buyers. Here's why global businesses love it:

Low Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Many booths offer small MOQs, making it perfect for startups and dropshipping businesses.

Product Variety

With hundreds of thousands of SKUs, you can find almost anything — from birthday candles to Bluetooth speakers.

Competitive Prices

Due to the dense supplier network and fierce competition, prices are highly competitive.

Ready Stock & Fast Turnaround

Most vendors have products ready to ship, ideal for businesses that need quick fulfillment.

Challenges of Sourcing in Yiwu Without Help

While Yiwu offers great opportunities, navigating it without a local partner can be tricky:

• Language barrier: Most vendors don't speak fluent English.

• Product quality inconsistency: Not all suppliers meet international standards.

• Logistics complexity: Shipping, consolidation, and documentation can be a hassle.

That's where a professional Yiwu sourcing agency comes in.

Why Work With a Yiwu Sourcing Agent?

A sourcing agent based in Yiwu is your on-the-ground partner, helping you handle everything from supplier screening to shipment. Here's what they offer:

Product Sourcing & Negotiation

Agents help you find reliable suppliers and negotiate better prices and terms.

Order Consolidation

They can gather products from multiple vendors and combine them into a single shipment — saving you on logistics costs.

Quality Control

From product inspection to factory audits, they ensure your order meets your standards.

Packaging & Private Labeling

Need branded packaging or custom labels? Sourcing agents can manage that too.

Shipping Management

They’ll arrange freight forwarding, handle customs paperwork, and track shipments — so you don't have to.

Who Should Use a Yiwu Sourcing Agency?

• E-commerce sellers looking to launch or scale a product line

• Retailers needing a variety of items in bulk

• Wholesalers sourcing for distribution

• Business owners who want to save time and avoid costly mistakes

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned importer, a Yiwu sourcing agent can streamline your process and help you buy smarter.

Is Yiwu Worth Exploring?

Absolutely. Yiwu may not be as well-known as Guangzhou or Shenzhen, but its impact on global trade is enormous. For businesses looking to import diverse products at competitive prices, there is no place like Yiwu International Trade City.

And if you're planning your next trip to China or considering bulk purchasing remotely, partnering with a local Yiwu sourcing agency can help you avoid pitfalls, save costs, and get better results.

Need Help Sourcing from Yiwu?

As a professional Yiwu sourcing agency, we help international buyers:

• Find trustworthy suppliers

• Manage negotiations and logistics

• Ensure product quality and on-time delivery

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you source smarter from Yiwu!