Yiwu, China: A Buyer's Guide to the City
By Hasan Olwan · Last updated: September 24, 2026
Yiwu is a city in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, known worldwide for Yiwu International Trade City, the largest small-commodity wholesale market on earth. Most foreign buyers reach Yiwu by high-speed train from Shanghai or Hangzhou. I’ve lived and worked in Yiwu since 2009, and this guide covers what buyers need to know before their first trip.
Where is Yiwu, China?
Yiwu is in central Zhejiang Province, south of Hangzhou and south-west of Shanghai. It’s a county-level city under Jinhua. The city grew from a small rural town into a global trading hub after China’s economic reforms, built around its wholesale market.
How to get to Yiwu
| From | Best way | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | High-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao | About 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Hangzhou | High-speed train from Hangzhou East | About 30–40 minutes |
| Guangzhou | Domestic flight to Yiwu Airport, or high-speed train | About 2 hours by air, 6–7 hours by train |
| Hong Kong | Direct flight to Yiwu Airport (HK Express), or fly to Hangzhou or Shanghai and take the train | About 2 hours 10 minutes direct |
| Yiwu Airport | Domestic flights, plus some international routes such as Hong Kong and Bangkok | Check current schedules |
Tip: book train tickets in advance during holidays. Yiwu Station is about a 20-minute taxi ride from the market.
How far is Yiwu from Shanghai?
About 280 km. By high-speed train it takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The high-speed train is the easiest way to make the trip.
What buyers should know before visiting
- Visa. Check the rules for your passport. In 2026, citizens of about 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and most EU countries, can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days (the current policy runs to December 31, 2026). US citizens still need a visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit if they fly on to a third country, including through Shanghai, Hangzhou and Yiwu airports. Rules change, so confirm with the Chinese embassy before you book.
- Payments. Most local payments use mobile apps. Alipay and WeChat Pay both accept foreign cards now. Set one up before you travel, and carry some cash.
- Hotels. Stay near the market to save travel time each day.
- Language. Some booth staff speak basic English. For negotiations, bring a translator.
- Timing. Avoid the Chinese New Year period, when the market and most factories close.
Yiwu and the Canton Fair
Many buyers combine a Yiwu trip with the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, held every spring and autumn. See our Canton Fair guide.
Visit Yiwu with a local team
We plan buying trips from start to finish: pickup, hotel, market guide, translator and order follow-up.
Related: Yiwu market guide · Yiwu market tour