The best-known wholesale markets in Guangzhou and Yiwu

China has huge wholesale markets, each specialised in particular categories. The two best known to Gulf traders are Guangzhou and Yiwu. Here are their key markets and which suits you.

First: Guangzhou markets

Guangzhou is a major industrial and trading city in the south, close to the ports of Shenzhen and Nansha, known for clothing, leather, fabrics and large trade fairs.

The Canton Fair

China's largest trade fair, held at the Pazhou complex twice a year (spring and autumn) in several phases by category. Ideal for meeting hundreds of factories in one place.

Clothing markets: Shisanhang, Baima, Zhanxi

A huge area of wholesale markets for fashion, ready-made clothing and shoes, suited to clothing traders who want current styles in flexible quantities.

Baiyun leather market

Specialised in bags, leather goods and shoes, with suppliers and factories in the surrounding area.

Zhongda fabric market

One of China's largest fabric and textile markets, suited to fabric and home-furnishing traders.

Yide Road

Known for toys, stationery, gifts and decor at wholesale prices.

Second: Yiwu market

Yiwu in Zhejiang Province is the world's small-commodities capital. Its best-known market is the Yiwu International Trade City (Futian Market), with tens of thousands of shops (about 75,000 is the usual estimate) spread over five districts organised by category.

• Toys, decorations, gifts and accessories
• Household, kitchen and electrical items
• Stationery and office supplies
• Socks and small textiles
• Tools, hardware and assorted accessories

Quick comparison

Pick the market by product:

• Clothing, shoes, leather and fabrics: Guangzhou
• Meeting factories and new products: the Canton Fair
• Varied small goods in flexible quantities, consolidated into one container: Yiwu

Tips before buying in the markets

• Note shop numbers and product photos and collect supplier cards
• Ask: are you a factory or a trader? The price differs
• Request a sample before the big order
• Avoid paying everything upfront
• Use a local office to interpret, negotiate, inspect and ship

Note: regulations and fees change, so always confirm the requirements of the official authorities in your country before shipping.