In short: Chinese production is organised into large regional hubs, each with its specialities. Yiwu is known for its vast wholesale market for small goods; Shenzhen for electronics; Guangzhou and its region for textiles, leather goods and beauty; Ningbo is one of the major export ports. Knowing these hubs helps you find the suppliers best suited to your product.
Yiwu (Zhejiang province)
Yiwu is famous for its enormous wholesale market, home to countless small goods: accessories, decor, stationery, toys, party supplies, costume jewellery… It is an ideal place to discover products and compare many suppliers in a short time.
Shenzhen (Guangdong province)
Shenzhen is one of the world's great electronics centres: components, accessories, connected devices. It has a very dense ecosystem of manufacturers and suppliers.
Guangzhou and its region (Guangdong province)
Guangzhou is a major trading centre, with specialised markets, particularly in textiles, fashion, leather goods and beauty. It is also home to the Canton Fair, one of the country's largest trade shows.
Ningbo and the Zhejiang region
Ningbo is one of China's major export ports. The Zhejiang region has many industrial zones specialised in different sectors.
How to use this information
- to target the regions where makers of your product are based;
- to plan a visit to markets or factories;
- to optimise logistics, taking account of how close the ports are.
Bear in mind that the same product can be made in several regions: the factory's specialisation matters more than the city.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to go there? It is not essential: a partner on the ground can visit markets and factories for you.
Does Yiwu sell in small quantities? The Yiwu market is known for its huge variety of products and quantities that are often more accessible than at some factories, depending on the supplier.
General information, for guidance only.
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