Yiwu Market District 1 China: Complete Sourcing Guide for Global Buyers
By Samantha,
Dec 22, 2025
If you're a global buyer seeking high-quality, cost-effective small commodities, Yiwu Market District 1 stands as an unrivaled destination.
Known as the "world's supermarket," Yiwu has built its reputation on diversity, affordability, and reliability. District 1 is the beating heart of this sourcing hub.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from the market's history and core offerings to step-by-step sourcing processes and insider tips. Read to help you navigate Yiwu District 1 like a seasoned professional.
Yiwu Market District 1 is not just a trading venue. It's a bridge connecting manufacturers across China to global importers from over 200 countries and regions. As the first completed phase of the Yiwu International Trade City (also known as Futian Market), it laid the foundation for Yiwu's transformation from a small rural market to a global sourcing powerhouse.
Whether you are a small business owner, an e-commerce seller, or a large importer, you can choose Yiwu as your sourcing destination. District 1 offers a one-stop solution to help you source trendy, affordable, and trending products.
Yiwu Market District 1 is situated in the Futian Subdistrict of Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China. Its exact address is No. 189 Chouzhou North Road, Futian Street. Conveniently accessible from Yiwu Railway Station (20-minute drive) and Yiwu Airport (15-minute drive).
Covering a total construction area of over 340,000 square meters, District 1 features 4 floors with more than 6,000 booths. Each floor is dedicated to specific product categories, with clear signage in both Chinese and English to guide international buyers.
The market accommodates over 10,000 suppliers, most of whom are direct manufacturers or authorized wholesalers, ensuring competitive pricing and direct control over product quality.
Yiwu's market journey began in the 1980s with a humble outdoor stall market, where local farmers and artisans sold small handmade goods.
District 1, completed in 2002, was a game-changer. It replaced the outdated outdoor stalls with a modern, multi-story complex equipped with air conditioning, logistics support, and translation services—catering specifically to the growing number of international buyers.
In the early 2000s, District 1 focused primarily on arts & crafts and festival decorations, but as global demand expanded, it diversified into jewelry, toys, and party supplies.
It adopted e-commerce integration in the 2010s, allowing buyers to source online if they can't visit in person; it introduced quality inspection centers to address international standards; and it expanded its multi-language support (English, Arabic, Spanish, etc.) to break down communication barriers.
Today, District 1 handles over $5 billion in annual trade, with buyers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America accounting for 80% of its customer base.
With over 100,000 product SKUs across core categories, District 1 lets you source everything under one roof. This eliminates the need to travel to multiple cities or markets, saving time and logistics costs.
Most suppliers in District 1 are manufacturers based in Yiwu or nearby cities (e.g., Wenzhou, Ningbo). By cutting out middlemen, you can secure prices 30-50% lower than retail or regional wholesale markets. This is critical for boosting profit margins.
Unlike large factories that require bulk orders of 1,000+ units, many District 1 suppliers offer MOQs as low as 100-500 units (depending on the product). This is perfect for small businesses or sellers testing new products without overstocking.
Suppliers in District 1 specialize in OEM/ODM services, allowing you to customize products with your logo, colors, or designs. Lead times for customization are typically 7-15 days, faster than most international sourcing hubs.
The market provides one-stop support for global buyers, including translation services (free at the information desk), currency exchange, quality inspection, and logistics coordination. There are also numerous hotels, restaurants, and business centers nearby to accommodate long-term sourcing trips.
The following is a detailed classification of EJET's best-selling products and their target markets:
Key Subcategories: Costume jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings), hair accessories (clips, headbands, scrunchies), fashion gadgets (phone chains, bag charms), and ethnic-style jewelry (Bohemian, Middle Eastern, African designs).
Hot-Selling Products: Minimalist stainless steel jewelry (popular in Europe and North America), beaded bracelets (Southeast Asia and India), and LED light-up necklaces (party markets worldwide).
Target Markets: E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Etsy), boutique stores, and party supply retailers.
Key Subcategories: Plush toys (stuffed animals, character dolls), educational toys (puzzles, building blocks), outdoor toys (water guns, frisbees), and electronic toys (light-up cars, musical instruments for kids).
Hot-Selling Products: Sustainable plush toys (made from recycled materials, popular in Europe), STEM educational kits (North America and Australia), and mini remote-control cars (Southeast Asia and South America).
Target Markets: Toy stores, baby product retailers, and online marketplaces.
Party Supplies & Festive Decorations: Balloons, confetti, tablecloths, and seasonal decorations (Christmas, Halloween, Diwali). Hot-sellers include biodegradable balloons (Europe) and LED Christmas lights (North America).
Stationery & Office Supplies: Themed notebooks, pens, stickers, and desk organizers. Popular in East Asia and Europe
Handicrafts & Souvenirs: Handmade wooden crafts, ceramic items, and cultural souvenirs (Chinese-style keychains, traditional paintings).
To help you plan your overall Yiwu sourcing trip, here's a quick comparison of District 1 with other districts in the Yiwu International Trade City. This will help you allocate time efficiently and focus on the right districts for your needs:
|
District |
Core Product Categories |
Key Advantages |
Best For |
|
District 1 |
Jewelry, toys, arts & crafts, party supplies |
Low MOQs, affordable prices, diverse small commodities |
Startups, small businesses, testing new products |
|
District 2 |
Hardware, tools, electrical appliances, plumbing supplies |
Industrial-grade products, bulk orders |
Construction companies, hardware retailers |
|
District 3 |
Knitwear, textiles, clothing accessories (buttons, zippers) |
High-quality fabrics, custom clothing options |
Fashion brands, apparel retailers |
|
District 4 |
Luggage, bags, suitcases, travel accessories |
Durable designs, OEM customization |
Travel goods retailers, e-commerce sellers |
|
District 5 |
Sports goods, fitness equipment, outdoor gear |
International safety standards (e.g., FIFA-approved soccer balls) |
Sports stores, gym chains |
|
Home goods, furniture, kitchenware, home decor |
Mid-to-high-end products, design-focused |
Creative trending toys, travel products, and more new-tech. |
As the "pioneer" of Yiwu's market, District 1 specializes in low-to-medium MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) small commodities. It is particularly famous for arts & crafts, jewelry, and toys. These categories account for over 70% of its trade volume.
So, they are ideal for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.
Pro Tip: If your sourcing list includes both small commodities (e.g., jewelry) and home goods (e.g., kitchenware), allocate 2-3 days for District 1 and 1 day for District 6. Most districts are connected by shuttle buses, so moving between them is convenient.
Sourcing in Yiwu District 1 can be seamless with proper planning. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful trip, from pre-sourcing preparation to post-sourcing follow-up.
Create a detailed list of products you need, including specifications (size, material, color), target price per unit, and total order quantity.
Set a flexible budget that accounts for unexpected costs (e.g., sample fees, customization charges, logistics).
Research global market trends (e.g., using Google Trends or Amazon Best Sellers) to identify hot products.
Use platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China.com, or Yiwu Market's official website to find suppliers in District 1. Check supplier reviews, trade history, and certification (e.g., ISO, CE, FDA) to ensure they meet your quality standards. Filter by "golden suppliers" or "verified manufacturers" for reliability.
Contact 5-10 potential suppliers via email or WeChat before your trip. Share your product requirements and ask for catalogs, price quotes, and MOQ details. This will save time during on-site visits.
Travel Documents: A valid passport and visa (most countries require a business visa for sourcing trips to China; apply at the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country). Some suppliers may provide an invitation letter to simplify visa applications.
Business Documents: Bring copies of your business license, tax registration certificate, and import/export documentation (if applicable). These documents help build trust with suppliers and may be required for customs clearance later.
Other Items: A portable translator (or download apps like Google Translate), a notebook/tablet to record quotes and supplier contacts, and a sample bag to collect product samples.
Language: Most suppliers in District 1 speak basic English, but carrying a Chinese-English dictionary or using translation apps will help avoid misunderstandings. For complex negotiations, hire a local translator (available at the market's information desk for 20-30 per day.
Etiquette: Chinese business culture values respect and relationship-building. Greet suppliers with a handshake and exchange business cards (hold cards with both hands). Avoid rushing negotiations—take time to build rapport before discussing prices.
Arrive Early: The market opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM (Monday-Saturday; closed on Sundays). Arrive by 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and have more time to interact with suppliers.
Navigate the Market: Use the floor maps at the entrance (or download the Yiwu Market app) to locate your target product categories. Remember: 1st Floor = Jewelry & Hair Accessories; 2nd Floor = Arts & Crafts; 3rd Floor = Toys & Hobbies; 4th Floor = Branded Suppliers & Customization Services.
Visit Pre-Contacted Suppliers First: Prioritize the suppliers you researched earlier—this ensures you don't miss out on potential partners. Ask to see physical samples, check product quality (e.g., material thickness, craftsmanship), and verify if they can meet your customization needs.
Compare Multiple Suppliers: Don't settle for the first supplier you meet. Visit 3-5 suppliers for the same product to compare prices, quality, and MOQs. Ask for quotes in writing (including unit price, total order cost, and delivery time) to avoid disputes later.
Collect Samples: Pay for samples (most suppliers charge \(5-\)20 per sample, which is often refundable if you place a bulk order) and label them with the supplier's name and product details. Test samples for quality (e.g., durability, safety) before finalizing orders.
Negotiate Terms: Once you've selected a supplier, negotiate price, MOQ, payment terms, and delivery time.
Key negotiation tactics:
Mention your total order volume (even if it's across multiple products) to get a bulk discount.
Ask for free customization (e.g., logo printing) if you're placing a large order.
Request a flexible payment plan (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% balance before shipping) to reduce risk.
Confirm Orders in Writing: After selecting suppliers, sign a formal purchase contract.
Make Deposits: Most suppliers require a 30-50% deposit to start production. Use secure payment methods like T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) or Alibaba's Trade Assurance to protect your funds.
Quality Control: If your order is large (1,000+ units), hire a third-party quality inspection company (e.g., EJET Procurement, }SGS, Intertek) to check products before shipping.
Arrange Logistics: Suppliers can help arrange shipping, or you can use a freight forwarder specializing in Yiwu exports. Choose the right shipping method:
Sea Freight: Ideal for large orders (20ft/40ft containers); cost-effective but takes 20-45 days (depending on destination).
Air Freight: Faster (5-10 days) but more expensive; suitable for small orders or urgent shipments.
Rail Freight: Good for European destinations (15-20 days) with lower costs than air freight.
Track Shipment: Get a tracking number from the logistics provider and monitor the shipment status. Stay in contact with the supplier if there are delays or issues.
Scams: Be wary of suppliers who ask for 100% payment upfront (never pay full price before receiving samples or confirming production). Avoid "street vendors" outside the market—only do business with registered booths.
Quality Issues: Always inspect samples thoroughly and include quality standards in the contract. For high-value orders, arrange for pre-shipment inspection to ensure products match your specifications.
Language Barriers: Use clear, written communication (emails, contracts) to avoid misunderstandings. Avoid verbal agreements—everything should be in writing.
Customs Risks: Research your country's import regulations (e.g., tariffs, safety standards) to avoid delays or fines. Ask suppliers to provide accurate product descriptions and certification for customs clearance.
With its unbeatable product diversity, factory-direct pricing, flexible MOQs, and comprehensive support services, Yiwu Market District 1 is more than just a market. It's a global sourcing ecosystem designed to help buyers of all sizes succeed. But you may encounter some problems.
If you feel troublesome conducting research yourself, just contact us. We will have the most professional personnel to provide you with assistance and give you an effective sourcing experience.
The Yiwu International Trade City is open all year round, except for the Chinese New Year. The market is divided into six districts, each specializing in different products.
The best time to visit Yiwu would be from March to June and from September to December. Avoid public holidays when Yiwu market shops are closed or half closed. If you are coming for seasonal products, like Christmas decors, you'd better come before July.
Of course, you can, Yiwugo makes it easy for you to find suppliers, and then you can communicate directly with them about the MOQ, price, packaging, and other details of the products. Does Yiwugo provide an international shipping service?
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