As the global capital of small commodities, Yiwu’s unique charm goes far beyond its label as a “world supermarket”. From the magical reality of commercial landmarks to the millennium cultural secrets, this locally hidden punch list takes you to unlock an unimaginable Yiwu.
Yiwu International Trade City: A Parallel Universe of Global Commodities
The world’s largest commodity market: 75000 shops covering 1.8 million products, from Christmas tree lights to African tribal jewelry, can be called the “physical version of Amazon”.
Magical experience: Encounter dancing LED slippers on the third floor of Zone 2, and watch Middle Eastern merchants wholesale gold beetles on the fifth floor of Zone 4 (yes, real beetles!).
Hidden gameplay: Attend the new product launch event every Thursday (open hours: 10:00-11:30) to get a sneak peek at future bestsellers.
Address: Chouzhou North Road
Recommended areas: Toys in Zone 1/Imported Products Pavilion in Zone 5
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes (with an average daily step count of over 20000), and bring a power bank (when taking photos, the battery runs out)
Jiming Pavilion: A Thousand Year Old Night Scene at C-Level
Yiwu version of “Hongyadong”: an antique style pavilion built against the mountain at night, shining with golden light like a castle in the air. The photos taken with a mobile phone are all stills from “Chang’an Twelve Hours”.
Cultural Easter eggs: The pavilion regularly holds Hanfu experiences (50 yuan/hour including makeup and hair), and wearing Hanfu to the top is free of charge.
Local secret: The path behind the pavilion leads to the “Lover’s Slope”, and the night lights outline a giant heart-shaped projection.
Lighting time: 18:30-22:00 (winter)/19:00-23:00 (summer)
Ticket: Free (minimum consumption in the tea room is 38 yuan)
Transportation: Taxi location: “Jimingshan Park East Gate”
Fotang Ancient Town: Living Fossil of Commercial Port Culture
Living history: In the ancient residences of the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were internet famous cafes hidden, the old post office was still sending and receiving international letters, and a hand cranked boat sailed across a thousand meter old floating bridge.
Taste adventure: The brown sugar Fried Dough Twists of Yikou Crisp, a century old shop, is mixed with the Arab Cafe opened by Syrians to create a wonderful taste.
Film release location: The ancient stage has a Wu opera performance every Saturday (14:00-15:30), with free viewing and photography.
Must eat: Buddha Hall Thousand Noodles (15 yuan), Pear Cream Candy (10 yuan/bag)
Cruise price: 30 yuan/person (departing for 4 or more people)
Attention: Some alleys have dim streetlights after 5pm
Futian Wetland Park: The Wizard of Oz in the CBD
Urban Green Lung: A water forest inhabited by egrets, as beautiful as Monet’s oil painting at sunset.
Internet celebrity gameplay: Rent a kayak to cross the reed marshes (80 yuan/hour), and if you happen to encounter elders who are fishing, you can get a free river fresh cooking class.
Parent child Easter egg: The “Jumping Cloud” installation in the North Gate Children’s Area (free) is a favorite among foreign children.
Best Time: 6-8 am (bird watching)/17-19 pm (photography)
Facilities: Free WiFi coverage, scan code to rent a power bank
Surrounding area: Intime Department Store (5-minute walk) with 24-hour imported supermarket
Santing Road Night Market: The Fireworks Code of the Late Night
Ceiling of Asian night market: 800 stalls are crowded in the 500 meter long street, and the seamless switch between Vietnamese Spring rolls and Xinjiang baked buns.
Magical Bargaining: The boss offered a glowing earring for 100 yuan, using the “50! If not sold, I’ll leave” tactic, and finally sold it for 60 yuan.
Hidden benefits: Find a booth with the “Live Streaming” sign, and participating in live streaming interactions may be free of charge.
Time: 18:00-2:00 the next day (the snack stall is busiest after 22:00)
Must eat: Türkiye ice cream (the kind that can fly), Donghe meat pie
Warning: Be careful of phone battery!
