A travel guide to Yiwu, the capital of small commodities, where you'll find unexpected fun and foreign restaurants more authentic than those in Shanghai!
This guide is reprinted from the official account: @诗画浙江文旅资讯, the copyright of the pictures and texts belongs to the original author
Preface
Known as an "economic miracle," this small Jiangnan city boasts international trade. Combining the rusticity of a county town with the prosperity of a cosmopolitan city, the vibrant scene depicted in the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival"—a prosperous city with abundant goods and a bustling market—is vividly unfolded before our eyes.
Yiwu, everyone has heard of her name.
This region was never naturally fertile. Limited agricultural resources couldn't support such a dense population, yet Yiwu's commercial spirit became a shining light in the era of agriculture. Merchants, sensing the promise of small profits, established the earliest form of small commodity trading through the "chicken feathers for sugar" model.
@Yiwu Voice
Today, Yiwu has become China's gateway to the global market, with small commodities from around the world pulsating along the city's pulse. The Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe China-Europe freight train connects Asia and Europe, continuously delivering the charm of Made in China products to every corner of the world.
Official data once showed that if someone wanted to visit the entire trade city, assuming they spent 3 minutes in each store, even if they spent 8 hours a day, it would take nearly a year and a half! The order volume and cargo flow here have even become important parameters for studying international trends.
@spring4282000/Photo
Although the small town is located in the south of the Yangtze River, the local snacks are exquisite yet a bit rough: Donghe meat pie, Futang thousand-piece noodles, brown sugar twisted dough sticks, beef vermicelli... You can also eat authentic Central Asian, Turkish and even Lebanese food in the streets and alleys.
Today, Zheyoujun will take you to visit this "shopper's paradise", where there are more than just small commodities!
Yiwu
Yiwucheck the details
Yiwu, formerly known as "Wushang," is located in central Zhejiang Province, nestled in the eastern Jinqu Basin. Surrounded by mountains on the east, south, and north, the city borders Jinhua and Yiwu, along with Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou, are considered Zhejiang's four major regional centers. Yiwu is currently the world's largest small commodity distribution center. "A sea of small commodities, a shopper's paradise" has become synonymous with the prosperous and civilized city of Yiwu. Besides shopping and sightseeing, Yiwu offers opportunities to savor the 2,000-year history of Yiwu's people and their entrepreneurial spirit, while also allowing for leisurely strolls through the shopping malls. The area boasts the Danxi Scenic Area, home to Zhu Danxi, one of my country's four great physicians of the Jin and Yuan dynasties and a renowned master of nourishing yin; the Shuanglin Scenic Area, home to Shuanglin Temple, founded by the Liang Dynasty monk Fu Dashi; the Luo Binwang Park, commemorating Luo Binwang, one of the "Four Great Men of the Early Tang Dynasty"; and the Zong Ze Tomb, commemorating Zong Ze, a renowned general who fought against the Jin Dynasty during the Song Dynasty.
Recommended month: All seasons
5212 recommendations, 4925 visits
The small commodity capital that changed the world was also the hometown of Jiangnan that was forgotten by time.
The charm of Jiangnan and the scenery of Yiwu are all captivating, each season offering a unique spectacle. In recent years, the Yiwu Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government have developed 10 beautiful rural boutique routes, including those showcasing Wangdao Faith, Desheng Ancient Charm, the Picturesque Nanjiang River, and Millennium Ancient Towns. These routes connect the ever-changing city with the stunning countryside, creating a unique landscape across 280 kilometers of the territory.
/ Fotang Ancient Town /
Ten kilometers south of Yiwu, nestled deep within the bustling city, lies the immaculately designed "Zhejiang Zhouzhuang": nestled in the middle of a river and surrounded on three sides, this ancient commercial town has thrived for over a century. Named after Buddhism, it flourished by the water and prospered through commerce. Once the most prosperous port on the upper Fuchun River, it now lives as a mere reminder of the past, stranded in Yiwu's backyard.
If the naturally advantageous waterway contributed to the ancient town's commercial prosperity, the Wanshan Bridge, first built in the early years of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, and subsequently renovated many times to preserve the century-old glory of the Buddhist temple, witnessed the ancient town's most prosperous era.
@Jinhua Tourism
The more than 2,000-meter-long Buddhist Temple Old Street has gone through more than 300 years of wind and rain, and for hundreds of years it still retains the spirit of the past.
Its core is comprised of Zhi Street, Shanghui Street, Yanbutou Cross Street, Fuqiaotou Cross Street, and two side streets, east and west. Many shops along these streets are inherited from father to son, selling common goods. Here, people simply lead a slow life, a place where one can both reminisce about the past and look forward to the future.
/ Xiaoliu Stone /
@Ding Guorong/Photo
Starting from Yiwu city, passing through the bustling International Small Commodities City and the quaint Fotang Old Street, you'll find Xiaoliushi Village at the end of an industrial zone lined with factories. While it lacks a long history and boasts neither breathtaking natural beauty nor breathtaking natural scenery, it has rapidly grown into a somewhat famous "internet-famous village" in recent years.
@Ding Guorong/Photo
Known as "China's Rural Disneyland," Xiaoliushi Village is now full of surprises, not just the glass plank bridge visible from afar. The rural dwellings boast vivid murals; restaurants, snack bars, and milk tea shops have sprung up one after another; and there's an endless array of attractions, including beaches, via ferratas, zip lines, and go-karts.
Recommended route: Shuanglin Temple - Fotang Old Street - Ancient Residential Garden - Beilei Ancient Village - Xiaoliushi Village - Tuanli Village
/ Former Residence of Chen Wangdao /
Located at the foot of Dafeng Mountain in northwest Yiwu, Fenshuitang Village is named after the two streams of water flowing through a local pond. It was in this village, over 600 years old, that the Chinese translation of Chen Wangdao's "The Communist Manifesto" was first published. Though a short book, it carries so much hope, spreading "the power of truth and the flavor of faith" across the country.
/ Hesilu Village /
Xiaohongshu@Sunday 2
Hesilu Village, laid out like the Big Dipper, boasts historic Ming Dynasty mansions, the scenic Woniu Hill, a rippling reservoir, and the majestic He Family Ancestral Hall. Along the whitewashed walls, ink paintings depict the region's millennia of history, both in subtle and subtle ways. In midsummer, over a hundred acres of lavender unfurl like a dream—a truly remarkable sight!
Recommended route: Chen Wangdao's Former Residence - Hesilu Road - Qiyi Village - Qiaotou Ruins
/ Nanjiang /
@Chen Junpeng/Photo
The Ten-Li Nanjiang River, flowing gently from Yangcaojian on Shuangfeng Mountain in Pan'an, winds its way through the Wushang plain for ten miles before merging majestically into the Yiwu River. Amidst the intertwining mountains and picturesque vegetation, a 13-kilometer-long scenic route resembles something out of the painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," connecting the stunning villages of Huawukeng, Balingkeng, Shibi Village, Zhong Village, and Nanwangdian from west to east.
Nature uses water as its brush, painting the landscapes of the ancient Meilin Ferry, the lush wetlands, and the graceful paths of the Jiangnan region. 1,500 years ago, the renowned geographer Li Daoyuan was captivated by the beauty of the Nanjiang River. The road was sparsely populated, with a vibrant array of flowers blooming on both sides, creating a romantic countryside scene where mountains, water, and countryside blend together.
Recommended route: Meilin Station - Zhong Village - Shibi Village - Huawukeng Village - Yaoshili
/ Xiao Huangyan /
@Yang Sujun/Photo
Compared to famous mountains and rivers, the 560-meter-high Xiaohuang Rock is surprisingly understated. One of Yiwu's eight ancient scenic spots, the "Fufu Liecui" (Overturned Pot with Greenery) boasts a steep, towering cliff, resembling a crouching tiger with its head raised and roaring. From the side, it resembles an upside-down pot (hence the nickname "Fufu Rock"). Historical records indicate that Crown Prince Xiao Tong of Emperor Wu of the Southern Dynasty (1644-1911) once climbed this mountain out of admiration.
@Wu Guiming/Photo
To facilitate the entry and exit of the mountain residents and the worship of believers, more than 2,800 stone steps were built on the mountain, leading directly to the top. After passing the Ma'an Pavilion, a steep cliff path with three sides of the mountain hanging in the air is even more mysterious in the mist. On the top of the mountain, a Xiaohuang Temple has stood alone on the peak for 1,500 years. Although it is in decline, it still has incense burning, overlooking the vicissitudes of the world over the past thousand years.
/ Wu Han's Former Residence /
"Literature hates success, while ghosts and demons delight in the excesses of others"—this is a portrait of Wu Han's life. He was a historian and social activist, and his historical drama "Hai Rui Dismissed from Office" stirred countless historical uproars. ↑ Wu Han's former residence, located in Kuzhutang Village, Shangxi, is a courtyard-style residence in the style of the Republic of China. The garden and side rooms still preserve the memories of his youth, which are very touching.
Recommended route: Huangshan Bamianting - Xiaohuangyan - Kuzhutang Village - Beijia Village Ancient Road - Xianping Ancient Road
/ Mafan Village /
According to the village genealogy, Mafan Village was founded during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 600 years. Within the Mafan Agricultural Fantasy Park, 300 acres of flower fields transform into a romantic sea of blossoms. In early summer, verbena arrives as promised, ushering in a new floral extravaganza. Not far away, a small train, straight from a fairytale, weaves through the sea of flowers, creating a high-quality photo opportunity.
Recommended route: Longshan Scenic Area - Mafan Agricultural Fantasy Park - International Racing Park - Beishan Village - Hongfeng Village
/ Songpu Mountain /
@Zhu Yubin/Photo
Shuangfeng Mountain, part of Zhuqiaoyue, east of Chi'an, lies at the center of Zhejiang Province, known as the Zhejiang Axis. Songpu Mountain, part of the northern face of Shuangfeng Mountain, has been a popular tourist destination since the Song Dynasty. Walking along the quiet stone path through the forest, you can faintly hear the sound of a waterfall. A clear spring, seemingly pouring from a height of 20 meters through the gorge, cascades down, its roar echoing throughout Qiaoxia.
Recommended itinerary: Feng Xuefeng's Former Residence - Yaduan Village Ancient Buildings - Shangyang Old Street - Dahan Peak - Qiyin Da'an - Guyue Bridge - Danxi Cultural Park - Songpu Mountain - Qi Family Army Memorial Hall
Yiwu Food
Jiangnan's most unconventional food paradise, with more authentic foreign restaurants than Shanghai
The rivers bring rich gifts, while the mountains and fields add a touch of pure, authentic flavor. The people of Yiwu are inherently straightforward and spontaneous, which gives the local cuisine a sense of inclusiveness.
Among the "hundred counties, thousands of bowls, and ten bowls in Yiwu", Wangdao brown sugar rice dumplings, Donghe meat pie, steamed buns with meat, Danxi drunken walnuts, Shangxi beef offal stew... are all delicacies recommended by locals, you must not miss them!
In Guangdong, ham is a popular addition to soups, while in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, ham is not only used in soups but is also often sliced, shredded, or minced for cooking. An old saying goes, "Jinhua ham comes from Yiwu."
Like rice wine, good ham is very particular about its age. The best ham is about 3 years old, and the processing method is also very particular. When the fresh and salty taste melts in your mouth, the more you chew, the more fragrant it becomes, and it is very memorable.
@马窝-柴花的花/Photo
Unlike the bustling city of Yiwu, the Fotang Thousand Layer Noodles is exceptionally simple: half a bowl of hot soup, a few strands of noodles, a few slices of thousand layer noodles, and finally a generous spoonful of shredded pork, shredded mustard tuber, and a handful of chopped green onions, it captures the simple yet warm daily life of this small town. Paired with a serving of soft, boneless chicken feet, it's truly satisfying!
Recommended food: Xinghua Qianzhang Ramen in Futang Ancient Town
It is no exaggeration to say that Donghe meat pie has witnessed the development of Yiwu. It is a unique rural flavor of this city.
[Donghe Meat Pie] is actually a piece of scallion meat pie. The thin crust is pinched by hand, mixed with green chopped scallions and pink minced meat, and then spread with some lard and fried in a pan until golden brown. The hot and delicious pie makes you salivate.
Recommended food spot: Gongshang East Street, Chengxi Subdistrict (Donghe Meat Pie Street)
The hilly red soil of Yiwu isn't ideal for growing rice, but sugarcane production offers a promising outlet for local farmers. Yiwu brown sugar, a century-long tradition that has weathered periods of decline and resurgence, remains a cherished memory for every Yiwu resident.
While Jiangsu residents master sugar, Yiwu residents use it more simply and crudely. Freshly fried mahua (fried dough twists) are topped with a generous spoonful of freshly refined brown sugar, coating each twist evenly. The sugar coating is sweet and delicious, while the twists are crispy on the outside and crunchy on the inside. The sweet brown sugar can even be pulled into strings!
Recommended food place: Xilou Village, Yiting Town
The [Bean Curd Skin Vegetarian Bun] is also very popular in Yiwu. A sheet of premium bean curd skin is wrapped around marinated tofu and topped with chopped radish, amaranth, and other seasonal vegetables. Freshly wrapped, fried, and eaten, it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma of beans and vegetables—a flavor you can only find in Yiwu.
Tangyang (Tangyang) is a type of pastry popular among locals. He's Tangyang in Niansanli takes the simple tangyang and makes it even more special. Besides the traditional brown sugar version, there's also a matcha-flavored version that's incredibly chewy, a black rice-flavored version that's incredibly glutinous, and a three-layered, sweet-and-sour version filled with preserved plums.
In Yiwu, you can savor authentic and diverse exotic cuisine without having to travel abroad. From opulent Turkish restaurants, Egyptian shops adorned with Arabic, to Syrian barbecue stalls filled with the smoky air of home... And of course, there's also a wide variety of Korean, Japanese, and Indian cuisine. Each restaurant has its own unique flavor and charm, allowing you to dine at something different for a month without repeating the same dish.
@tastybycartz
For meat lovers like me, the most attractive thing is barbecue.
Turkish Donner, with fat and tender slices of meat grilled separately in the oven; Middle Eastern skewers, also known as Kebabs, with thick meat skewers more than ten centimeters long skewered on iron skewers and grilled; Kofte, which are round like small meat patties, are moist, juicy and chewy; and there are also kebabs that are different from those in Xinjiang, which are large in size and have a wild taste.
Flatbread is a hallmark of Middle Eastern cuisine. From pancakes and flatbreads to pizza-like Turkish flatbreads and soft, fragrant Indian flatbreads, there are dozens of varieties, almost all with their own unique recipes. You absolutely have to try some.
/ Local food check-in spot /
@Yiwu Voice Picture Little Red Book @Yiwu Guide
Santing Road Night Market, also known as Binwang Night Market, brings people from all corners of the world together, and trade brings together diverse cultures. Nearly a hundred different delicacies are on offer: hot and sour noodles, potato pancakes, grilled cold noodles, kebab, fried yogurt... Walking through the night market, it's not uncommon to find vendors speaking multiple languages, and even foreigners setting up stalls, adding a touch of exotic charm.
Other recommended food spots: Korean style street, exotic style street, Beicun Road street, etc.
Travel Guide
Yiwu International Trade City District 5
Address: Chengxin Avenue, Yiwu City, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province
Transportation: Yiwu has convenient transportation, including the airport, high-speed rail station, and International Trade City Passenger Terminal.
Shopping Tip: For those looking to shop, don't miss Yiwu's Import Commodity City Incubation Zone and International Trade City District 5. Like two giant global supermarkets, they offer a wide variety of imported duty-free goods at exceptionally low prices, making them a must-see.
