the best hummus I ever had anywhere in the world was at a little restaurant in Yiwu run by a Lebanese family. It was seriously delicious, the absolute best by a country mile. I actually made a trip to Yiwu once just to eat that hummus. π
Just a note, Wucheng district is the center of Jinhua, not Jindong. Jindong is largely recently developed suburbs. Wucheng may have less people (probably because the apartment buildings are old and aren't as tall), but it is definitely the downtown. Also, worth visiting Yongkang, the self professed δΊιεΊ capital of the world. Like the small commodities market, endless hardware stores, except all outside.
I remember an early visit to Yiwu in the 90s. Almost 8 hours by train from Shanghai, rode in the back of a trike cart with my aunt (who was then an early sock/pearl/peanut trader from Zhuji) through uneven and muddy roads to some dimly lit covered trading districts next to a plastic bag factory, then to another area specializing in textiles. Only been to the new place once, but what a huge change the city has been through in just 20 years.
Informative article. I am not surprised that you found a lot of travelers from the middle-east and the sub saharan African continent. Those regions are growing at a fast clip and they also have a huge demographic advantage. Their young population (below 25 years) represents 60% of their total population. Since China has a huge demographic disadvantage, they are already capitalization on these emerging regions' demographic advantages- first as their supplier and soon as their employer for China's assembly-lines .
the best hummus I ever had anywhere in the world was at a little restaurant in Yiwu run by a Lebanese family. It was seriously delicious, the absolute best by a country mile. I actually made a trip to Yiwu once just to eat that hummus. π
Just a note, Wucheng district is the center of Jinhua, not Jindong. Jindong is largely recently developed suburbs. Wucheng may have less people (probably because the apartment buildings are old and aren't as tall), but it is definitely the downtown. Also, worth visiting Yongkang, the self professed δΊιεΊ capital of the world. Like the small commodities market, endless hardware stores, except all outside.
Thanks for the note - will tweak
Sounds fascinating! Wish I could join your tour.
Home of the drop shipping. More and more westerners should go have a look, both as tourist and sourcing.
Walking through these huge lights goods mall, really makes me appreciate the manufacture capabilities of China and also the innovativeness of people.
Go for a walk around and you will be inspired with a different business idea!!
I remember an early visit to Yiwu in the 90s. Almost 8 hours by train from Shanghai, rode in the back of a trike cart with my aunt (who was then an early sock/pearl/peanut trader from Zhuji) through uneven and muddy roads to some dimly lit covered trading districts next to a plastic bag factory, then to another area specializing in textiles. Only been to the new place once, but what a huge change the city has been through in just 20 years.
great report thx
I should have visited Yiwu.... great idea to make the "shopping" time more fun. And they say Amazon isn't a monopoly...
I've been to Jinhua, had a licensee partner there for a few years. I stand with Yiwu....
Great article!
I enjoyed reading this so much! Very immersive
Informative article. I am not surprised that you found a lot of travelers from the middle-east and the sub saharan African continent. Those regions are growing at a fast clip and they also have a huge demographic advantage. Their young population (below 25 years) represents 60% of their total population. Since China has a huge demographic disadvantage, they are already capitalization on these emerging regions' demographic advantages- first as their supplier and soon as their employer for China's assembly-lines .
Great piece, thanks much!
My first trip to Foshan showed me similar ethnic neighborhoods, mostly for the large number of middle east buyers, but not as many as Yiwu.