China's Yiwu is becoming a must-visit for global shoppers

This summer, Yiwu International Trade Market in east China's Zhejiang Province has been bustling with overseas buyers and tourists, turning the city into a unique destination where international visitors can experience China's products, technology and manufacturing capabilities firsthand.

Known as the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities, Yiwu is increasingly becoming a window into China's fast-evolving manufacturing and consumer markets.

For many foreign visitors, a trip to the city is no longer simply about sightseeing – it is about shopping and discovering what is new in China.

At the market, a Syrian tourist who asked to be called Saed tried out a range of high-tech products, including dancing robots, interactive robotic dogs and a new-generation robotic exoskeleton.

"It's better than I expected.

Honestly, it's shocking," Saed said.

"There are a variety of products in the city.

I traveled a lot.

In other countries, you don't see this level of development.

I've already been shocked." In the first half of 2026, Yiwu International Trade Market received an average of 294,000 visits a day, up 34% year on year.

Overseas visitors averaged 12,000 a day, an increase of 30%.

For international visitors, the market offers much more than a one-stop shopping experience.

They can try AI-powered customized products, smart toys and other emerging consumer products while getting a close-up look at the speed and dynamism of Chinese manufacturing.

As he explored the market and tried out various smart devices and innovative products, Saed was struck by the pace of China's technological development.