In China, there is a very special market known as the Guangzhou replica market. It attracts many visitors who come to the city in search for fake bags, shoes, watches and clothes. With its massive wholesale trading past, it is not surprising that today one can see numerous such clusters, within which the massive Guangzhou wholesale market complex played an important role. Some markets open during the day while others operate at night creating an atmosphere of a clandestine bazaar.
This guide combines first-hand knowledge and practical experience to give you insight into the operation of these markets. You will be told the right places to visit, what to avoid, and provided tips on how not to be fooled into buying inferior products while you’re there.
Why Guangzhou’s Replica Market Is Famous Worldwide
There are numerous wholesale buildings in Guangzhou. Most of them trade in genuine goods, though there are areas of the city where fake products are openly sold. A good example is located just next to Guangzhou Railway Station whereby one can find many units offering copy watches, clothes and handbags. You can even see in the pictures Baiyun Leather City said”Welcome to conton fair buyer”
Tourists prefer the Guangzhou replica market because they can get cheap prices, there is a lot of merchandise available, and most vendors have real samples that can be examined privately. In addition, some manufacturers have employed runners who transport the goods during the night hours. The truth is that business at Zhanxi Road begins at night, which is why it is sometimes called the “Ghost Watch Market“.
Nonetheless, buying replicas is not entirely legal. Keep your eyes open and make intelligent decisions.
Top 7 Guangzhou Replica Markets to Visit
1. Baiyun Leather City (白云皮具城)
Baiyun Leather City is among the top spots not only in Guangzhou but also in the whole of China where imitation goods are sold. It is famous as a place for bags, leather items, belts and luggage. On entering, one sees that most stalls on the lower floors have unbranded samples. This is normal. The vendors keep the original commodities out of sight because there are many checks in the market. Many sellers will wait for you to present a picture of the handbag. In response to this, they will quietly confirm and then lead you towards the back in order see the genuine item kept at some warehouse or private room nearby. This is typical within the cluster of bags around the railway station.
The operations on floors 5 through 11 are unique. These storeys contain many rooms resembling offices, most of which remain closed. Sellers, at this point, open their doors to clients they know or who have been referred by someone else. These offices are where business is conducted between suppliers who have been supplying for a long time, wholesale sellers of belts, and makers of expensive bags.
The entirety of Baiyun extends into other leather markets such as Guihua Gang and Ziyuangang thereby creating what seems like a huge maze full of bag suppliers in the area. Be ready to walk a lot and compare prices if you intend to stay here for some hours.
Address: No. 1356–1358 Jiefang North Road, Baiyun District.
2. Linglong International (领龙国际)
The Linglong International opens only at night, precisely at 10:30 PM and closes its doors at around 2:00-3:00 AM. It is as if it is a secret bazaar that can only be found at night. The majority of stalls remain closed during the first part of the evening, but after twelve o’clock, buyers start coming and the corridors become crowded with people looking for:
- Jackets
- Hoodies
- Jeans
- Bags
- Shoes
- Accessories
Buyers usually visit both buildings because Linglong is just opposite Guoda Shoes City. Most vendors in this place display unmarked samples and will only show you the labeled ones after you ask questions, due to regular checks. It is a practice that is also common at other clothing markets in Guangzhou whereby stalls keep the brand items hidden up to when they are asked for by buyers. Although some allow for exchange, it is uncommon to see returned goods; therefore, inspection should be done before exit. Linglong attracts many customers looking to buy clothes, as its stalls are quickly updated with new fast-fashion designs.
Address: No. 12 Qingcha Road, Baiyun District.
3. Zhanxi Watch City (站西手表市场)
Zhanxi is one of the busiest and most iconic parts of the Guangzhou replica market. Many people call it the “Guangzhou Ghost Watch Market” because the real action begins after 8:00 PM. At night, you will see factory runners carrying backpacks filled with watch orders. They meet sellers in corners, stairways, or small rooms and drop off goods discreetly.
Zhanxi spreads across nine large buildings, packed with all types of replica watches. You will find:
- A-grade watches with simple movements
- Super A replicas with better cases, straps, and higher-quality mechanisms
- Parts sold in bulk, such as cases, hands, movements, dials, crowns
In addition, some buildings are linked to clothing markets; therefore, one can survey various departments at a go. These buildings are closely spaced, hence it will take you only a short time to move from one to another. Zhanxi is ever crowded, more so at night, and there could be thick human traffic during the Canton fair period.
Address: No. 65 Zhanxi Road, Yuexiu District.
4. Yifa Plaza, Xingfa Plaza, and Beauty Exchange City
The group of stalls is located in a very busy commercial zone close to the train station. The stalls at Yifa Plaza, Xingfa Plaza, and Beauty Exchange City are numerous and are arranged consecutively. The majority of these stalls deal with cloths such as dresses, trousers, skirts, tops, blouses as well as other wears like hats, bags, jewelry among others.
These department stores attract customers who wish to visit several shops in the shortest time possible. It is easy to move through them because each booth displays a small number of commodities. Some stalls imitate emerging streetwear, while others specialize in quick-fashion tops and pants.
Therefore, because there is much difference in quality, the most appropriate way of buying here would be by looking at the clothes closely and feeling the material or inspecting the stitching. Therefore, you should walk slowly and look at many stalls. Some pieces look nice from far away but feel different up close. This area is good for testing suppliers before committing to larger purchases.
5. Guangzhou Guoda Shoes City (国大鞋城)
Guoda Shoes City is also a night market. The majority of vendors start their businesses around 10:30 PM, and the place stays packed until after midnight. Guoda specializes in knock-off leather shoes as well as top-of-the-range fashion footwear. Many styles closely resemble those of expensive designer labels, and customers can find all sorts of men’s and women’s shoes at varying levels of quality.
This marketplace is very old. Some years back, it got into trouble after being aired on national television for selling counterfeit shoes, which led to the temporary closure of many stalls. However, clients still visit the place, and business continues into the night because there is a strong market for fake shoes.
A few vendors nowadays trade exclusively on WeChat or have private showrooms but most stalls are still operational within the main building. If you want to see and compare many shoe designs at one point, then Guoda is the place to be.
Address: No. 35 Fenghuang Road, Baiyun District.
6. Sanyuanli Market Area (三元里商圈)
Sanyuanli is one of the biggest commercial zones for foreign buyers. Many visitors from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia stay in this area because it is filled with:
- Bags
- Belts
- Jackets
- Perfumes
- Luggage
- Clothing
At the Canton Fair, many traders are seen moving around with large bags and trolleys along the streets. Baiyun Leather City is directly linked to Sanyuanli, in a zone that contains over 30 leather and bag markets spanning Guihua Gang and Ziyuangang roads. It is essential to negotiate because the prices are not fixed. Therefore, one should always make comparisons before making purchases.
Address: No. 1356–1358 Jiefang North Road, Sanyuanli.
7. KINBO Clothing Market (金宝外贸服装城)
KINBO is a top place where people can get replica clothes. It is an eight-storey building, and on every floor, you will find unique products:
- Floors 1–4: Open stalls with streetwear, jeans, jackets, shirts, and export-style clothing that many buyers later turn into private label clothing.
- Floors 5–8: Office-style units with closed doors, used by higher-quality clothing supplier.
Many sellers on the upper floors open only for trusted buyers or referrals. Some store large stocks inside these offices and bring out items only after confirming you are serious. KINBO is also close to Kinme and Kindo, forming a big fashion cluster along Zhanxi Road.
Address: No. 57 Zhanxi Road.
Practical Sourcing Tips for First-Time Buyers
Tip #1: Define what you want to buy
Each zone in the Guangzhou replica market has its own specialty, so planning your target products will save you a lot of time. Here’s a quick guide:
- Baiyun Leather City → Bags, belts, wallets, leather goods
- Zhanxi → Watches, streetwear, fast-fashion clothing
- Guoda Shoes City → Replica leather shoes and fashion sneakers
- KINBO Clothing Market → Export-style clothing and trendy pieces
Knowing the right building helps you avoid walking in circles and makes your trip more efficient.
In addition, it is beneficial to have clear product photos with you when going to any stall. This is important because most sellers operate on pictures, particularly in the bag and watch sectors. When you show them exactly what you want, they respond faster and guide you to the proper supplier without confusion.
Tip #2: Focus on specialized stalls
It is better to buy from sellers who specialize in one category since they are likely to have good quality and consistent supply. For instance, a stall that exclusively sells bags or jackets will be in a better position to comprehend about materials, stitching and sizes of such clothing. Such sellers also frequently update their stock to maintain uniformity and adhere to their clients’ MOQs.
Do not buy from stalls that display many unrelated products. If someone sells bags today, then tomorrow shoes, belts, jackets, hats – there will definitely be no homogeneity in the goods offered. It is safer to deal with specialized sellers because they are experts in their products.
Tip #3: Compare prices and workmanship
The craftsmanship may vary greatly even if both stalls have identical models. Look at the stitching, hardware, leather quality, weight, and color. For instance, some sellers around Zhanxi will display their inferior products for scrutiny purposes but upon inquiry they will show you the high standard ones.
By looking at many stalls you can see if it is just a fake copy or the high-quality one (Super A).
Take as long as you need. Buyers are supposed to compare prices and bargain with sellers. First of all, take a walk and this will give an idea about different prices and qualities available in the market for every group of goods.
Tip #4: Understand the shipping methods
Replica markets use two main delivery methods, and knowing them helps you avoid confusion:
- Night handover: You meet the seller in the same area to collect the goods. This method is common in Linglong and Guoda, since both markets operate late at night.
- Direct delivery: You pay at the stall, leave your shipping address, and the shop delivers the items to your door.
Whichever way you decide to use, make sure you examine what you have bought when it is delivered. The majority of stalls will not accept returns unless there is a genuine reason. Therefore, it is crucial that one looks at the item physically prior taking into custody of such items like bags, leather jackets or wrist watches.
Tip #5: Avoid chasing very cheap prices
In some stalls, you will find samples that are outdated and do not represent the actual product. It is common for the very cheap commodities to either be made of inferior quality materials or contain some imperceptible defects. Even though they appear similar at a distance, there can be significant variances in the quality of two handbags or pairs of shoes.
The reason superior kinds cost more is that they require more effort in terms of stitching, hardware, and the materials used. When a price seems low, compare it with prices from at least two other places. Purchases at low prices usually turn out to be disappointing.
Tip #6: Referrals help you find better sellers
A lot of the best replica sellers do not display their actual merchandise. They don’t place the branded goods openly on the tables but instead in what can be called private showrooms whereby one can only gain access after being introduced by a known person or a trusted individual. With a referral, one can avoid the cheap stalls and reach the good suppliers quickly.
Due to frequent inspections, some top sellers have ceased operating open stalls. Currently, they depend on WeChat or private rooms, which underscores the significance of referrals for novice purchasers even more than before.
Warnings and Important Notes Before You Shop
Street hawkers often approach foreigners and promise “1:1 bags.” Do not follow them. They bring buyers to overpriced stalls hidden in apartments, and they earn large commissions.
Never trust high-pressure sellers. Quality in the Guangzhou replica market changes fast. Always check items with your own hands.
Should You Use a Sourcing Agent for Replica Markets?
The rules in the markets for fake goods keep changing. A lot of suppliers are always on the move and many more just shut down with no notice. Sourcing becomes a dangerous affair.
Our team does not source replica products. We only share this guide based on experience and observations. To be involved in real sourcing, one needs consistent suppliers, proper documentation, as well as factory visits.
Alternative Option: Buy Authentic Second-Hand Instead
For genuine products at lower prices, consider using resale sites such as ZZER. These platforms offer authentic items inspected by experts, so there is no risk of customs or quality issues.
Final Note
The Guangzhou replica market is full of surprises. There are advantages and disadvantages in every section; therefore, it is advisable to plan and be patient enough to visit several shops. Move slowly, pay attention to specifics, and keep your eyes open, as the standard may vary between vendors.
If you prefer to source real factory-made products, build your own brand, or visit verified suppliers in China, you can always reach out to SourcingXPro. Our team has more than ten years of sourcing experience in Shenzhen, and we can guide you toward safe, legal, and reliable suppliers. We work with real factories, not replica vendors, so you can grow your business with confidence and long-term stability.
