Planning your first trip to Yiwu can feel confusing, especially if you are trying to figure out how to get to Yiwu for the first time. Yiwu is a popular destination among buyers, although they often get confused about the best way to get there. Many of them end up in the wrong city. Some waste their time choosing slow means of transport, while others pay for expensive transfers.
This guide provides a practical and straightforward approach to reaching Yiwu, specifically designed for novice buyers, importers, and sourcing visitors. It does not require one to have traveled before to comprehend. After reading this guide, you will be able to establish the most suitable route for yourself and get there comfortably.
Where Is Yiwu and Why Global Buyers Go There
Yiwu is located in Zhejiang Province, China, just a two-hour high-speed train ride away from Shanghai. Even though Yiwu does not attract many tourists, it remains among the top global sourcing destinations.
This town is home to the Yiwu International Trade City, the largest wholesale market in the world. There are visitors from over 200 countries who come each year to buy cheap commodities. These visitors are interested in such small commodities as fashion items, toys, hardware, domestic wares and daily commodities packaging products among other things.
For anyone buying mass consumer goods, you cannot fail to consider Yiwu. This explains why it is important to know how to reach Yiwu in the right way.
Do You Need a Visa? The 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy
Good news to those visiting for the first time; at the moment, Yiwu International Airport allows visa-free entry for a maximum of 240 hours (10 days). As such, it is very easy for overseas buyers who come to source in Yiwu to access this facility.
By doing so, they eliminate the need for visas and enable frequent travelers to save money. On a separate note, remember to obtain a full Chinese visa from the relevant authorities if you plan to stay for an extended period or visit many cities on your journey.
Best Ways to Get to Yiwu China (Quick Overview)
There are four main ways to reach Yiwu:
- Plane
- High-speed train
- Long-distance coach
- Private car
Most international buyers arrive in China through a major city first. They then travel to Yiwu using domestic transport.
Quick Comparison
| Transport Option | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Fast | Higher | Buyers with heavy luggage or limited time |
| High-speed train | Fast | Medium | Most first-time buyers |
| Coach (Bus) | Slow | Low | Budget travelers from nearby cities |
| Private car | Fast | High | Groups or late-night arrivals |
Your best choice depends on where you land and how much time you have.
Flying to Yiwu China
Yiwu has its own airport called Yiwu International Airport (义乌机场). However, there are no direct international flights to Yiwu. For this reason, all travelers coming from abroad will have to take a connecting flight from a different Chinese city.
Common Transfer Cities
- Guangzhou (most common hub for international transfers)
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Hangzhou
Yiwu can be reached by a domestic flight from any of these cities. The flight will take approximately 2 hours.
Booking Flights
You can book flights using international platforms such as:
Booking a flight to Shanghai or Guangzhou first is the preferred option for many travelers. They then take a train or another plane to Yiwu.
Yiwu Airport Overview
The small airport in Yiwu is a military and civilian facility, and getting around is simple. There are signs in Chinese and English at most points; hence, it is difficult for travelers from any part of the world to get lost. The immigration process is, for the most part, fast. There are taxis at the exit.
It may be convenient for first-time visitors to Yiwu Airport, but it is not always essential. A lot of buyers avoid flying straight to Yiwu because they find it cheaper and almost as quick to go by train.
How to Get to Yiwu by High-Speed Train: The Most Popular Method
Yiwu is best accessed by the high-speed trains. This is because they are fast, clean, and user-friendly.
Why Buyers Prefer Trains
- It takes a short time to travel.
- The schedules are predictable
- It is cheaper compared to flying
- Simple baggage process
- There are no airport security issues
- Closer city center stations
How to Buy Train Tickets
There are two main options:
- Trip.com (Best for foreigners and first-time users)
- Use your passport
- Pay with international cards
- English interface
- Instant confirmation
The website is very popular among business travelers, as it helps overcome language barriers and enables quick bookings without going through many verification steps, unlike other websites.
- Railway 12306 App (中国铁路 12306)
- Passport registration needed
- Must have a Chinese phone number
- It will take between three and five days for email verification
- One can book tickets when it is 15 days or less before their journey
- Most suitable for frequent travelers and expats in China
- Ticket Windows at Railway Stations
- Use your passport to buy directly
- Available at any major station
- Staff can help, though English may be limited
Ticket Classes
- Second class: ¥50-150 ($7-22) – Affordable and comfortable
- First class: ¥80-230 ($12-33) – More space and quieter
- Business class: ¥158-500+ ($23-72+) – Premium option with meals
For most buyers, second class is perfectly comfortable.
How to Reach Yiwu From Major Entry Cities
It is easy to get to Yiwu from China’s main airports once you know how. The majority of foreign buyers enter China through a first-tier city. Below are typical ways, including cost and timetables for each route.
From Shanghai to Yiwu (300km distance)
This is the most common route for overseas buyers.
By High-Speed Train (RECOMMENDED)
Departure station: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站)
Travel time: About 2 hours
Trains run: Earliest around 9:30 AM, latest close to 9:00 PM (all day)
Price:
- Business class: ¥500+ ($72)
- First class: ¥230+ ($33)
- Second class: ¥150+ ($22)
It is the simplest and most preferred choice. Upon arrival in Shanghai, a lot of buyers opt for this.
By Coach from Shanghai Pudong Airport (上海浦东国际机场)
Travel time: About 4.5 hours
Price: ¥200 (~$30)
Process:
- Upon clearing customs, one should look for the bus station using the directions provided by the officials or by asking them.
- You will need your passport to purchase a ticket.
- Arrive at Yiwu Coach Station (义乌国际商贸城客运中心), located right across from Yiwu Market District 3
Pro tip: At times, private cars at the coach station offer rides to Yiwu for approximately ¥800/car ($115). You can as well join hands with other buyers and share the cost if you are comfortable with carpooling. Although these types of cars may not be there all the time, they move at a high speed and are easily accessible when you get them, so long as you remember to negotiate!
The train is faster and more reliable; therefore, it is preferred by most travelers.
From Hangzhou to Yiwu (100km distance)
Hangzhou is much closer to Yiwu than Shanghai, making it an excellent entry point.
By High-Speed Train
Important note: Train schedules have changed because of the ongoing construction at Yiwu Railway Station (义乌站) which is scheduled to end in 2026:
From Hangzhou West Railway Station (杭州西站) – MOST TRAINS
- 30 daily departures
- Travel time: 30-40 minutes
- Start as early as 6:30 AM, run until 10:00 PM
- Price:
- Business class: ¥158+ ($23+)
- First class: ¥80 ($12)
- Second class: ¥50 ($7)
From Hangzhou East Railway Station (杭州东站) – LIMITED
- Only 3 daily trains due to construction
By Coach from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (杭州萧山国际机场)
Travel time: Around 1.5 hours
Price: ¥72 ($10)
Schedule: First coach departs at 9:00 AM, while the last one leaves at 9:00 PM
Location: Gate 14, Terminal 4 Coach Station
Drop-off: Close to Yiwu Market District 3 (国际商贸城3区)
If you arrive after the last coach has left at 9 PM, there are private cars available for hire.
- Full car: ¥450 ($65)
- Carpooling: ¥150 ($22) per person – budget-friendly!
Hangzhou works incredibly well for buyers who want a shorter, cheaper transfer.
From Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Yiwu
Buyers from Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East commonly use these cities as entry points.
By Connecting Flight (MOST CONVENIENT)
Flight time: About 2 hours
If you are carrying a lot of bags, it would be easiest to take a flight with many foreign passengers from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Yiwu.
By High-Speed Train from Shenzhen
Direct train option:
- Train D2284 from Shenzhen North Railway Station (深圳北站)
- Travel time: 8.5 hours
- Price:
- Second class: ¥516 ($75)
- First class: ¥827 ($118)
With transfers:
- Transfer at Hangzhou West or other stations
- Total journey: 7-10 hours
- Second class total: ¥515-800 ($75-$115)
By High-Speed Train from Guangzhou
Currently, no direct high-speed trains from Guangzhou to Yiwu—transfers are required.
From Xintang Railway Station (新塘高铁站):
- Change trains at Hangzhou West Railway Station (杭州西站)
- Layover Time: 30 minutes approximately
- Total journey: Approximately 7. 5 hours
From Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East (广州南/广州东站):
- Change trains at Jinhua, Fuzhou, or Hangzhou
- Total journey: Eight and half to ten and half hours
- Second class total fare: ¥600-800 ($86-$115)
When to choose what: Flying is easier with heavy luggage, while trains are suitable for people looking to economize and not in a hurry.
Getting From Yiwu Airport or Station to Markets and Hotels
The county-level city of Yiwu has very few means of public transport. There is no subway operating. The buses have an early last stop (the majority ceasing at about 6:00 PM, and all of them by 7:00 PM close to the wholesale markets), which makes it difficult for people to know about the bus routes, even for those residing in the area.
Taking a taxi is your best option, and taxi fees in Yiwu are quite affordable compared to major cities.
Taxi From Yiwu Airport
Distance to city center: About 5.5km
Taxi rates:
- ¥8 ($1.15) for the first 2 km
- ¥2.5/km ($0.36) for 2-6 km
- ¥3.5/km ($0.50) beyond 6 km
Important: It is possible that certain airport taxi drivers do not turn on their meters but give a standard charge instead. Make sure you demand for the taxi meter to be put on or agree on a fare first before you board!
Taxi From Yiwu Railway Station
Distance to markets: About 9 km
Travel time: 15 to 20 minutes
Cost: Around ¥30+ ($4.50)
You can easily get a taxi at the station exit. Ensure that you agree on using the meter with the driver first.
Pro tip: In case you know people or have business connections at Yiwu, they could give you a ride too.
Taxi From Yiwu Coach Station
The Yiwu Coach Station (义乌国际商贸城客运中心) can be found in No. 365 Chengxin Avenue, Yiwu City (义乌市诚信大道365号)
Being situated just opposite the Yiwu Market District 3 (国陲商贸城3区), it is very convenient for those who want to go and see the market.
Example: A 10-minute drive (3+ km) from Yiwu Coach Station to the Marriott Hotel costs around ¥10 ($1.50).
Reaching Yiwu International Trade City
Yiwu International Trade City is divided into several districts (District 1-5). Most hotels are nearby. Taxi drivers know these locations well, especially if you have the address in Chinese.
Understanding Yiwu’s transportation helps you save time and avoid confusion once you arrive. Once you reach the market area, having a clear idea of the sourcing process also helps buyers plan their visits more efficiently and make better use of their time in Yiwu.
Leaving Yiwu and Planning Your Return Trip
Returning from Yiwu is simple. You can use the same routes you used to arrive.
- Trains back to Shanghai and Hangzhou run daily
- Flights to major cities are frequent
- Coaches are available for nearby cities
Plan your return based on your market schedule. Avoid leaving during peak travel hours if possible.
Practical Yiwu Travel Tips for First-Time Buyers
Now that you know how to get to Yiwu, these practical tips will help make your journey smoother and avoid common problems.
Arrive During the Day
Daytime arrivals (before 6 PM) make it easier to find transport and check into hotels. Buses stop early in Yiwu, so arriving late limits your options to taxis.
Prepare for Payments
- Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is extremely common in China
- Cash (CNY) is still useful for taxis and small vendors
- Not all taxis accept mobile payments
- Some international cards work, but don’t rely on them
Keep Hotel Addresses in Chinese
Taxi drivers prefer Chinese text. This avoids confusion and ensures you get to the right place. Ask your hotel to send you the address in Chinese characters before arrival.
Don’t Overpack
Yiwu markets are huge—you’ll be walking a lot. Light luggage makes moving between districts and hotels much easier. Remember, you’ll probably be shipping products back anyway!
Plan Enough Market Time
Yiwu International Trade City is massive with 5 districts and over 75,000 booths. One day is often not enough. Most serious buyers spend 3-5 days to properly explore and negotiate.
Download Key Apps Before Arrival
- Trip.com for bookings
- Railway 12306 if you’re a frequent visitor
- Translation app (Google Translate works in China, but download offline Chinese)
- Didi (China’s Uber) if you have a Chinese number
Learn Basic Phrases
Even simple phrases help:
- 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
- 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you
- 多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?) – How much?
- 义乌国际商贸城 (Yìwū Guójì Shāngmào Chéng) – Yiwu International Trade City
Do You Need Local Support in Yiwu?
Some buyers prefer to travel alone. Others need help once they arrive.
You may need local support if:
- You’re sourcing for the first time
- You don’t speak Chinese
- You want direct factory connections
- You need quality checks and inspections
- You want to negotiate better prices
- You need shipping and logistics help
Many buyers work with local sourcing partners to save time, avoid costly mistakes, and get better deals. A good sourcing agent can make the difference between a successful trip and a frustrating one.
Conclusion
Yiwu may seem hard to reach at first. In reality, it is very accessible if you plan well. High-speed trains, domestic flights, and taxis make travel simple once you understand your options.
This guide on how to get to Yiwu is designed to help first-time buyers arrive with confidence. With the right route and basic preparation, your Yiwu trip can start smoothly and productively.
Sourcing is the top priority for some buyers, and being ready can be very beneficial. This is how SourcingXpro helps overseas buyers in Yiwu: with everything. The buyers can save time and avoid costly mistakes by navigating Yiwu International Trade City and connecting with trustworthy suppliers with the help of local guidance.
