Yiwu, China — Markets, Middle Eastern Food & A Hidden Side of the City

Just spent a day exploring Yiwu, and it’s so much more than just a business city! Whether you’re here for the markets or just curious about everyday life in this global trading hub, there’s plenty to experience beyond the factories. I started my trip at Yiwu Railway Station, super convenient and well-connected. From there, first stop — food, of course! Yiwu is surprisingly known for its Middle Eastern cuisine, thanks to its huge international trade scene. We grabbed lunch at a local Middle Eastern restaurant — kebabs, hummus, and freshly baked bread — honestly, better than I expected. Don’t miss Lei Feng Fruit Juice, a popular spot nearby for fresh, made-to-order juices. Perfect for cooling down before diving into shopping. Next up was the famous Yiwu International Trade Market, specifically the District 1 East Expansion Area. If you’ve never been, imagine a shopping mall the size of a small town — endless rows of shops selling everything from accessories to electronics. It’s overwhelming, but fascinating. Even if you’re not buying wholesale, it’s worth walking around to see the scale of global trade in action. After the market adventure, we headed to Chaoyang Gate, one of the historic old city gates of Yiwu. It’s a nice change of pace, with a bit of local history and quieter streets to explore. Ended the day at Yiwu Tiandi, a lively area full of restaurants, cafés, and bars — perfect for dinner or just chilling after a long day. Yiwu may be known for business, but if you take the time, you’ll find culture, great food, and a side of the city most tourists never see! #trip #travel #china #thingstodo