Where to Source in China: Yiwu, Canton Fair and the Major Markets

China is not one market — it is hundreds, each known for different products. Knowing where a product is made or traded helps you buy it better and cheaper. This guide maps the main places Bangladeshi importers source from, from giant wholesale markets to trade fairs and online platforms, and how DE International buys from all of them on your behalf.

Yiwu: a giant wholesale market

Yiwu is famous for small commodities in huge variety:

• Known for: household goods, toys, stationery, accessories, gifts and daily items.
• Why buyers go: enormous variety and low prices for general merchandise.
• Best for: mixed containers of many small products rather than one specialised item.

The Canton Fair: a massive trade show

• What it is: a huge trade fair held in Guangzhou, covering almost every product category.
• Why it matters: a place to meet many manufacturers and see new products in person.
• Best for: finding manufacturers and serious suppliers across industries.

Shenzhen: electronics and hardware

• Known for: electronics, gadgets, components and hardware manufacturing.
• Why buyers go: one of the densest electronics supply chains in the world.
• Best for: electronic products, accessories and anything with a circuit board.

Online: 1688, Alibaba and direct factories

You do not have to fly to China to source from it:

• 1688: China’s domestic wholesale platform with the lowest prices, in Chinese and aimed at local buyers.
• Alibaba: the international platform, in English, built for export buyers.
• Direct factories: dealing with a manufacturer directly once you know who makes your product.

Buying online has its own risks — read our guide on how to buy from 1688 and Alibaba safely before you pay anyone.

Which one is right for you?

• General merchandise, mixed loads: Yiwu.
• Meeting manufacturers, new products: the Canton Fair.
• Electronics and hardware: Shenzhen.
• Buying without travelling: 1688 and Alibaba.

Whichever you choose, the basics stay the same: verify the supplier, order a sample, and plan your landed cost.

How DE International sources from all of them

DE International sources across markets, fairs and online platforms — including buying from 1688 and Alibaba on your behalf, verifying factories, and consolidating everything into one shipment to Bangladesh. You do not need to speak Chinese, hold a Chinese bank account or travel. Start with our beginner guide to sourcing from China.

Not sure where your product comes from? Tell us what you want to buy and we will find the best source, verify it, and quote sourcing plus delivery. See our services, our China sourcing and buying agent service, or contact us.