Yiwu Guide: Food, Hotels & Weather

Planning a trip to Yiwu? You’ve picked one hell of a destination. Most people know Yiwu as the place where half the world’s Christmas decorations come from, but trust me—there’s so much more to discover in this bustling Zhejiang province city.

After spending considerable time exploring every nook and cranny of this “world’s largest wholesale market,” I’ve put together this comprehensive guide covering everything from the best xiaolongxia spots to navigating the monsoon season. Whether you’re here for business or pure curiosity, this guide has you covered.

Yiwu’s accommodation scene has exploded over the past decade. Here’s what actually works, based on real stays and honest reviews:

Shangri-La Yiwu
The gold standard here. Their spa alone justifies the price tag after a long day navigating wholesale markets. The location puts you walking distance from everything that matters, and their concierge actually knows the city (unlike some international chains).

Yiwu Marriott Hotel
Solid choice for business travelers. The conference facilities are top-notch, and they’ve mastered the art of the international breakfast buffet. Their business center has saved my bacon more than once.

Yindu Hotel
This place gets it right—modern amenities without the luxury price tag. The fitness center actually has functioning equipment (revolutionary, I know), and the location keeps you connected to both business and dining districts.

Super 8
Don’t let the name fool you. This Super 8 runs circles around its American counterparts. Spacious rooms, self-service laundry (crucial for longer stays), and you’re literally next to some of the best morning food markets.

Jinxi Express Hotel
Clean, modern, and refreshingly straightforward. They’ve nailed the basics—comfortable beds, reliable Wi-Fi, and hot showers that actually stay hot.

Forget everything you think you know about Chinese food. Yiwu’s dining scene reflects its international character while staying deeply rooted in Zhejiang traditions. This isn’t just about finding good meals—it’s about understanding the city’s soul through its food.

Jinhua Ham (金华火腿)
This isn’t your grocery store ham. We’re talking about meat cured using techniques passed down for centuries. The flavor is intense, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. Try it sliced paper-thin at any traditional restaurant.

Red Sugar (红糖)
Yiwu’s red sugar production dates back over 700 years. It’s not just sweetness—there’s depth, almost molasses-like richness. Local dessert shops use it in everything from ice cream to traditional pastries.

Sweet Jujubes
These aren’t just dates—they’re cultural artifacts. Locals use them in cooking, traditional medicine, and ceremonial occasions. The texture and sweetness will surprise you.

Donghe Meat Cake (东河肉饼)
Picture this: impossibly crispy exterior giving way to savory, perfectly seasoned minced pork inside. You’ll find vendors throughout the old town, but the best ones operate from tiny stalls that have been family-run for decades.

Yiting Pulled Noodles (义亭拉面)
Watching the noodle masters work is mesmerizing—they stretch and fold dough with such precision it’s almost meditative. But the real star is that broth, simmered for hours until it achieves this incredibly rich, umami-packed flavor that coats every strand.

Zezi (柘子)
This might be the most underrated snack in China. Tofu and sesame seeds shouldn’t work this well together, but somehow the combination creates this perfect balance—crispy outside, silky inside, nutty and savory without being heavy.

Santing Road Night Market
This place doesn’t mess around. As soon as the sun sets, Santing Road transforms into this incredible sensory overload—sizzling sounds, incredible aromas, and more food options than your stomach can handle in one visit.

The stinky tofu here converted even my most skeptical friends. Yes, it smells challenging, but the taste is extraordinary—fermented, complex, utterly addictive.

Exotic Food Street
This is where Yiwu’s international character shines. Turkish kebabs next to Korean barbecue next to Moroccan tagines. It sounds chaotic, and it is, but in the best possible way. The Korean BBQ stalls here rival anything I’ve had in Seoul.

Seafood Street (Worker’s North Road)
Choose your own adventure—literally. Point to the fish, crab, or shellfish you want, specify your cooking style, and watch the magic happen. The freshness here is unreal because turnover is so high.

Huagong Road: Crayfish Capital
If you only do one food experience in Yiwu, make it a night on Huagong Road. This street has elevated crayfish (小龙虾) to an art form. Every restaurant has its own secret spice blend, and the competition keeps everyone at the top of their game.

Order them spicy if you can handle heat—the Sichuan peppercorns create this incredible numbing sensation that somehow makes the sweetness of the crayfish pop even more.

Ximen Street: Bold Flavors Only
This is Sichuan food territory, and they don’t hold back. The crayfish here will make you sweat, and the stinky tofu has enough funk to clear your sinuses. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely essential for serious food lovers.

Fotang Town
Twenty minutes outside Yiwu, but worth the journey for their traditional baked goods. The ancient town setting adds to the experience—imagine eating bread recipes that haven’t changed in centuries while surrounded by Ming Dynasty architecture.

Suxi Village
Their glutinous rice cakes (má cí) represent traditional Chinese comfort food at its finest. Soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. The meat pies here are equally impressive—flaky pastry stuffed with perfectly seasoned pork.

Essential Planning Tips

1. Weather apps are your friend: Check forecasts religiously, especially during summer monsoon season
2. Book accommodations strategically: Trade fair seasons mean higher prices but incredible energy
3. Embrace the food adventure: Don’t stick to familiar flavors—that’s missing the point
4. Pack for the season: Umbrellas in summer, layers in winter, comfortable walking shoes always

Yiwu works because it shouldn’t. This random city in Zhejiang province somehow became the world’s wholesale hub, which attracted people from everywhere, which created this incredible cultural mixing pot that you can taste, see, and experience on every street corner.
The city moves fast, changes constantly, and rewards visitors who approach it with curiosity rather than expectations. Come for the markets, stay for the food, leave with stories you couldn’t have imagined when you arrived.

Yiwu isn’t trying to be tourist-friendly in the traditional sense, and that’s exactly what makes it fascinating. This is a working city that happens to offer incredible experiences for those willing to dig a little deeper than the surface.

Whether you’re here sourcing products for your business or simply satisfying curiosity about how global trade actually works, Yiwu will exceed your expectations in ways you can’t predict. Just bring your appetite—both for food and adventure.