The largest toy wholesale market in China is in Yiwu International Trade City, District 1. Located in Zhejiang Province, its first floor hosts over 2,000 toy suppliers offering 450,000+ styles, making it a global hub for toy exports.
At Yiwu’s toy market, you’ll find thousands of toy varieties. These include plush toys, electronic and RC toys, inflatable toys, educational toys, action figures, and more.
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What preparations do I need to make before purchasing toys in Yiwu?
1. Arrange for a Yiwu Sourcing Agent or Guide
Hiring a local Yiwu agent can greatly ease the process by helping with language translation, locating suppliers, negotiating prices, and managing orders and shipments.
Agents can also assist with quality control and ensure you get products that meet your specifications.
2. Prepare Import and Regulatory Information
Before buying, verify that the toys you plan to import comply with your country’s import regulations, safety standards, and certification requirements. For example, if you’re from the EU, toys must meet CE/EN71 standards. In the US, CPSIA and ASTM F963 might be required.
Understand import duties and any restrictions on toy products to avoid issues later. Here are 2 examples for your reference.
- A soft plastic doll with high levels of phthalates was refused entry into Germany because it failed EN71-3 chemical testing. The importer had to destroy the goods at their own cost.
- A buyer imports $10,000 worth of plastic toy guns to the US. Although there is no import duty, the MPF is around 0.3464% of the value, which is $34.64, and HMF is 0.125%, which is $12.50 (only if shipped by sea). These hidden costs still impact your final price.
3. Plan Your Purchasing Process
Visit the market to browse and negotiate prices; bargaining skills are important to get the best deals.
Minimum order quantities can be as low as dozens of pieces, but clarify this with suppliers.
Discuss payment terms, delivery timelines, and arrange for local warehousing in Yiwu if needed to consolidate goods before shipment.
4. Quality Inspection and Logistics
Arrange for quality checks and inspections before shipment to ensure products meet your standards.
Plan shipping logistics, including container loading and freight forwarding from Yiwu to your country.
5. Final Preparation Checklist for Visiting Yiwu
Before you fly to Yiwu, make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s a handy checklist to help you get everything in order and avoid surprises during your trip:
| Item | Purpose / Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Business Cards | For networking with suppliers and agents |
| Business Visa | Required to legally enter China for commercial activities |
| Cash (RMB) or Alipay/WeChat Pay | For small purchases or taxi/food expenses |
| Invitation Letter (if needed) | Often required for visa application |
| Product List or Sourcing Plan | Keeps your sourcing focused and efficient |
| Sample Bag | Carry small samples you might collect |
| Translation App or Interpreter | Helps with communication if you don’t speak Chinese |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date |
Which section of Yiwu sells toys, and how is it organized?
Toys in Yiwu are primarily sold in District 1 of the Yiwu International Trade Market (also called Futian Market). Specifically, you’ll find toy suppliers in Section A and B, on the 1st and 2nd floors.
The market is highly organized, divided into five districts, each with multiple floors and sections dedicated to specific product categories like accessories, household goods, crafts, and more. This structure makes it easier for buyers to navigate and find suppliers in their target industries efficiently.
| District | Floors | Main Product Categories |
|---|---|---|
| District 1 | 1st – 3rd Floor | Toys (B, C, D, E areas), Artificial Flowers, Hair Accessories, Jewelry, Crafts |
| District 2 | 1st – 5th Floor | Luggage, Umbrellas, Hardware Tools, Electronics, Watches, Locks |
| District 3 | 1st – 5th Floor | Stationery, Sports Goods, Cosmetics, Glassware, Office Supplies |
| District 4 | 1st – 5th Floor | Socks, Daily Necessities, Knitted Garments, Shoes, Bra & Underwear |
| District 5 | 1st – 5th Floor | Imported Goods, Fabrics, Auto Parts, Bed Linens, Curtains |
How do I place an order at Yiwu’s toy wholesale market?
1. Prepare Your Requirements
Before visiting, clearly define what you need: toy types, specifications, target market, safety standards, packaging, etc.
2. Visit the Market and Identify Suppliers
Go to District 1, first floor, and explore the relevant zones (e.g., B1 for plush toys, D1 for RC toys). Walk through the booths and compare different suppliers based on product quality, styles, and prices.
3. Compare and Negotiate
Ask about product details, prices, minimum order quantities (MOQs), production time, and payment terms. Negotiate terms clearly and professionally.
4. Confirm the Order in Writing
Finalize the order with written confirmation. Include product specifications, quantities, prices, packaging details, delivery timelines, and any other important terms.
5. Make Payment
Payments are typically made via bank transfer, WeChat Pay, or Alipay in Chinese RMB. Most suppliers don’t accept credit cards.
6. Arrange Shipping
You can either ask the supplier to arrange logistics or use your own freight forwarder. Some Yiwu agents can also help coordinate shipping.
Besides Yiwu, are there other toy wholesale markets in China worth visiting?
Yes, besides Yiwu, notable toy markets in China include Shantou Chenghai, Lingyi Yongxing, Baigou and Yunhe wooden toys markets, each specializing in different toy types and order sizes.
| Location | Specialties | Order Type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shantou, Guangdong | Plastic Toys, Electronic Toys, RC Cars, Educational Toys | Medium to Large Orders | Over 8,000 factories; ideal for factory-direct OEM projects |
| Linyi, Shandong | Electronic Toys, Plastic Toys, Plush Toys | Small to Medium Orders | Largest in North China; over 4,000 suppliers across different sectors |
| Baigou, Hebei | Plush Toys | Small Orders | Budget-Friendly Plush Toys |
| Yunhe, Zhejiang | Wooden Toys | Medium Orders | Known as “China wooden toys town”; niche and eco-friendly market |
The toy market in Yiwu is open from 9:00 to 17:30, often extended to 18:00 in summer. Most shops open around 10:00 and start closing by 16:00.
Most Yiwu suppliers speak little or no English. It's best to bring a translator, hire a local agent, or use a translation app and clear product images to communicate.
About 30% of Yiwu vendors are factories, while around 70% are traders or wholesalers.
Typical MOQs in the Yiwu toy market are usually moderate, often ranging from 100 to 300 pieces per design.
You can pay Yiwu suppliers by bank transfer (T/T), Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Some also accept cash.
In Summary
Whether you’re a procurement manager, private‑label entrepreneur or wholesale distributor, Yiwu’s toy market delivers unmatched variety and value. With this guide in hand, you’ll confidently navigate District 1, secure trusted suppliers, streamline orders, and transform your next sourcing trip into real sales success.
Corleone Du
Hi, I’m Corleone, the marketing manager of Deb Toys. I’ve been in the toy industry since 2018, helping 300+ clients source toys from China. I’ll be regularly sharing my industry knowledge to help you gain an advantage in future market competition.
