World's Supermarket Reopens with Grand Event Post 2026 Festival

The Yiwu International Trade Market, often celebrated as the largest wholesale market for small commodities globally and referred to as 'the world's supermarket,' has officially resumed operations as of February 28, following the 2026 Spring Festival holiday. This event has not only revitalized visitor numbers but also provided a significant impetus for local businesses.

On the first day of trading, operators and market merchants reported an impressive turnout, with Zhejiang Yiwu China Commodities City Import & Export Co stating a market opening rate of 97.4 percent, reflecting an increase of 2.3 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Total visitor count reached an astounding 291,000, marking a year-on-year increase of 23.8 percent, as reported by the Securities Times.

Among the attractions, the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, which represents the city's innovative 'sixth-generation market,' drew around 62,000 visitors on its opening day. This center was inaugurated last October and has already become a significant hub for trade and tourism.

The reopening ceremony at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center highlighted the market's commitment to fostering economic growth. Merchants expressed excitement, with Sun Lijuan, the owner of Hongsheng Toys, noting a bustling atmosphere filled with returning clients and new orders, despite her primary business focus being online sales.

Sun elaborated on her success, sharing that she secured about 20 to 30 transactions on the opening day, amounting to seven to eight containers filled with toys. The atmosphere was charged with energy, as the market became teeming with buyers and merchants alike.

Transitioning to a focus on AI-enabled toys has proven advantageous for Sun, who uses innovative tools to reach a broader audience while reducing operational costs. Despite challenges in global trade, her export volumes have continued to increase, leveraging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

With an eye on expansion, Sun plans to target international markets in Brazil and Vietnam, noting Brazil's potential as a lucrative opportunity. This calculated approach, grounded in their experience and diverse clientele, represents a strategic move for growth.

The reopening follows a notable boost, as Yiwu gained prominence as a sub-venue for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala. This association not only heightened the visibility of Yiwu but also facilitated a remarkable increase in visitor numbers during the holiday period.

Yiwu's popularity surged as evidenced by data indicating it topped tourism rankings among county-level cities during the Spring Festival. Reports from Trip.com highlighted an 83 percent rise in tourist arrivals and an 84 percent boost in tourism revenue year-on-year, showcasing its appeal as a cultural and commercial destination.

Experts have attributed Yiwu's tourism boom to its successful amalgamation of cultural intellectual property with its business framework. This transformation allows Yiwu to evolve from a traditional trade center into a vibrant experiential location, driven by the 'Gala effect' which encourages consumption and enhances revenue channels.

Data from Yiwu Customs signals the market's robust trading environment, reporting a total trade volume of 836.5 billion yuan last year, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.1 percent. With nearly 80,000 booths showcasing over 2.1 million types of commodities and connectivity with over 230 countries, the Yiwu International Trade Market remains pivotal on the global trading stage.