Kyrghyzstan athletes were in a market Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
By Jin Yingying
During the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, international athletes were making waves off the arenas. Days before the opening ceremony, eyewitnesses reported sightings of them indulged in some serious retail therapies, creating a buzz on the social media.
They ventured into the well-known local markets, haggling and stocking up on goods, some even towing suitcases in a bid to immerse themselves in the local culture.
According to a shopkeeper, the athletes and coaches from Kyrgyzstan bought some hoodies and T-shirts priced at 120 and 80 yuan, respectively.
"A group of athletes from Iran left with a substantial bargain of clothing. A 200-yuan shirt was bargained to 100 yuan," said a shopkeeper at Yifa Fashion City.
Hangzhou is home to a large number of markets in various kinds. Here are the wholesale markets in Hangzhou that are roughly divided into four categories. Check them out if you have been to any!
Clothes
1. Sijiqing
Hailed as "China's Number One Clothing Street", this area is home to 22 markets
Address: Caihe subdistrict, Shangcheng district
2. Huanbei Silk and Clothing City
A clothing wholesale market where most shops offer retail options.
Open hours: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm
Address: #160 Fengqi Road, Gongshu district
Small Commodities
1. Banshan Second-handed Goods Trading Market
In some popular second-hand shops, vintage cameras are sold. A lot of second-handed appliances and furniture can also be found here.
Open hours: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Address: #2011 Linding Road, Gongshu district
2. Hangzhou Ceramics Wholesale Market
A large collection of pots, bowls, pans, and various styles of tableware is available. However, it's advisable to ask the storekeeper if retail is accepted.
Open hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Address: #59 Nanfu Road, Shangcheng district
3. Zhejiang Qianjiang Clothing and Small Commodities Market
New Year goods, fabrics, clothes, and flowers can all be found here
Open hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Address: #445 Shangtang Road, Gongshu district
4. Hangzhou Dongsheng Small Commodities Market
A wonderland for fashion-conscious girls! Lots of clothes, accessories, and bags at very affordable prices.
Open hours: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
Address: #233 West Genshan Road, Shangcheng district
Fruits and Vegetables
1. Gouzhuang Fruit Wholesale Market
Hangzhou's largest fruit wholesale market, many fruit retailers come here for supplies.
Open hours: 7:30 am- 6:00 pm
Address: #1 Boyuan Road, Yuhang district
2. Zhejiang Wenhui Fruit and Food Market
It boasts a wide variety of fruits, especially the imported ones, though it's not easy to haggle here.
Open hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Address: #218 Tiancheng Road, Wenhui Fruit Market, Shangcheng district
Food and Beverages
Hangzhou Desheng Food Market
If you like snacks, this is the market you don't want to miss. In addition to various popular snacks, there are also nuts, wedding candies, tea, and so on.
Open hours: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Address: #28 Desheng Road, Gongshu district