Local Knowledge

China's Manufacturing Landscape — Where Your Products Come From

Understanding China's industrial geography is the difference between finding a great factory and getting burned by a middleman.

Industrial Geography

China Isn't One Factory — It's 50 Specializations

Guangdong Zhejiang Fujian Shandong Shanghai Hebei ↑ Our Base · Shanghai
Guangdong · Pearl River Delta Electronics, hardware, plastics, clothing, toys. China's largest manufacturing hub.
Zhejiang · Yiwu & Hangzhou Small commodities, accessories, textiles, gifts, fashion. Home of the world's largest wholesale market.
Fujian · Quanzhou & Xiamen Footwear, sportswear, stone products, outdoor goods.
Shandong Furniture, rubber, tyres, agricultural products, machinery.
Shanghai Region High-end manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, trade gateway.
Hebei & Tianjin Steel products, machinery, wire and cable, industrial goods.
Product Categories

What We Know Well — And Where We'll Tell You We Don't

Electronics and technology products
Electronics & Tech
Guangdong · MOQ from 100+ units
Textiles and apparel
Textiles & Apparel
Zhejiang · Fujian · MOQ from 200+ pcs
Furniture and home goods
Furniture & Home
Shandong · Guangdong · MOQ varies
Hardware and tools
Hardware & Tools
Zhejiang · Hebei · MOQ from 500+ pcs
Silicone and rubber products
Silicone & Rubber
Guangdong · MOQ from 100+ pcs
Bags and accessories
Bags & Accessories
Guangzhou · Yiwu · MOQ from 100+ pcs
Gifts and promotional items
Gifts & Promotional
Yiwu · MOQ from 100+ pcs
Packaging and print products
Packaging & Print
Guangdong · MOQ varies

Don't see your category? Ask us — we may still be able to help, or we'll tell you honestly if we're not the right fit.

Sourcing Channels

Sourcing Channels Compared — Which Is Right for You?

Factor Online Platforms Trade Fairs Via SinoSource
Language English interface, but factory reps vary Chinese-dominant, basic English Full Mandarin fluency — we handle everything
Price Level Platform markups included (+15–40%) Closer to factory price, with fair floor margins Direct factory pricing + active negotiation
Minimum Order Often high (500–1000+ units) Varies widely Negotiated case by case — flexible
Supplier Verification Platform badges only In-person meeting, but limited background check License check + capacity audit + track record
Ongoing Access Through platform messaging only One-off per fair cycle Year-round direct access to our supplier network
Communication Slow, often templated Good in person, poor follow-up Fast, bilingual, dedicated contact
Quality Risk Medium-high Medium Reduced — on-site QC before shipping
Best For Large buyers with established suppliers First discovery, new categories All buyers, especially new importers
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FAQ

Common Questions About China Sourcing

Is 1688 safe for foreign buyers?
1688 is China's largest B2B wholesale marketplace — it's legitimate, but it's designed for Chinese buyers. Prices are in RMB, communication is in Mandarin, and most sellers don't offer export services. That's exactly the gap we fill — we purchase on your behalf and handle everything in Chinese.
What's the difference between a factory and a trading company?
A factory makes the product. A trading company buys from factories and resells — usually with a 20–40% markup and less flexibility on specs. On Alibaba, it can be hard to tell the difference. On 1688 and with direct contacts, our team can verify which is which.
Do I need to visit China to source products?
No — most sourcing can be done remotely, especially for repeat orders. For new products or custom items, a factory visit adds value, but it's not required. Our team can represent you in person.
What certifications do Chinese factories commonly have?
Common ones: ISO 9001 (quality management), CE marking (for EU market), FDA registration (for US food/cosmetics), REACH compliance (EU chemicals), and SGS/BV inspection reports. We'll advise what's relevant for your product and market.