Most international buyers know Yiwu for one thing: the massive International Trade Market. But how did it become the city it is today?
Recently, the local government produced a high-quality, 20-episode documentary titled “The General History of Yiwu.” It traces the city’s roots from prehistoric dinosaur fossils and ancient temples to the modern wholesale capital of the world.
(You can watch the full Chinese documentary here: https://www.iqiyi.com/a_19rrhw3spt.html.)
If you don’t have the time to watch all 20 episodes, we’ve translated and summarized the core highlights for you. Here is the epic story of Yiwu, broken down episode by episode.
Part 1: The Ancient Origins (Episodes 1-3)
- Episode 01: The Land and People. To understand Yiwu, you must understand its geography. This episode explains how the harsh natural environment forged the resilient spirit of the Yiwu people.
- Episode 02: Ancient Times. Yiwu was formerly known as Wushang. This episode takes you through ancient tombs and historical relics, uncovering the mystery of the region’s early civilization.
- Episode 03: Building a County. Underneath the high-rises of modern Yiwu lies a history dating back to the Qin and Han Dynasties. This episode explores what drove the very first wave of economic development in this area.
Part 2: The Golden Age of Culture & Scholars (Episodes 4-9)
Yiwu isn’t just about business; it has a profound intellectual history.
- Episode 04: Master Fu of Buddhism. Discover how ancient Yiwu (especially Fotang Town) became a holy site for Chinese Buddhism, influencing culture far beyond China’s borders.
- Episode 05: Luo Binwang (The Poet). Meet one of the “Four Great Masters of the Early Tang Dynasty.” Luo Binwang was a legendary poet whose work shaped Chinese literature.
- Episode 06: Xiuhu Lake. A look into the Tang and Song dynasties, when Yiwu’s agriculture, silk weaving, and wine-making began to boom.
- Episode 07: Zong Ze (The General). When the nation was invaded, the people of Yiwu showed their fierce loyalty. Zong Ze was a brilliant military strategist and national hero who defended the country during the Song Dynasty.
- Episode 08: Neo-Confucianism. Education has always been a priority here. This episode highlights how ancient Yiwu became a hub for scholars and private academies.
- Episode 09: Zhu Danxi (The Medical Master). Meet a Yiwu local who became one of the greatest masters of traditional Chinese medicine. His medical theories eventually spread overseas and remain highly respected today.
Part 3: The Roots of Commerce & Grit (Episodes 10-12)
This is the era where modern Yiwu’s business DNA was formed.
- Episode 10: Markets and Streets. Hundreds of years ago, the Yiwu River was the main trading channel. Based on the “Three Treasures of Yiwu” (ham, dates, and brown sugar), this episode shows how early township economies laid the groundwork for today’s international trade city.
- Episode 11: The Yiwu Soldiers. Did you know Yiwu people helped build and defend the Great Wall of China? Led by the famous general Qi Jiguang, the “Yiwu Soldiers” were renowned across the country for their unmatched bravery and fierce fighting spirit.
- Episode 12: The Sugar Bearers. This is the origin of the Yiwu miracle. It tells the story of the “Chicken Feathers for Sugar” traders—local farmers who carried loads on their shoulders, trading homemade sugar for feathers. This simple barter system birthed the tenacious business spirit of modern Yiwu.
Part 4: Heritage, War, and Rebirth (Episodes 13-20)
- Episode 13: Wu Opera. A deep dive into Yiwu’s intangible cultural heritage. The traditional Wu Opera has been performed in local temples for over 500 years.
- Episode 14: Ancient Towns. Step back in time to explore the black tiles, white walls, and mossy slate streets of Yiwu’s oldest remaining villages.
- Episodes 15 & 16: Famous Officials. A look at Zhu Zhixi (the “God of the River” who managed China’s waterways) and Zhu Yixin (a late Qing Dynasty scholar who pushed for Western learning).
- Episode 17: Water Transportation. During the Republic of China era, shipping by boat was at its peak. This episode focuses on the booming river trade in Fotang Town.
- Episodes 18 & 19: Resistance and Courage. During World War II, the people of Yiwu didn’t back down. The “Yiwu Battalion” was a group of local volunteers who fought fiercely to defend their hometown against the Japanese invasion.
- Episode 20: The World’s Capital of Small Commodities. Over the past 40 years, Yiwu transformed from a poor, traditional agricultural county into a global powerhouse. Reform and opening-up policies inspired a generation of farmers to become international traders, turning the dream of having enough food into the reality of a global business empire.
Conclusión
The history of Yiwu proves one thing: the people here have always been hardworking, resilient, and forward-thinking. From the ancient Sugar Bearers to the modern suppliers in the International Trade Market, that commercial spirit is still alive today.
At MySourcify, we are proud to be rooted in this incredible city. If you are ready to tap into the world’s most dynamic wholesale market, we are here to be your trusted local guide. Contact us today to start sourcing!
