Linyi wholesale markets become tourism draw

Traditional craft-inspired products on display at a Linyi wholesale market. [Photo/Linyi Daily]

Linyi's wholesale markets are drawing more tourists, as traditional trading spaces evolve into destinations for shopping, cultural experiences and social media check-ins.

Huafeng International Garment City, the birthplace of Linyi Trade City and long known as Xijiao Wholesale Market, shows how old markets are being renewed. Covering 240,000 square meters, it has more than 3,000 merchants and annual transactions above 10 billion yuan ($1.47 billion).

Since 2024, unused corners and blank walls have emerged as 31 photo spots, while a 36,000-sq-m selection center offers marked prices and wholesale prices for single-item purchases. Tourist service centers provide guidance, emergency supplies, parcel delivery and free trouser hemming.

China International Food City highlights scenario-based empowerment. The 360,000- sq-m market features brand stores, a Russian food pavilion, wedding-themed performances, games, interactions and carnival-style events, turning public areas into experience-driven scenes.

The popularity reflects more than bargain hunting. Visitors come for local vitality, affordable fashion, food, cultural creativity and the discovery of offline shopping. Creative spaces, concerts, fashion shows and specialty restaurants are turning purchases into cultural encounters, while ticket-stub promotions link markets with scenic areas. Tian Zongchun, head of the Lanshan Trade City administrative committee, said the markets are becoming spaces "where visitors can shop, play and explore".

Holiday traffic at Huafeng has exceeded 50,000 visits per day, up 150 percent, while China International Food City receives 2 million visitors annually.