Yiwu history

The city of Yiwu, located in Zhejiang Province, boasts a rich and centuries-old history that laid the foundation for its transformation into a global trading hub. Its journey from an ancient county town to the "World Supermarket" reflects a unique combination of geographical, cultural, and economic factors.

Foundation and Early Mentions

The history of Yiwu begins in ancient times. The first administrative entity in this territory, Wushang County, was established in 222 BC following the unification of Chinese lands under the Qin Empire. This makes Yiwu one of the oldest county towns in Zhejiang Province. Over the centuries, its name and administrative boundaries changed repeatedly. The county received its modern name—Yiwu—in 624 AD during the Tang Dynasty. It was granted the status of a county-level city in 1988.

Key Factors of Development

Yiwu's development was largely defined by conditions unfavourable for agriculture—mountainous terrain and poor soil. Historically, this pushed local residents to seek alternative sources of income, the most prominent of which became trade.

• Geographical Location: Despite being distant from the sea, its proximity to major centres such as Hangzhou and Shanghai provided the city with logistical advantages.
• Trading Traditions: As early as the 17th century, a unique local tradition of small-scale itinerant trade emerged, known as "sugar for chicken feathers". Peddlers would exchange small goods for chicken feathers, which were used as fertiliser or to make feather dusters.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: It was precisely this centuries-old culture of commerce that shaped the enterprising character of the local people, becoming the driving force of economic growth, especially after the start of the Reform and Opening-up policy in China in the late 1970s.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

Long before becoming a world-renowned market, Yiwu possessed its own cultural distinctiveness. Historically, the city was the birthplace of numerous prominent figures in literature, the arts, and military affairs. Its cultural heritage also includes traditional Wu Opera, which dates back over 400 years, and the ancient art of wood carving, which has existed for around 1,400 years. These deep historical roots, combined with unique commercial acumen, created a solid foundation for Yiwu's phenomenal transformation into the world's largest centre for the wholesale trade of small commodities, recognised by organisations such as the UN and the World Bank.

Key Dates in Yiwu's History

Yiwu's journey from an ancient county centre to a world-famous metropolis of trade spans more than two millennia. Below are the major milestones of its rich history.

• 222 BC — Wushang county, the predecessor of modern Yiwu, is founded after the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty.
• 624 AD — The county receives its modern name—Yiwu—during the reign of the Tang Dynasty.
• 17th Century — A unique local tradition of itinerant trade known as "sugar for chicken feathers" emerges, becoming the basis of the region's entrepreneurial spirit.
• 1982 — Local authorities officially permit the creation of a free market, marking a turning point in the city's modern economic history.
• September 5, 1982 — The Hu Qing Men market opens, becoming the first officially sanctioned trading venue in Yiwu.
• 1984 — The strategy "Promote trade to develop the country" is proclaimed, cementing Yiwu's status as a centre of commerce.
• 1988 — Yiwu County officially receives the status of a county-level city, reflecting its growing economic importance.
• 2002 — Operations begin at the first buildings of the International Trade City (Futian), which would subsequently become the largest wholesale market in the world.
• 2011 — The State Council of the PRC approves a comprehensive pilot reform in the sphere of international trade for Yiwu.
• 2014 — The Yiwu-Madrid railway route is launched, becoming the longest in the world and symbolising the city's role in the "Belt and Road" initiative.

The history of Yiwu is a unique journey from an ancient county centre to the world's largest wholesale market, often referred to as the "World Supermarket". The city's development was defined not so much by rich natural resources, but by the enterprising spirit of its residents and key economic reforms in China.

Key Stages of Yiwu's Development

• Ancient Roots (from 222 BC): The first administrative entity on the site of modern Yiwu, Wushang County, was created during the Qin Dynasty. The city received its current name in 624 AD. This highlights its centuries-old history which laid the groundwork for future development.
• Birth of Trading Traditions (17th Century): Unfavourable conditions for farming historically pushed locals towards trade. The unique practice of "sugar for chicken feathers" arose, where wandering traders exchanged small goods, shaping the region's famous entrepreneurial character.
• Reform and Opening-up Policy (Late 1970s): Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms gave the green light to private enterprise. Local traders seized this opportunity to expand their business connections, which became the starting point for rapid growth.
• Opening of the First Free Market (1982): Yiwu authorities made a bold decision to officially open the country's first free market for small commodities. This step legalised and stimulated the spontaneously developing trade, turning it into an organised and powerful economic force.
• Achieving City Status (1988): In recognition of its growing economic significance, Yiwu County was transformed into a county-level city, which facilitated further urban planning and infrastructural development.
• Creation of Yiwu International Trade City (Early 2000s): The emergence of the gigantic trading complex known as the Futian market was a crucial stage. It united thousands of manufacturers under one roof, offering buyers from around the world a colossal assortment of goods.
• Global Recognition (2005): In a joint report by the World Bank, the UN, and Morgan Stanley, Yiwu was officially named the "largest small commodity wholesale market in the world". This solidified its reputation as a global trading hub.
• Node of the "Belt and Road" Initiative (Since 2010s): Yiwu became a vital logistics hub within the framework of this international initiative, significantly expanding its trading horizons. The opening of direct railway routes to Europe and other regions of the world elevated the city's logistics to a new level.

The architectural appearance of Yiwu is a visual reflection of its rapid transformation from a small county town into a global trading metropolis. Unlike the ancient capitals of China, there are no distinctly pronounced historical architectural eras here, such as Gothic or Renaissance. Yiwu's urban planning is almost entirely subordinated to its economic function, which has determined the dominance of modern and functional styles.

Traces of Traditional Architecture

Despite total modernisation, pockets of traditional Chinese architecture have been preserved in Yiwu and its surroundings, creating a contrast with the modern urban landscape. These sites allow a glimpse into the region's past.

• Fotang Ancient Town: Located southwest of Yiwu's centre, Fotang is a well-preserved historical district. Here, one can see traditional houses with courtyards, ancient cobbled streets, and craft shops demonstrating the architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Jiming Pavilion: Located in the park of the same name, this structure is a modern recreation of classic Chinese architecture. The pavilion is constructed from solid wood and serves as a cultural landmark offering a panoramic view of the city.
• Luo Binwang Tomb: A memorial complex dedicated to the Tang Dynasty poet Luo Binwang, this is one of the few officially recognised historical monuments in the county. Its architecture mimics the style of the Tang Dynasty.

Era of Functionalism and Modernism (since the 1980s)

Yiwu's primary architectural look was formed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries and is a direct consequence of the economic boom. The dominant style became modern functionalism, where practicality and scale prevail over ornamentation.

• International Trade City (Futian Market): This is an iconic structure and the architectural centre of modern Yiwu. The gigantic complex, spanning several kilometres, is the embodiment of utilitarian architecture: its main task is to ensure maximum efficiency for tens of thousands of trade booths and millions of visitors.
• High-rise Development: The urban landscape is characterised by numerous modern high-rise residential complexes, office centres, and hotels. Their architecture is typical of fast-growing Asian metropolises—glass, steel, and concrete, forming a dense and dynamic city skyline.
• City Planning: Yiwu's urban planning is subordinated to logistics. Wide avenues, multi-level interchanges, and developed transport infrastructure were designed to service colossal flows of goods and people, which is a key feature of its urban development.

Contemporary Architectural Projects

In recent years, objects have appeared in Yiwu that depart from a purely utilitarian approach. An example is the Yiwu Grand Theatre project by MAD Architects. Its futuristic design, resembling glass "sails" on the water, symbolises a new stage in the city's development, where attention is paid not only to trade but also to culture and the creation of unique architectural symbols.

The city of Yiwu has gifted China and the world many talented and influential individuals whose achievements have left a significant mark on history, literature, and politics. From poets of antiquity to 20th-century figures, natives of Yiwu have played an important role in shaping the country's cultural and social landscape.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Yiwu:

• Luo Binwang (骆宾王, 640–684) — A poet and official of the early Tang Dynasty. He is considered one of the "Four Paragons of the Early Tang"—a group of the greatest poets of their era. Luo Binwang was known as a child prodigy who began writing poetry at the age of seven. His works, especially the famous "Ode to the Goose", are still studied in Chinese schools today.
• Zong Ze (宗泽, 1060–1128) — An outstanding military commander and statesman of the Song Dynasty. He became famous as an unwavering patriot during the wars against the Jurchens. As a mentor to the famous general Yue Fei, Zong Ze urged the emperor to liberate the northern territories until the very last days of his life, and his dying words "Cross the river!" became a symbol of unyielding spirit.
• Chen Wangdao (陈望道, 1891–1977) — A scholar, linguist, and social activist. His historical merit lies in being the first to translate the "Communist Manifesto" into Chinese. Chen Wangdao was one of the founders of the Communist Party of China and made a huge contribution to the development of education, serving for a long time as the president of the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai.
• Feng Xuefeng (冯雪峰, 1903–1976) — A renowned writer, poet, and literary critic of the 20th century. He was one of the key figures in China's left-wing cultural movement and a close associate of the great writer Lu Xun. Feng Xuefeng made a significant contribution to the development of modern Chinese literature through both his own works and his theoretical writings.
• Wu Han (吴晗, 1909–1969) — An influential historian specialising in the history of the Ming Dynasty, and a political figure. His fundamental work "Biography of Zhu Yuanzhang" is still considered a classic. After the founding of the PRC, Wu Han served as the Vice Mayor of Beijing. His historical play "Dismissal of Hai Rui" played a fateful role in the beginning of the "Cultural Revolution".

Beyond these iconic figures, Yiwu is also home to the Yiwu Museum, which preserves the memory of the region's rich history and culture, including its outstanding natives.