If you’re in the fashion or textile industry, Guangzhou’s Zhongda fabric markets are an essential destination for sourcing a wide variety of materials. The name “Zhongda” comes from Sun Yat-sen University, which is locally known as “Zhongda” (the abbreviation for its Chinese name). The markets is very close to this university. This area composes nearly 20-30 different fabric and accessory markets. These markets have earned their reputation as the go-to place for sourcing any type of textile, attracting designers, manufacturers, and buyers from around the world.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential markets within Zhongda. Among these, Guangzhou International Textile City is the key market. For more detailed information on this market, you can click here to read a previous article. We’ll also provide practical tips to help you navigate these bustling markets, ensuring you make the most of your sourcing journey.
Guangzhou International Textile & Fabric market
Guangzhou International Textile & Fabric market is a hub where you can find almost any type of fabric. Known for its wide variety and quality, it’s the preferred destination for many industry professionals, especially international clients, though prices tend to be higher.
Knit Fabrics: If you are looking for knit fabrics, try focus on Areas A, B, E, F. For solid-color knit, head to area F, where you’ll find stores like Tyson, Yifeng, and Jufeng.
Printed Knit: For printed, tie-dye, burn-out, and striped fabrics, explore Areas A, B, or C.
Woven Fabrics: Go to Areas C, D, E on the 1st-3rd floor. It is a great spot to find the latest woven fabric, though the price is higher.
Mesh Fabrics: Available in small quantities in Areas A and B and on the basement level near the atrium. For a broader selection, visit the Changjiang Textile Market across the street.
Linen Fabrics: Mostly located on the 2nd floor, with more options at Changjiang and Jiuzhou markets.
Floral Fabrics: Beautiful floral fabrics can be found in Areas E and F at stores like Shuanglong, Balifang, and Baihuayuan.
Keep in mind that fabric vendors aren’t concentrated in one specific area; they are spread out across the market. To find the fabrics you love and the right vendors, it’s essential to explore the market thoroughly, compare options, and take your time to discover the best deals and quality materials. Walking through different sections and engaging with multiple vendors will give you a broader perspective and help you make informed choices.
Other Fabric Markets to Explore
Depending on what you’re looking for, other markets in the area are worth exploring:
Zhongda Jiuzhou Textile Trade Plaza
Specializes in printed fabrics, focusing on women’s wear, including woven, knit, striped, and check fabrics. It has become a popular spot in recent years.
Guangzhou Changjiang International Textile City (known as Old Changjiang)
Known for its woven fabrics, florals, and chiffon.
Wufeng East Market
A hub for linings and leather materials.
Ruikang Accessories Lace
Specializes in lace and lace-related accessories.
Originality Gather Of Mesh Fabric
Mesh fabric and the second floor houses Leather World, touted as the largest fur market in South China.
Juhai Fabric Market
Specializes in trench coat materials.
Kangle Textile Market
Known for linings, satin, and mesh fabrics.
Changjiang China Fabrics & Accessories Center (New Changjiang)
The northern section focuses on knit fabrics, while the southern section specializes in woven fabrics.
Tips for Navigating Zhongda Fabric Markets
Opening Hours
The markets generally operate from 9-10 AM to 7 PM. However, around 6:30 PM is the busiest time, because vendors are busy fulfilling orders. You’ll also notice many electric motorbikes and vans transporting rolls of fabric throughout the market at this time.
Bring Reference Images or Samples
If you have reference images, fabric cutting or even physical samples, bring them to the market. Showing these to vendors will help you find the right fabric more quickly and accurately.
Free Fabric Swatches & Trim Samples
When you find some fabric you like, you can take the fabric swatches for free. These swatches often include the fabric style code and the vendor’s contact details. For trims and accessories, small items like buttons or lace trims, you can take samples for free. For larger items like collar trim or belt may be charged. Always check with the sellers first.
Ask About Pricing
You can ask the vendors for price. Please note that the price for bulk and for sampling is different. Be sure to check if the fabric is in stock, how long production will take, and the minimum order quantity (MOQ) before deciding to use it in your collection.
Understanding Fabric Sales
Fabric can be sold by meter, yard, or kilogram. The length of fabric you get from 1 kilogram varies depending on the fabric’s width and weight. Typically, 1 kilogram of fabric yields a length of approximately 3.3 to 3.5 meters. Also pay attention to fabric width. Narrower fabrics mean you need to order more fabric to fulfill your order.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
For bulk orders of jersey fabric, it is sold with with a minimum of one roll per color. But you can purchase a few meters to make samples. The price for sample fabric range from 25-40 RMB per meter, with most being around 30 RMB per meter. The minimum sampling length is usually two meters. Some fabrics are sold by weight. Heavier fabrics usually mean thicker material, and bulk orders are sold by kilogram—be sure to ask how many meters are in one kilogram.
Order Collection & Delivery
Fabrics are usually stored in warehouses, so after placing an order, you may need to wait a few hours, until the next day, or even 1-3 days or longer for your fabric to be ready. You can either collect your order at the vendor’s store/market area or arrange for delivery, though you’ll need to cover the freight cost.
Safety
Traffic around the markets can be chaotic. There are many delivery scooters zooming around. Be cautious, especially as ongoing subway construction and upgrades have made the roads even more congested. If you need to catch a taxi when leaving, it’s best to walk to the main road, Xingang West Road, which is directly across from Sun Yat-sen University. It’s easier to find a taxi there, and you’ll avoid long waits due to traffic congestion.
Sourcing at the extensive Zhongda fabric markets can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. However, with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the market layout, you can efficiently source the materials you need.
If you need assistance with sourcing fabrics, sample creation, or production, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life—reach out today to discuss how I can support your fabric sourcing and production needs.
