Zhongda Market is known for its large choice of domestic and international fabrics, yarns, and garment accessories, and at the heart of Zhongda Market lies Ruikang Road, a vein connecting fabric traders, pedestrians, and the occasional vehicle. Towering facades line the streets, tens of thousands of textile businesses can be found here, forming the largest hub for an industry valued at over USD$100 billion.

Spanning some twenty imposing structures, each housing thousands of stalls, the market is home to over 100,000 stalls in total, catering to businesses of all sizes. Yet, behind these modern wholesale market in Guangzhou lie humble beginnings of an landscape dominated by densely packed, urbanized factory and residential buildings.

Despite its rapid growth, Zhongda Market has retained its accessibility to small businesses, serving as a model for global trade engagement within a city whose economic ability rivals that of Singapore.

Surprisingly, the supply and demand that birthed Zhongda Fabric Market is a relatively recent phenomenon in Guangzhou’s ancient history. Originating in the late 1980s, this wholesale market embodies China’s experience with globalization, fast urbanization, and 21st-century urban renewal strategies. Initially, the market emerged as an informal economy around Guangzhou’s urban core, spurred by Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms and fueled by proximity to Hong Kong.

The market’s growth flourished throughout the 1990s, attracting both domestic and international clientele. However, rapid urbanization led to challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and security issues. Despite efforts by local authorities to regulate growth, significant changes only materialized with the intervention of the Guangzhou Municipal government in the early 2000s.

With mass demolition, new construction projects, and stringent regulations, Zhongda Market underwent a transformation, evolving into a modernized hub for textile commerce. Today, the market not only supports the textile industry but also sectors such as hospitality, catering, and banking. Its international reach is seen by the diverse array of visitors, including buyers from countries spanning the globe.

Venturing into Zhongda Market, one is greeted by an overwhelming amount of textile products, from fabrics to accessories, for every need and preference. Zhongda Fabric Market shows why Guangzhou is still a textile powerhouse.