Wenzhou: The Footwear Production Area in China

Two things significantly improve the quality of life – the mattress we sleep on and our shoes. Every year, footwear production increases to meet the needs of the growing and enriching population. About 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced annually, including nearly 13 billion pairs in China alone. Wenzhou is one of the main shoe production centers in China. If you want to import merchandise, the common practice is to familiarize yourself with the offerings of the producers exhibiting their products in the wholesale market and then visit the factory of the selected manufacturer to learn about the products and the company’s policy. By visiting the factory, you can go to the trade shows that are held in the area. The planned visit should not coincide with the most important Chinese holidays, which generally do not fall on the same date every year.

About Wenzhou, footwear production area in China

Wenzhou is a prefectural-level city in Zhejiang province, surrounded by mountains and the East China Sea. There is a treaty and a fishing port originating from ancient times. Wenzhou is an essential center of the leather and footwear industry.

Wenzhou – footwear production region in China

Not surprisingly, Wenzhou is called the “Chinese capital of footwear.” The authorities gave residents greater freedom to run their businesses, leading to the creation of many businesses. As a result, more than 3,000 shoe manufacturers market 1 billion different pairs of shoes each year.

Most of the shoe manufacturers are located in three locations: Lucheng District, Yongjia and Rui’an. In addition, thousands of companies are involved in footwear related activities, supplying footwear machines, components, accessories and much more. Below are some of the places with a wide range of footwear located in Wenzhou.

Opened in 1995, Wenzhou Shoes City is one of the first centers of its kind in Wenzhou. More than 150 exhibitors cover an area of ​​approximately 3,000 m2. They offer good quality products from well-known brands. The center is easily accessible by public transport.

Location: No. 152 Renmin West, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

It is located opposite Wenzhou Shoes City. The most fashionable products for the current season are offered there at slightly higher prices.

Location: No. 145 Renmin West, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

* Wenzhou International Shoes City

This complex, with a total area of ​​160,000 m2, has been operating since 2015. Approximately 1,200 exhibitors offer various models of footwear for men, women and children, satisfying even the most demanding consumers. In addition, the center has a rest area, a conference center, a food court and many other areas.

Location: No. 79 Shoudu, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

There you will find various types of footwear in many styles at affordable prices. It is 150 meters from Wenzhou West Station.

Location: Jinding, Dongtun, Putian, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Also read our article on Quality Controls in China: Inspections in Production
Footwear Trade Shows in Wenzhou, China
The fairs held in Wenzhou are usually related to the production of footwear and clothing, presenting raw materials and machinery as well as finished products. Below is a list of selected trade shows.

* China (Wenzhou) International Sewing and Apparel Equipment Fair
Location: Wenzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, Wenzhou, China

* China (Wenzhou) International Leather Shoe Material and Machinery Fair
Location: Wenzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, Wenzhou, China

* China International Faux Leather Fair
Location: Wenzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, Wenzhou, China

Wenzhou: footwear production region in China. A guide
How to get to Wenzhou?

1. By plane
Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, located about 20 km from the city center, mainly operates domestic air connections, for example from Guangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin, Kunming and Changsha.

At the airport, buses that leave at 5:40 a.m. At 8 pm. They stop at the main stations in the city. They come out every 10-30 minutes; the cost of the ticket is 2-5 RMB.

The bus ride takes 35 minutes and costs 15 RMB. Another bus stops at Wenzhou South (80 minutes, 12 RMB).

A taxi ride to the city center costs up to RMB 120 and takes about 40 minutes.

2. By train

Sometimes traveling by train takes longer than by bus due to the mountainous area of ​​Wenzhou. Many trains stop at Wenzhou Avenue Station, connected to Chezhan Avenue. Shanghai’s high-speed railways stop at Wenzhou South, pass through Hangzhou, Ningbo, Taizhou, and continue to Fuzhou and Xiamen. The price of the ticket depends on the class selected; Here are some examples of connections:

– Shanghai – 3.5 hours – 200 to 640 RMB
– Hangzhou – 2.5 hours – 140 to 500 RMB
– Ningbo – 2 hours – 100 to 300 RMB
– Taizhou – 1 hour – 40 to 130 RMB
– Fuzhou – 2 hours – 100 to 300 RMB
– Xiamen – 3.5 hours – 200 to 300 RMB.

3. By coach
Bus lines from many of the surrounding major Chinese cities connect them to Wenzhou. There are several main stations: Shanghai buses stop at New South Station (up to about RMB 200), the same goes for Fuzhou buses (RMB 150). Hangzhou (RMB 150) and Ningbo (RMB 114) buses go to New City Station; Yiwu (RMB 106) and Qingdao (RMB 380) buses stop at Shuangyu Bus Station.

How to get around Wenzhou?
The metro is one of the most convenient means of transportation. In Wenzhou, a line is available connecting the most important points, the railway stations and the city center. The subway operates from 6:30 a.m. Until 8:30 p.m. M. In the future, the network will be expanded, connecting the city with the airport. Ticket prices start from 2 RMB.

The easiest option is to go by taxi, preferably accompanied by a local guide. Prices start from RMB 11 for the first 3.5 km; then the fare is 2.5 RMB for each kilometer (3 RMB for night taxi service), sometimes an additional charge for fuel or waiting time is added.

The cost of a bus ticket costs between 1.50 and 2.5 RMB.

US shoe tax
Importing goods from China requires payment of customs duties. When importing shoes, you should expect rates of up to several dozen percent per pair. For example, the rate of a pair of sandals made of plastic (6402.99.27) is 3%, house slippers (6402.99.31) – 6%, active protective footwear (6402.99.32) – 20%, footwear that incorporates a metal protector. toe cap (6401.10.00) – 37.5%. In the trade war issues between the United States and China, some types of footwear, such as active protective footwear and footwear incorporating a protective metal toe cap, must be added an additional duty of 15%.