The China Moshaver guide library
Buying from China.
Make an informed choice.
From choosing a platform and sourcing market to preparing documents, find a guide for the decision in front of you.
Find a guidePurchasing & import guides
Read for your next decision
Choose a topic or search for a platform, city or question.
International wholesaleBuying from Alibaba
Compare suppliers, Trade Assurance, samples, proforma invoices and inspection before a bulk payment.
Read the guide
China’s domestic marketBuying from 1688
Domestic pricing can be attractive, but Chinese communication, payment, MOQ and returns must be clarified first.
Read the guide
Retail & mixed purchasesBuying from Taobao
Taobao is mainly domestic retail; authenticity, sizing, returns and consolidation require control.
Read the guideGuangzhou Markets & Trade Fairs
Define the product cluster, showrooms, fair dates and negotiation goals before visiting.
Read the guideSourcing in Yiwu
Yiwu suits mixed goods and multi-supplier consolidation, but quality and factory origin need separate checks.
Read the guideSourcing Parts & Equipment in Shenzhen
For technical parts, document part numbers, specifications, authenticity, compatibility and freight restrictions.
Read the guideImport Documents Guide
Proforma, invoice, packing list, transport document, origin certificate and permits must match the goods and procedure.
Read the guideCase Studies & Project Reports
Only projects cleared for publication are shown; client names and figures are never invented.
Read the guideNo matching guides. Try a shorter search.
8 guides
START WITH THE PRODUCT
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Initial details are enough. Share the product, quantity and destination so we can identify the next sourcing, inspection or freight step.
Frequently asked questions
Finding the right guide
Choose a guide around your purchasing method, product and next decision.
Which guide should I read first if I am new to buying from China?
For online purchasing, start with the guide to your chosen platform. Read the city guides if you are exploring physical sourcing markets. Before finalizing an order and shipment, review the import documents section.
How do the Alibaba, 1688 and Taobao guides differ?
The Alibaba guide focuses on international wholesale purchasing and supplier comparison. The 1688 guide covers China's domestic market, including communication and payment challenges. The Taobao guide addresses retail and mixed purchases, with checks such as sizing, authenticity and returns.
Should I read the Guangzhou, Yiwu or Shenzhen guide?
Use the Guangzhou guide to plan market and trade fair visits. The Yiwu guide is more relevant to varied products and consolidating orders from several sellers. Start with the Shenzhen guide for technical parts and equipment that require precise specification checks.
Does reading a guide replace supplier verification or quality inspection?
No. A guide helps you ask better questions and prepare the information you need. Supplier identity, product specifications, samples and order terms still need to be checked for the actual purchase. An article does not approve a seller or guarantee product quality.
What should I do after reading a guide?
Choose the relevant option on the Services page, such as sourcing, supplier verification, inspection or freight. If you are unsure about the next step, use the form on this page to share a product link or photo, quantity, destination and the question you need help with.