Yiwu, renowned as the "World's Capital of Small Commodities," has added cultural diplomacy to its global resume after co-hosting the 2026 Spring Festival Gala. The city's International Trade Market – a labyrinth of 7.5 million square feet showcasing goods from 100+ countries – became an unexpected stage for Lunar New Year celebrations this February, blending commerce with cross-cultural connection.
"This year's Gala spotlighted how trade hubs like Yiwu shape soft power," explained local entrepreneur Li Wei, standing beside stalls of AI-powered lanterns and biodegradable festival decor. "Every product here tells a story about global interdependence."
The televised event featured multilingual performances by overseas merchants alongside traditional lion dances, reflecting Yiwu's unique position as home to 15,000 permanent foreign residents. Recent infrastructure upgrades, including a new high-speed rail link to Shanghai completed in late 2025, enabled seamless broadcast operations.
For business analysts, the Gala underscores Yiwu's growing role in China's dual circulation strategy. January 2026 customs data shows a 12% year-on-year increase in small commodity exports, with festival-related shipments to Belt and Road countries up 18%.
As Lunar New Year travel peaks, Yiwu's hotels report 92% occupancy from cultural tourists drawn by the Gala legacy. "We're no longer just a procurement destination," noted tourism director Zhang Mei. "Visitors now come to experience how global trade becomes human connection."
