"These brooches shaped like Peking Opera facial masks have been extremely popular recently. A client from the Philippines ordered over 1,000 pieces. Southeast Asian orders have been the most numerous during this period," Yan Hao, a accessories store owner in Yiwu, Zhejiang, told China News Network in an interview on March 8.
With the rise of the new Guochao trend, owners of Yiwu's accessories industry have recently received large quantities of orders, with market products in short supply and factories busily rushing to fulfill orders. These popular necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets incorporate Chinese elements such as dragons and phoenixes, koi fish, and opera facial masks, and have been highly sought after by consumers in countries like the Philippines and Malaysia since their launch.
During the interview, Yan Hao was frequently interrupted by purchasing agents asking about prices. "There can be some discounts for large quantities, but you need to wait. These opera-themed brooches are all handcrafted, and it takes about two hours to make one." "Small batches can be sent via international air freight—shipping costs will be higher, but they can be received in basically a week."
Yan Hao is not the only one busy. Yu Ping, another accessories merchant in Yiwu, has also seen a "sea of people" in her store. The Chinese dragon-element necklaces placed in the "prime position" have helped her secure many foreign trade orders.
"Pure silver throughout, unique styling—most popular in Japan and South Korea," Yu Ping chants a catchy slogan to attract business. She explains that although clients from Japan and South Korea place smaller single orders, their repurchase rates are very high. Recently, she has also targeted business opportunities by promoting this "best-selling item" to clients in Southeast Asia.
Today, the "strong rise" of Guochao elements has made "Chinese fashion becoming the top trend" more than just a slogan. At the same time, sales of cultural and creative products in Yiwu International Trade City have also surged.
"The most popular region for bracelets made of beads or stones exports is Southeast Asia. I am currently handling an order from Malaysia, where the client asked us to ship the package to a logistics park in Guangxi, where special personnel will be responsible for packing and unified transportation," said Lü Jing, a Yiwu merchant. Many purchasers have reported that "entry-level" wenwan (traditional Chinese collectibles or decorative items) like bodhi root and cinnabar are most popular among young people.
In addition,multiple stores in Yiwu International Trade City have added more fashionable accessories to their wenwan products to cater to the preferences of young consumers. Hand strings and necklaces blend tradition with modernity, and various accessories with Chinese elements are gradually becoming carriers for spreading excellent traditional Chinese culture.
A necklace is a piece of jewelry worn around the neck, often featuring pendants, chains, or gemstones. A bangle is a rigid, circular bracelet, usually made of metal or glass, worn around the wrist. A bracelet is a flexible or adjustable decorative band for the wrist, crafted from various materials like beads, leather, or precious metals. Earrings are ornaments attached to the ears, ranging from studs to hoops. Ins-style necklaces refer to trendy, Instagram-worthy designs, often minimalist or layered for a fashionable look. Ink diamond jewelry combines tattoo-inspired art with diamond accents, creating unique, edgy pieces. Each of these accessories enhances personal style, whether for elegance, trendiness, or self-expression.
According to incomplete statistics, Yiwu is home to over 8,000 accessories manufacturers and trading enterprises, including more than 3,000 processing factories. Products mainly include brooches, necklaces, bracelets, etc., with over 800,000 varieties, sold to more than 100 countries and regions.