As winter’s freezing temperatures give way to gentle spring breezes, Beijing’s flower markets are seeing a rise in customers, with one major distribution center expecting sales to increase by at least 10 percent.
In Shunyi, northeastern Beijing, the green plant and flower distribution center at Beijing International Flower Port has been bustling with consumers.
"I come here to buy fresh flowers every spring. I like things to be vibrant during the springtime, and I like having greenery and flowers indoors, especially the bright ones. They make me feel good," said Zhang Yanling, a consumer.
With more visitors expected, nearly 100 merchants at the distribution center have placed orders for more than 20 million flowers and seedlings.
The center plans to hold themed events, such as a tulip festival, to further boost business.
"Consumer demand has shifted from essential purchases during the Spring Festival to everyday flowers for home beautification. Residents' enthusiasm for buying flowers remains strong. We expect sales in this spring to increase by about 10 percent to 15 percent compared to last year," said Gu Jun, project manager of the green plant and flower distribution center at Beijing International Flower Port.
Beijing's flower market blooms as spring arrives
A surge in global demand has set Yiwu's manufacturing and logistics chain running at full speed this spring, with factories and shippers all working overtime to meet orders bound for markets worldwide.
Many manufacturers in Yiwu, an eastern Chinese city known as "the world’s supermarket," reported a steady rise in orders in the first quarter of 2026.
Among them are sports goods makers racing to deliver ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
"In the first two months alone, we sent about four containers of goods. Orders have gradually come in from South America and Africa, and the current orders can keep our production running through May," said Wu Xiaoming, general manager of a sports firm in Yiwu.
At Yiwu's bonded zone, customs brokers swiftly checked documents to ensure exports reach global markets fast.
"Today's shipments mainly are kitchenware, tableware and small home appliances. They are mainly bound for Germany and Spain," said Fu Jianying, a customs broker.
Yiwu has now linked 26 international rail freight routes, building a logistics network that covers more than 160 cities in about 50 countries. With smooth transport, creative design and strong manufacturing capacity, the city's cross-border trade is accelerating, underscoring its role as a hub of global small commodities.
Yiwu cross‑border trade gains speed this spring
