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
Golden eagles and white-tailed eagles have been spotted with unusual frequency around Beijing's outskirts last winter and this spring, drawing crowds of photographers eager to capture rare images of the large raptors.
In Fangshan district, dozens of enthusiasts gathered by the roadside to photograph the golden eagles.
"Species such as the golden eagle and white-tailed sea eagle were traditionally believed to inhabit only the remote, deep forests of Greater Khingan Mountains and the Lesser Khingan Mountains in northeast China. Seeing them in Beijing is truly unexpected," said Yang Gensuo, a photographer from Heilongjiang Province, northeast China.
At the Xiyu Reservoir in Pinggu district, more than a dozen white-tailed eagles became the focus of nearly 100 cameras.
"They were hovering in the sky, extending their talons and playfully sparring. Capturing this entire scene sparked cheers and excitement among many of our shutterbugs," said Duan Zheng, a photographer.
Local bird watchers said that white-tailed eagles now arrive at the reservoir each December and stay until mid-March. This season, 18 have been recorded wintering here.
The growing number of sightings of birds of prey in Beijing's outskirts should be attributed to improved ecological conditions and reduced human disturbance in recent years, according to bird experts.
Birds of prey return to Beijing as ecology improves, thrilling birders
