From July 15th to 18th, the Zhejiang-Jinhua team of Tsinghua University's Zishan College GDD program visited Yiwu, immersing themselves in the charm and vitality of this "city built upon a market." Through on-the-ground observation and interviews, the student delegates explored the dynamic model of small commodity trade, the open and inclusive local communities, and the future-oriented, digitally-empowered international communication industry.
I. Marketplace Showcases New Vitality: Small Commodities Forge a Global Path
The team visited the Yiwu International Trade Market. Splitting into groups, they explored Zones 1, 2, and 5, delving into wholesale areas for small toys, crafts, hardware, appliances, and a distribution center focused on import-export product exhibitions.
Navigating the maze-like corridors, they observed customers from different countries converging, closing deals through gestures and simple conversations. Some stores have embraced new sales methods like live-stream shopping and IP branding, while others maintain traditional offline transactions, relying on integrity and reputation to maintain long-term client relationships. Through conversations with tourists, wholesalers, independent vendors, and foreign trade agents, the students gained insights into the commercial vitality that transcends language and cultural barriers, as well as the unique interpersonal connections and culture of trust within the market.
Interviewing merchants and customers from various countries
On the afternoon of the 17th, the team conducted research at the Huangyuan Garment Market. Compared to the International Trade Market visited earlier, this market caters more to local retail customers, brimming with a down-to-earth, lively atmosphere. On the first floor, local residents skillfully picked out seasonal clothing in the aisles. In the higher-floor boutique sections, there were "internet-famous vendors" who had revived their businesses through platform promotions, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern sales models coexisting within the same building.
II. Community Composes a New Chapter: Multiculturalism Plays a Harmonious Tune
Morning of July 17
The delegation arrived at Jimingshan Community, renowned as a "United Nations Community," to investigate its unique model of internationalized grassroots governance. In the community activity room, children of various ethnicities gathered to rehearse engaging thematic skits. Photos on the bulletin board depicted innovative self-governance initiatives like the "International Mediators" dispute resolution team and the "Foreign Night Watch" patrol team.
The students held a discussion with a dedicated social worker from Jimingshan Community, who shared interesting anecdotes from community work and the patient dedication required to build connections with international residents. Behind this symphony of international harmony lies the cultural bridge built by community workers through sincerity and wisdom.
Visiting the community activity room
II. Microphones and Rail Tracks: Yiwu's Stories Reach the World
Morning of July 18
The team proceeded to the Yiwu Belt and Road International Communication Center for research. Leveraging overseas platforms and international promotional ambassadors, the center has built a matrix for international communication. Its short videos showcasing Yiwu's commercial culture and urban life have garnered tens of millions of views. The students inquired in-depth about creating content that bridges cultural differences, the production workflow from topic selection to review, and learned how this renowned commercial city tells "China's stories" to the world.
Conducting discussion and research
That afternoon, the delegates visited the command center for the Zhejiang "Yixin'ou" China-Europe Railway Express, exploring how this modern "steel silk road" closely connects Yiwu with the world. Electronic screens displayed routes in different colors stretching as far as Madrid, Spain, while orderly rows of containers were visible outside the windows. Through interviews, the students learned that the "Yixin'ou" freight train service has maintained uninterrupted operation, becoming a crucial channel ensuring smooth international supply chains thanks to its speed and reliability.
