Ask five fabric importers where to buy in China and you'll get two answers: Keqiao or Guangzhou. Both are right, for different products. Here's how to choose.
Keqiao (Shaoxing): the wholesale giant
Keqiao, in Shaoxing (Zhejiang province), is home to China Textile City, the largest fabric wholesale market in the world, surrounded by thousands of weaving, dyeing and printing mills. If you're buying volume, such as thobe fabric, abaya fabric, uniform rolls, basic cottons and polyesters, Keqiao is almost always cheaper per metre because you are buying one step away from the mill.
- Best for: bulk basics, volume orders, price-sensitive buyers, custom dyeing
- Minimum orders: higher, especially for custom colors, but prices are among the lowest in China
- Watch out for: the market is huge, and quality varies widely between stalls. You need someone who knows which buildings and suppliers match your quality level.
Guangzhou: fashion and variety
In Guangzhou, fashion moves faster. Markets like Zhongda offer smaller minimums, more variety and more accessories, and they sit close to the garment factories of the Pearl River Delta. If you are building a fashion brand or need mixed small orders, Guangzhou is often the better hub.
- Best for: fashion fabrics, mixed orders, accessories and trims
- Minimum orders: lower and more flexible, often stock fabrics
- Watch out for: prices are usually higher than Keqiao for the same base fabric
Side-by-side comparison
| Keqiao | Guangzhou | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per metre | Lower (mill-direct) | Higher |
| Minimum order | Higher | Lower, stock available |
| Variety | Huge in basics | Huge in fashion |
| Custom dyeing/printing | Strong | Available |
| Accessories & trims | Limited | Excellent |
| Typical buyers | Wholesalers, uniform makers, thobe/abaya | Fashion brands, boutiques, garment makers |
What about Foshan?
For home textiles and upholstery (sofa fabrics, curtains, furniture fabrics), Foshan in Guangdong is often the best fit because it sits at the heart of China's furniture industry.
Tips for buying in both markets
- Always get a hanger or swatch and a lab-dip for custom colors before ordering
- Confirm weight (GSM), width and composition in writing
- Ask whether the fabric is stock or made to order, because lead times differ a lot
- Inspect rolls before shipping: shade variation between rolls is the most common complaint
The practical answer
Most of our MENA clients end up using both: Keqiao for volume basics, Guangzhou for fashion lines and accessories. The real cost is not the fabric but choosing the wrong supplier. That's why we visit, verify and inspect in person before any container is booked. See importing fabrics from China.
Frequently asked questions
Is Keqiao cheaper than Guangzhou for fabric?
For the same base fabric in volume, usually yes, because Keqiao buyers are closer to the mills.
Where is the best place to buy abaya and thobe fabric in China?
Keqiao is the main hub for volume thobe and abaya fabrics. Guangzhou is useful for fashion abaya fabrics and trims in smaller quantities.
Can I buy small quantities of fabric in China?
Yes, mostly stock fabrics in Guangzhou's markets. Custom colors usually require larger quantities.