The Ultimate Jewellery & Gemstone Guide
With over 1,500 shops across 8 floors, Liwan Plaza is Guangzhou's largest wholesale market for jewellery, gemstones, pearls, and beads. This iconic hexagonal building in Liwan District attracts buyers from across Asia.
- 8 floors of wholesale and retail jewellery
- Specialized zones for silver, pearls, crystals
- Adjacent to Shangxiajiu shopping street
Floor-by-Floor Guide
Navigate this massive market like a pro
B2 Wholesale Beads & Findings
The basement levels specialize in bulk purchases of beads, chains, and jewellery-making components.
- Glass beads by the kilo
- Metal chains and clasps
- Best for jewellery makers
1F Retail Jewellery & Silver
Ground floor shops cater to retail buyers with ready-made silver jewellery and accessories.
- 925 silver necklaces
- Fashion jewellery
- Good for small purchases
3F Pearls & Crystals
The heart of the pearl trade with freshwater and cultured pearls in every quality.
- Strands from ¥50-5000
- Crystal healing stones
- Best selection 10am-2pm
5F Jade & Gemstones
High-end jade carvings, tourmaline, and precious stones for serious collectors.
- Certified jade pieces
- Bring a loupe
- Most shops accept cards
Pro Tip: Navigating the Market
Start at the top floors (5F-6F) where prices are higher but quality is better, then work your way down. The basement (B2) gets crowded after 11am - go early for the best bead selection. Most shops on 3F-4F specialize in one product type (pearls, crystals, etc.) - look for concentration areas.
Shopper Survival Guide
Essential tips for first-time visitors
Bargaining Basics
- Start at 30% of asking price
- Walk away if not happy
- Cash gets better deals
Best Times to Visit
- Weekdays 10am-12pm
- Avoid weekends
- Closed on holidays
What to Bring
- Cash (small bills)
- Magnifying glass/loupe
- Reusable shopping bag
Local Insight
"The best pearl vendors are in the northeast corner of 3F - look for shops with elderly women sorting strands. They've been here for decades and know their product."
— Mei Ling, Guangzhou resident since 2005
Getting to Liwan Plaza
Transport options and taxi instructions
By Taxi
Show this address to your driver:
Taxi Card
English:
Please take me to Liwan Plaza (Lee-wahn Plah-zah), 120 Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Liwan District.
Chinese:
请带我去荔湾广场，上下九步行街120号，荔湾区 (Lǐwān Guǎngchǎng, Shàngxiàjiǔ Bùxíngjiē 120 hào, Lǐwān Qū)
Nearby Attractions
Make a day of it in Liwan District
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
This historic shopping street (5 min walk) features Qing Dynasty architecture and Cantonese snacks.
Best food spots nearby
Hualin Temple
Buddhist temple (10 min walk) with beautiful jade carvings and peaceful courtyards.
Nearby tea housesFrequently Asked Questions
What are the market hours?
Most shops open 10:00-22:00 daily, though some wholesale vendors on upper floors close by 18:00. The market is busiest 11:00-16:00. Closed on Chinese New Year and National Day (October 1-7).
Do vendors speak English?
Basic English is understood by about 30% of vendors, mainly on the retail floors (1F-2F). Bring photos of what you're looking for, or use translation apps. Numbers are universal for bargaining!
Are prices fixed or negotiable?
Nearly all prices are negotiable except in a few fixed-price retail chains. Expect to bargain harder in wholesale areas (B2-4F) where initial prices assume haggling. Retail floors (1F-2F) have less flexibility.
Wholesale Buyer's Guide
Essential information for bulk purchases
Minimum Order Quantities
| Product | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|
| Silver jewelry | 10-50 pieces per design |
| Pearl strands | 20-100 strands |
| Glass beads | 1kg minimum |
| Jade pieces | No MOQ (price per item) |
Shipping & Logistics
- Most vendors can arrange international shipping via DHL/FedEx
- Sample shipments typically ready in 2-3 business days
- Full production orders require 7-21 days depending on complexity
- Custom packaging available (add 10-15% to order cost)
Pro Tip: Establishing Supplier Relationships
Regular buyers should:
- Exchange WeChat with trusted vendors for direct communication
- Ask about seasonal discounts (July-August and January are typically slowest)
- Request product catalogs with item codes for reordering
- Visit during Canton Fair periods when many vendors offer special wholesale pricing
More Resources
Official sources and additional guides
Ready to Explore Liwan Plaza?
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