The Ultimate Guide to Lihu Building Guangzhou Children’s Wear Wholesale Market

Quick Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Lihu Building Zhong Ba Children’s Garment Plaza (荔湖大厦中八童装妇婴用品广场) |
| Location | No. 97-101, Zhongshan 8th Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou |
| Nearest Metro | Zhongshanba Station (Line 1 & Line 5), Exit A |
| Walking Distance | 2 minutes (150 meters from Exit A) |
| Total Floors | 12 floors (divided into Tower A and Tower B) |
| Business Area | 60,000 square meters |
| Number of Suppliers | 800+ vendors (including offices on upper floors) |
| Established | 1995 (one of the earliest children’s wear markets in Guangdong) |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily) |
| Product Focus | Children’s clothing (70%), maternal & infant products (30%) |
| Age Range | 0-16 years (Infants to Teenagers) |
| Price Level | Mid to high-end |
| MOQ | 5-20 pieces (flexible, varies by supplier) |
| Payment Methods | WeChat Pay, Alipay, Cash, Bank Transfer |
| Best Days to Visit | Tuesday-Thursday (avoid weekends for serious business) |
| Peak Season | March-May (Spring/Summer), August-October (Fall/Winter) |
The Zhongshan 8th Road Phenomenon
Zhongshan 8th Road is to children’s wear what Shisanhang is to women’s fashion—the undisputed center of its industry. This single street hosts:
- 3,000+ children’s wear suppliers
- 50+ wholesale buildings
- Annual trading volume exceeding ¥10 billion
- Direct connections to 20,000+ clothing factories across Guangdong
For foreign buyers, understanding Zhongshan 8th Road’s ecosystem is crucial. While markets like Fuli Children’s World focus on high-end branded kids’ fashion and Nantian Market specializes in domestic mid-range products, Lihu Building occupies the sweet spot: mid-to-high-end quality with flexible MOQs, making it ideal for international boutique stores and e-commerce sellers.
What Makes Lihu Building Special?
1. Unique Twin-Tower Architecture Unlike single-building markets, Lihu Building features two separate towers (A & B) connected by a central corridor. This design allows buyers to compare suppliers side-by-side without leaving the building. Tower A typically houses slightly more upscale brands, while Tower B offers better prices for volume orders.
2. Complete Age Coverage Most children’s wear markets specialize in specific age groups. Lihu Building is one of the few markets that comprehensively covers:
- Infants (0-24 months): Bodysuits, rompers, baby sets
- Toddlers (2-5 years): Casual wear, dress-up clothing
- School-age (6-12 years): School uniforms, casual outfits
- Teenagers (13-16 years): Trendy streetwear, sports clothing
3. Original Design vs. Market Styles Approximately 60% of suppliers in Lihu Building sell market styles (流行款)—trending designs that multiple factories produce. The remaining 40% offer original designs (原创设计), often produced by their own factories. For buyers seeking exclusivity, focus on the upper floors (4F-12F), where design studios and brand offices showcase unique collections.
4. Maternal & Infant Products Integration Beyond children’s clothing, Lihu Building dedicates significant space to:
- Baby care products (bottles, pacifiers, diapers)
- Maternity wear
- Infant accessories (hats, bibs, socks)
- Children’s shoes (though less extensive than clothing)
This makes Lihu Building a one-stop destination for buyers who want to consolidate orders across multiple product categories.
Target Buyer Profile
Lihu Building is particularly well-suited for:
- Boutique Store Owners: Mid-tier pricing with quality suitable for retail markups
- E-commerce Sellers: Flexible MOQs (5-20 pieces) work for Shopify, Etsy, Amazon
- Regional Distributors: Volume discounts available for orders exceeding 500 pieces
- Brand Developers: Access to OEM/ODM services through factory-direct suppliers
- Export Traders: Many suppliers have export experience (Russia, Middle East, Africa)
Location & Transportation: Getting to Lihu Building
Exact Address
📍 No. 97-101, Zhongshan 8th Road (中山八路97-101号)
Liwan District (荔湾区)
Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
China 510000
GPS Coordinates: 23.1305° N, 113.2461° E
Metro Access (Recommended)
Primary Route: Zhongshanba Station (中山八站)
Lihu Building enjoys direct metro access via Zhongshanba Station, one of the busiest transfer hubs in Guangzhou:
Lines Serving Zhongshanba Station:
- Line 1 (Huangsha ↔ Guangzhou East Railway Station)
- Line 5 (Jiaokou ↔ Wenchong)
- Line 11 (Future extension—opening 2025)
From Zhongshanba Station to Lihu Building:
- Exit at Exit A (most direct route)
- Turn left upon exiting
- Walk 150 meters along Zhongshan 8th Road
- Lihu Building will be on your right side (large sign: 荔湖大厦)
- Total walking time: 2 minutes
Alternative Exit: Exit F
- If Exit A is crowded, use Exit F
- Walk 300 meters east on Zhongshan 8th Road
- Pass Litang Building (荔塘大厦) first
- Lihu Building is the next large building
From Major Transport Hubs
A. From Baiyun International Airport (白云国际机场)
Option 1: Metro (Recommended)
- Route: Airport South Station → Line 3 → Tiyu Xilu → Line 1 → Zhongshanba Station
- Time: 55-65 minutes
- Cost: ¥9
- Frequency: Every 5-8 minutes
- Pros: Avoid traffic, reliable timing
- Cons: Requires one transfer, luggage handling
Step-by-Step:
- Board Line 3 at Airport South Station (机场南站)
- Ride 11 stops to Tiyu Xilu Station (体育西路站)
- Transfer to Line 1 (follow signs for “Line 1 – Direction: Xilang”)
- Ride 7 stops to Zhongshanba Station
- Exit at Exit A
Option 2: Taxi/DiDi
- Distance: 35 km
- Time: 40-70 minutes (depends on traffic)
- Cost: ¥120-160
- Best for: Early morning arrivals (before 7 AM), late night, heavy luggage
Traffic Considerations:
- Morning rush (7:00-9:30 AM): Add 30+ minutes
- Evening rush (5:00-7:30 PM): Add 40+ minutes
- Guangzhou traffic is notoriously congested—metro is safer for time-sensitive visits
B. From Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站)
Metro Route:
- Route: Guangzhou Railway Station → Line 5 (Direct) → Zhongshanba Station
- Time: 10 minutes (only 3 stops!)
- Cost: ¥3
- Stops: Xiaobei → Taojin → Zhongshanba
Walking Route (For Exercise):
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Time: 30-35 minutes
- Route: Follow Huanshi West Road (环市西路) → Turn left on Zhongshan 8th Road
- Only recommended: If you enjoy walking and have no luggage
C. From Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)
This is the high-speed rail terminal connecting to Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other major cities.
Metro Route:
- Route: Guangzhou South Station → Line 2 → Gongyuanqian → Line 1 → Zhongshanba
- Time: 45-50 minutes
- Cost: ¥7
- Transfers: 1 (at Gongyuanqian Station)
Step-by-Step:
- Board Line 2 at Guangzhou South Station
- Ride 14 stops to Gongyuanqian Station (公园前站)
- Transfer to Line 1 (Direction: Xilang/西朗)
- Ride 4 stops to Zhongshanba Station
- Exit at Exit A
D. From Other Guangzhou Wholesale Markets
From Baima Market (白马服装市场):
- Metro: Guangzhou Railway Station → Line 5 → Zhongshanba (10 min, ¥3)
- Taxi: 3 km, 15 minutes, ¥20-25
From Shisanhang Market (十三行):
- Metro: Huangsha Station (Line 1 or Line 6) → Changgang → Line 8 → Changjiaoge → Walk to Line 5 Xiaogang → Zhongshanba
- Better option: Taxi (5 km, 20 minutes, ¥25-30)
From OneLink International Plaza (万菱广场):
- Metro: Haizhu Square Station (Line 2) → Gongyuanqian → Line 1 → Zhongshanba (25 min)
From Shahe Market (沙河服装市场):
- Metro: Line 6 (Tianping Jiazhao Station) → transfer multiple times → 40+ minutes
- Better option: DiDi (12 km, 30 minutes, ¥40-50)
Hotels Near Lihu Building: Where to Stay
For buyers planning multi-day sourcing trips, staying near Lihu Building offers maximum efficiency. The Zhongshan 8th Road / Liwan District area has diverse accommodation options.
Budget Options (¥200-400/night)
1. 7 Days Inn Guangzhou Zhongshanba Station (7天连锁酒店中山八路地铁站店)
- Address: No. 122, Zhongshan 8th Road, Liwan District
- Distance: 250 meters (3-minute walk)
- Price: ¥220-300/night
- Metro: Zhongshanba Station Exit F (50 meters)
- Pros: Closest budget option, clean, reliable chain, 24-hour front desk
- Cons: Small rooms (15 sqm), no English-speaking staff, basic amenities
- Best For: Solo buyers, short stays (1-2 nights)
2. Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Zhongshan 8 Road (汉庭酒店中山八路店)
- Address: No. 88, Zhongshan 8th Road, Liwan District
- Distance: 600 meters (8-minute walk)
- Price: ¥250-350/night
- Pros: Slightly larger rooms (18 sqm), free WiFi, breakfast available (¥15)
- Cons: Older building, some rooms face noisy street
- Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize location
3. Home Inn Liwan Huangsha (如家酒店荔湾黄沙店)
- Address: No. 15, Huangsha Avenue, Liwan District
- Distance: 1.2 km (15-minute walk, or 5 min metro)
- Price: ¥280-380/night
- Metro: Huangsha Station (Line 1, Line 6) – 100 meters
- Pros: Newer renovations, quieter location, near Liwan Lake Park
- Cons: Requires short metro ride to Lihu Building
- Best For: Buyers who want peace after busy market days
Mid-Range Options (¥400-700/night)
4. Vienna Hotel Guangzhou Zhongshanba (维也纳酒店广州中山八路店)
- Address: No. 146, Zhongshan 8th Road, Liwan District
- Distance: 400 meters (5-minute walk)
- Price: ¥450-600/night
- Pros: International chain standards, some English-speaking staff, comfortable beds, work desk
- Cons: Breakfast not included (¥38), limited parking
- Amenities: Fitness room, business center, laundry service
- Best For: Business buyers who need workspace in room
5. Atour Hotel Guangzhou Liwan (亚朵酒店广州荔湾店)
- Address: No. 88, Longjin Middle Road, Liwan District
- Distance: 1.5 km (10-minute taxi/DiDi)
- Price: ¥500-700/night
- Pros: Modern design, excellent WiFi, Atour’s signature library lounge, quality breakfast (¥58)
- Cons: Not walking distance, breakfast expensive
- Amenities: Gym, self-service laundry, meeting rooms
- Best For: Buyers spending 3+ days who want better accommodation
6. Orange Hotel Guangzhou Changshou Road (桔子酒店广州长寿路店)
- Address: No. 725, Changsh Road, Liwan District
- Distance: 2 km (8-minute taxi)
- Price: ¥480-650/night
- Metro: Changshou Road Station (Line 1) – 200 meters
- Pros: Stylish design, larger rooms (25 sqm), good soundproofing
- Cons: Requires taxi/metro to Lihu Building
- Best For: Buyers who value comfort and design
Luxury/High-End Options (¥700+/night)
7. White Swan Hotel (白天鹅宾馆) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 1, Shamian South Street, Liwan District
- Distance: 3 km (12-minute taxi)
- Price: ¥1,200-1,800/night
- Metro: Huangsha Station (Line 1, Line 6) – 800 meters
- Pros: Guangzhou’s most famous 5-star hotel, riverside location, colonial architecture, English-speaking staff, luxurious rooms (40+ sqm), Western breakfast
- Cons: Expensive, requires daily commute to Zhongshan 8th Road
- Amenities: Pool, spa, multiple restaurants, concierge, business center
- Best For: High-end buyers, executives, buyers combining business with leisure
8. Guangdong Victory Hotel (广东胜利宾馆) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 53, Shamian North Street, Liwan District
- Distance: 3.2 km (15-minute taxi)
- Price: ¥800-1,200/night
- Pros: Historic hotel (built 1860s), Shamian Island location, spacious rooms, English-speaking staff
- Cons: Older facilities despite renovations, not walking distance
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar, business services
- Best For: Buyers who appreciate historic ambiance
9. The Garden Hotel Guangzhou (花园酒店) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 368, Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District
- Distance: 5 km (20-minute taxi/metro)
- Price: ¥1,500-2,500/night
- Metro: Guangzhou East Railway Station (Line 1, Line 3) – 500 meters
- Pros: Iconic luxury hotel, large rooms (45+ sqm), excellent service, Western-standard facilities
- Cons: Far from Lihu Building, premium pricing
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa, multiple restaurants, executive lounge
- Best For: Luxury buyers, those visiting multiple markets across Guangzhou
Buyer Q&A: Your Questions Answered
These are real questions compiled from Reddit (r/EntrepreneurRideAlong, r/FulfillmentByAmazon), Facebook groups (Guangzhou Wholesale Buyers, China Sourcing Group), and TikTok comments from buyers visiting Guangzhou.
Q1: “Do Lihu Building suppliers provide international safety certifications like CPSIA or CE for export?”
Answer: About 40% of established suppliers in Lihu Building have existing CPSIA (US) or CE (EU) certifications for their products. These are typically the larger suppliers with factory offices on upper floors (4F-6F).
How to identify certified suppliers:
- Look for certificates displayed in their shop
- Ask directly: “有CPSIA/CE认证吗?” (Do you have CPSIA/CE certification?)
- Request to see test reports from third-party labs (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas)
If supplier doesn’t have certification:
- You can arrange testing yourself (Cost: ¥2,000-5,000 per product line, takes 2-3 weeks)
- Many suppliers will share the cost if you commit to large order
- Some suppliers have certifications but don’t display them—always ask!
Important: Even with certifications, inspect products yourself. Certificates sometimes don’t match actual products (supplier switched factories, changed materials, etc.).
Best approach: Work with 2-3 certified suppliers for your core products, ensuring consistent compliance.
Q2: “Is the sizing at Lihu Building suitable for Western children, or do I need to size up?”
Answer: Chinese children’s wear sizing runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU sizing. Here’s a comparison:
| Chinese Size | Height (cm) | Approx Age | US Size Equivalent | EU Size Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 75-80cm | 12-18 mo | 12-18M | 80 |
| 90 | 80-90cm | 18-24 mo | 18-24M | 86 |
| 100 | 90-100cm | 2-3 yrs | 2T-3T | 98 |
| 110 | 100-110cm | 4-5 yrs | 4T-5T | 110 |
| 120 | 110-120cm | 5-6 yrs | 5-6 | 116 |
| 130 | 120-130cm | 6-8 yrs | 7-8 | 128 |
| 140 | 130-140cm | 8-10 yrs | 10-12 | 140 |
| 150 | 140-150cm | 10-12 yrs | 12-14 | 152 |
Key differences:
- Chinese sizing = height-based (objective measurement)
- Western sizing = age-based (subjective, varies by brand)
- Chinese children tend to be slightly smaller than Western children of same age (hence size discrepancy)
Recommendation for Western markets:
- Order 1-2 sizes up from age equivalent
- Example: For US 5T market, order Chinese Size 120 or 130 (not 110)
- Always request detailed measurements (chest width, length, sleeve length)
- Create your own size chart based on measurements, not ages
Pro Tip: Some suppliers in Lihu Building specifically cater to export markets and already produce “Western sizing.” Ask: “有没有欧美码?” (Do you have Western sizing?)
Q3: “What’s the real difference between Lihu Building, Fuli Children’s World, and Nantian Market? Which should I visit?”
Answer: All three are on Zhongshan 8th Road, but they serve different buyer needs:
| Feature | Lihu Building | Fuli Children’s World | Nantian Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Level | Mid-High | High | Mid |
| Quality | Good-Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| MOQ | 5-20 pcs | 10-30 pcs | 20-50 pcs |
| Target Market | Boutiques, E-commerce | Brand stores, Department stores | Domestic wholesalers |
| Product Range | 0-16 years | 0-12 years (focus 2-8) | 0-14 years |
| Export Focus | Moderate | High | Low |
| English Ability | 20% of suppliers | 40% of suppliers | 10% of suppliers |
| Building Age | Older (1995) | Newer (2006) | Oldest (1990s) |
| Unique Strength | Maternal products, flexible MOQ | High-end brands, showroom quality | Traditional wholesale, volume deals |
Which to visit? Depends on your business:
Visit Lihu Building if you:
- Run an online boutique (Shopify, Etsy)
- Need flexible MOQ (5-20 pieces)
- Want mid-to-high quality at reasonable prices
- Need maternal/baby products alongside clothing
- Are okay with slightly older building aesthetics
Visit Fuli Children’s World if you:
- Run a brick-and-mortar boutique
- Target affluent customers
- Want premium brands and Korean-style fashion
- Can commit to higher MOQs (20-50 pcs)
- Prefer modern, clean shopping environment
Visit Nantian Market if you:
- Buy in large volume (100+ pieces per style)
- Target domestic Chinese market
- Want traditional wholesale experience
- Less concerned about English communication
- Focus on mid-range pricing
Efficient Strategy: Spend 1 day at Lihu Building, 3-4 hours at Fuli Children’s World to compare. Skip Nantian if you’re a foreign buyer (less foreigner-friendly).
Q4: “Can I negotiate prices at Lihu Building, and how much discount is realistic?”
Answer: Yes, 100% you should negotiate! Quoted prices typically include 15-30% markup expecting negotiation.
Realistic discount ranges:
| Order Size | First-Time Buyer | Repeat Customer |
|---|---|---|
| 10-30 pcs | 5-10% off | 10-15% off |
| 30-100 pcs | 10-15% off | 15-20% off |
| 100-300 pcs | 15-20% off | 20-25% off |
| 300+ pcs | 20-25% off | 25-30% off |
Example:
- Quoted price: ¥50/piece
- After negotiation (50 pcs order): ¥42-45/piece (10-15% off)
- Savings: ¥250-400 on 50 pieces
How to maximize discount:
- Get 3 quotes for same product from different suppliers
- Show lowest quote to preferred supplier: “这家店报价¥42,你能给我这个价吗?” (This shop quoted ¥42, can you match?)
- Bundle multiple styles: Order 3 styles × 20 pcs each = better discount than 1 style × 20 pcs
- Pay cash: Instant 2-5% better pricing than WeChat Pay
- Commit to future orders: “If quality is good, I’ll order monthly” = supplier invests in relationship
What NOT to do:
- ❌ Ask for 50% off (insulting)
- ❌ Negotiate every single item (pick your battles)
- ❌ Compare prices in front of supplier (rude in Chinese culture)
Cultural Tip: Frame negotiation as helping supplier build relationship: “我想长期合作,能给我个好价格吗?” (I want long-term cooperation, can you give me a good price?) This appeals to Chinese business values.
Q5: “How do I handle language barriers? Most suppliers don’t speak English well.”
Answer: Don’t let language stop you! Most successful foreign buyers in Guangzhou speak little to no Chinese. Here’s how they manage:
Digital Tools:
- WeChat Built-in Translator:
- Tap-and-hold any message → “Translate”
- Accuracy: 70-80% for business Chinese
- Works for text, not voice
- Google Translate Camera:
- Point phone at signs, price tags, labels
- Instant visual translation
- Accuracy: 60-70%, good enough for basic understanding
- Pleco Dictionary App:
- Best for product-specific terms
- Download offline Chinese-English dictionary
- Can draw characters with finger if you see them written
