A panoramic view of the Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu. [Photo/Tide News]

The Global Digital Trade Center, a flagship project of the sixth-generation market in Yiwu — a county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, opened on Oct 14, marking Yiwu's transition from traditional trade to a digital trade ecosystem.

Launched in 2022, the center spans 1.25 million square meters and features five key sections: a market, office buildings, a commercial district, apartments, and a digital trade hub.

The market section, covering 410,000 sq m, now hosts businesses from eight industries, including fashion jewelry, trendy creative toys, and smart equipment.

Notably, 35 percent of tenants are from outside Zhejiang, 52 percent are new-generation entrepreneurs, and 57 percent have their own brands or operate IP products, reflecting a youthful, branded, and international market.

The commercial district spans 38,000 sq m and integrates business, residential, and social functions, aiming to become a 24-hour international hub. The apartment section offers over 1,000 well-decorated units with hotel-style services, while the 31,000-sq-m office buildings provide display, work, and reception spaces for growing businesses.

The center's digital trade system stands out with its three key platforms: Chinagoods for AI-driven solutions, a global supply chain network, and "Yiwu Pay" for seamless cross-border payments.

The expansion of digital applications will make market operations more intelligent and efficient. The center, in collaboration with Tencent, has developed an AI-powered navigation and shopping guidance system. Humanoid robots and robot dogs from companies like Unitree are used for interactive explanations in the exhibition hall and onsite patrols.

To celebrate its opening, the center will host a series of events, including summits, design competitions, and market visits for international merchants, to attract global attention and promote industry collaboration.