David's AW News: We Found an Ancient Wisdom Town in China

Greetings from Bali, Indonesia

Yes, back on the island of the Gods.

Well, after a couple of hectic weeks in China, Coco dropped us at Yiwu airport, said goodbye, and we took a China Southern flight to Guangzhou, where we transferred to a flight to Bali. It took like 16 hours, with transfer times and somehow we arrived absolutely exhausted in Denpasar. But happy to be here, and it's Sandra's first time. It will be interesting to see Bali fresh through her eyes.

Since we just arrived, I'll give you updates later.

Last week I was telling you about some Culture Shocks in China, and all about one factory visit.. if you missed it you can catch up here.

Yiwu Update - strangely quiet.

Yiwu was great, our suppliers were happy to see us and full of new ideas. But it's not normal - the hotel that Tomas and Sandra stayed in, a nice 5-star attached to a shopping mall, and usually fully booked with a high proportion of western foreigners, was almost empty, in the breakfast buffet area only a handful of customers. Also, all our suppliers say western buyers are not coming.  

And the buyers that come from South America, the Middle East or Russia tend to stay in as cheap as possible hotels.

I was a little distressed to find Russian products in the supermarket.. Coco even bought these for the grandkids.

Russian chocolates in China.. It's a sign of the times.

Ancient Wisdom Town

Even though Yiwu is a business city, a little out of town along the river is a tourist area that's been developed in recent years. We took Sandra to see it, so at least she has seen something of China on her trip other than suppliers and factories. I have been before, but this time I discovered some things I didn't appreciate..

Fotang Ancient Town, as it's known, is actually an ancient Buddhist trading post on the river. And still retains a lot of ancient Buddhist buildings, which are only now being recognised as important and finally being restored and cared for. It's really popular with local tourists; it was very busy with lots of people there, but as far as we could see, we were the only foreigners there.

There are two ancient bridges. One made of boats strapped together, at night, there is a spectacular laser show and music.

One of Fotang’s most striking sights is this floating bridge a line of boats, lashed together, carrying streams of visitors across the Yiwu River. It struck me that it's not just a bridge-it’s a metaphor for Yiwu itself: a place where old and new, tradition and innovation, meet and mingle.

We wandered the old streets just as it was going dark.. and found whitewashed walls adorned with bold calligraphy-“佛堂” (Fotang), meaning “Buddha Hall.” a reminder of the town’s spiritual roots. Fotang was once a Buddhist center, a place where merchants and monks crossed paths, and where the wisdom of the East was traded alongside silk and tea.

But today the shops are aimed at tourists, and some really innovative retailers.. I was impressed by this store.. selling only gemstone pendants and bracelets. The shop was long and thin, all painted black, with only backlights, shining down on the products. Two rows like this facing. Simple and effective, and actually very busy.

This style - I thought you might be inspired by it. We can definitely supply you with all those types of products, even the display trays.

Speaking of innovative retailing.. I believe we glimpsed the future in China also.

I was so impressed.. I made a YouTube short about it..

You can find it here:

More retailing ideas to inspire you!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel if you want more ideas..

Back in the warehouse

Meanwhile, we have lots of new products coming online..

Hope you are ready to rock and roll!!

And next up is Father's Day..

All the best.

Take care, and have a lovely week,

David