The Immigration Affairs Service Center in Yiwu. [Photo/Tide News]

In Zhejiang province, the city with the highest concentration of foreigners isn't the capital, Hangzhou, or the port city, Ningbo; it's Yiwu, a county-level city in Jinhua. In 2025, Yiwu received nearly 700,000 inbound business visits, making it China's top county-level city for inbound visitors.

This influx is driven by Yiwu's business prospects and exceptional services, fostering an inclusive environment where newcomers quickly feel at home.

Twenty years ago, foreigners faced lengthy queues and complex processes for tasks like document submission. However, in May 2024, Yiwu launched the "Yijing" App, Zhejiang's first online service platform for international merchants' immigration affairs.

This app, combining digital government affairs and service upgrades, has increased service efficiency by over 80 percent, according to Wang Jiaoyan of Yiwu's entry and exit administration bureau.

Yiwu addresses cultural diversity through initiatives such as the "Ned's Home" volunteer team in Cilin community, where over 30 volunteers from 19 countries have resolved nearly 300 disputes this year. Other groups, such as the "International Business Alliance" in Binwang community and the "IN Yuan" team in Yinyuan community, offer multilingual services, legal courses, and health checks.

Yiwu's proactive support, from service efficiency to community integration, has helped foreigners settle and thrive. This openness and inclusivity have transformed Yiwu into a true global home.