Are clothing markets open during Chinese New Year?

I will be visiting Guangzhou from February 1 to February 5. I’ve heard that many places may be closed for up to two weeks after Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29 this year. I’m particularly concerned about clothing markets, especially those selling replicas like Kinbo and Baima. Will these markets be open during my visit?

Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in China, and it affects business operations across the country, including Guangzhou. Many shops, factories, and markets close for the holiday period, and some remain closed for a few days or even up to two weeks afterward as workers return from their hometowns.

Regarding Guangzhou’s clothing markets such as Kinbo and Baima:

  • Kinbo Clothing Market: Typically, most shops in Kinbo close for at least the first week of Chinese New Year. Some stallholders may start reopening gradually after the first few days, but not all will be open immediately. By February 1–5, you might find limited shops operating, especially those run by vendors eager to resume business quickly.
  • Baima Clothing Market: Baima is one of the largest markets, and historically, it reopens around 3–7 days after Chinese New Year. By your visit period (February 1–5), some sections may be open, but foot traffic is often lower than usual, and not all vendors may be back.
  • Other smaller clothing markets: Smaller or independent vendors may reopen sooner than the large markets, but it is variable and not guaranteed.

Tips if visiting during this period:

  • Expect some stalls and shops to be closed or operating at reduced hours.
  • Plan for flexibility in your itinerary and consider contacting the markets or vendors ahead if possible.
  • Major shopping malls and department stores in Guangzhou generally reopen sooner than wholesale markets, so they can be a backup option for purchasing clothing.
  • Weekends after the holiday (Feb 3–4) are likely to see more vendors returning to the markets.

In summary, while you may find parts of Kinbo and Baima open during February 1–5, expect reduced operations, limited selections, and some closures. Patience and flexibility are key during this post-holiday period.


More Guangzhou Travel Questions