If you are a boutique owner who has already heard of the UUS market, you need to know its sophisticated neighbor: the Guangzhou APM Times International Fashion City (often referred to simply as APM).
In the vast ecosystem of Guangzhou’s wholesale districts, APM represents the upper echelon of quality. It is not the place to find $2 t-shirts. Instead, it is where Asian celebrities, influencers, and high-end boutique owners from Europe and the US source their inventory.
The market is famous for its “Han Ban” (Korean Style) aesthetics, original designs, and a shopping environment that feels more like a luxury department store in Gangnam, Seoul, than a wholesale center in China.
For foreign buyers, APM is a goldmine for high-margin items. However, the prices here are higher, and the suppliers are pickier. At GZWM, we specialize in bridging the gap between international buyers and these premium Chinese suppliers. Here is everything you need to know to navigate the APM market successfully.
What is the Guangzhou APM Market?
Located in the heart of the Liuhua business district, APM (Times International Fashion City) is a relatively newer player compared to the old giants like Baima. However, it quickly established itself as a leader in the “Fast Fashion & Premium Quality” sector.
What distinguishes APM from other markets?
- Strict Quality Control: The market management is known for curating the brands allowed to open here. You will rarely find defects or cheap synthetic fabrics.
- Originality: Many shops here employ their own designers. You are less likely to see the same generic print that is flooding the Shahe market.
- Shoes and Clothing Combined: Unlike markets that specialize in just one category, APM is a powerhouse for both trendy women’s apparel and high-quality footwear.
Target Buyer:
If your shop sells items at a retail price point of $60 – $200+ USD, APM is your sourcing destination.
Floor Guide and Main Categories
APM is a massive complex, and it can be confusing because it houses different categories across its floors. It is generally divided into zones for shoes and clothing.
The Shoe Zone (Lower Floors & Connecting Areas)
APM is one of the best spots in Guangzhou for fashion-forward women’s footwear.
- Products: Leather boots, designer-inspired heels, chunky sneakers, and sandals.
- Quality: Most shoes here are made of real leather or high-grade PU. The comfort level is significantly higher than cheaper markets.
- MOQ for Shoes: Usually 1 carton (roughly 12-30 pairs) per style for custom orders, but many shops offer stock availability for smaller wholesale orders (5-10 pairs mixed).
The Clothing Zone (Main Tower Floors)
As you move up into the main tower, you enter the world of premium women’s fashion.
- Floors 1-3: These floors are the busiest. They feature the trendiest, fast-moving items. The styles are very “young,” often reflecting the latest K-Pop trends or Instagram aesthetics.
- Floors 4-8: As you go higher, the brands tend to become more mature and sophisticated. You will find incredible trench coats, wool blazers, silk dresses, and office-appropriate wear that looks like it belongs in a high-end mall.
- Floor 9+ (Showrooms): The top floors often house larger showrooms and brand operation centers. These areas are quieter and ideal for buyers looking to discuss OEM (private label) manufacturing with larger quantities.
Operating Hours and Address
Just like UUS, APM operates on a “lazy morning” schedule. Do not rush here at 8:00 AM; the doors might be open, but the shops will be empty.
- Official Name: APM Times International Fashion City (APM时代国际时装城)
- Address: No. 27 Zhannan Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou.
- Chinese Address: 广州市越秀区站南路27号
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
Note: The footwear section sometimes opens slightly earlier, but for the full clothing experience, plan your visit between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Nearby Transportation: How to Get There
APM is strategically located near the Guangzhou Railway Station, making it easily accessible. It is practically a neighbor to the Baima Market and facing the Liuhua Lake Park area.
By Metro
The most efficient way to arrive.
- Station: Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站)
- Lines: Intersection of Line 2 and Line 5.
- Exit: Take Exit D4.
- Directions: Walk out of the tunnel and head west along Zhannan Road. You will pass Baima market. Keep walking for about 300-400 meters. You will see the distinctive APM building.
By Taxi
Since the area is well-known, most drivers know the building.
- Show Driver: “去站南路APM时代国际时装城”
- (Translation: “Go to Zhannan Road APM Times International Fashion City”).
Nearby Hotels for Business Travelers
Because APM is in the same cluster as Baima and UUS, the hotel recommendations remain consistent for this district. Staying here gives you walking access to roughly 5 major wholesale buildings.
1. Dong Fang Hotel (5-Star)
- Located directly across the street from the wholesale district. It is spacious, quiet, and very safe for international travelers.
2. The China Hotel (Marriott Group)
- Reliable luxury with English-speaking staff. It connects directly to the Metro system, which is a huge bonus on rainy days.
3. Baiyun City Hotel
- A more budget-friendly option located on Huanshi West Road, within walking distance to the markets.
Sourcing Tips for Foreigners at APM
Sourcing at APM is a serious business. The stall owners are used to dealing with high-volume domestic buyers and boutique owners. Here is how to gain their respect and get the best deals:
1. Dress Professionally
The sales staff at APM judge books by their covers. If you look like a backpacker, they might ignore you. If you look like a fashion buyer (stylish, confident), they will be eager to show you their new arrivals.
2. Understand the Pricing (High End)
Do not be shocked by the prices. A wholesale coat here might cost 400 RMB ($60).
- Why? Because that same coat retails for $250+ in boutiques.
- Profit Margin: You are paying for design and fabric quality that allows you to charge a premium in your home country.
- Bargaining: Like UUS, bargaining is difficult here. Prices are usually fixed in the system.
3. Ask for “Stock” vs. “Order”
- Xian Huo (In Stock): Some items are ready to go. You can pay and take them (or have them sent to your warehouse).
- Ding Huo (Order): Many high-end items are made to order. You pay a deposit, and they ship in 3-7 days. Be careful with timelines if you are leaving China soon.
4. The Photography Rule
Strictly enforced: No Photos.
Stall owners are terrified of design theft. Do not take your phone out and start snapping pictures.
- The GZWM Tip: Introduce yourself, buy a sample or place a small order first. Once you are a customer, ask to add their WeChat. They will happily send you high-quality professional photos of their clothes that you can use for your own marketing.
Online Shopping: Access APM Inventory via GZWM
For many small business owners, flying to China, paying for a visa, hotel, and flight makes sourcing from APM too expensive.
GZWM brings the APM market to you.
We have mapped out the best stalls in APM Times International. We know which stalls have the best coats, which ones have the best boots, and which ones are reliable with shipping.
How GZWM helps you source online:
- Direct Contact: We provide the WeChat IDs of verified APM stall owners.
- Language Support: If the seller doesn’t speak English, we can guide you on how to use translation tools effectively or assist in communication.
- Browse Daily: Once you add them on WeChat, you can watch their “Moments” (Stories) where they post videos of the fabric, fit, and new daily drops.
- Consolidated Shipping: You don’t need to ship one box from Shop A and one box from Shop B. You can order from 5 different APM shops, and we can help coordinate the consolidation so you pay for shipping only once.
Ready to elevate your boutique’s quality?
Visit the GZWM Market Directory now to find the contact information for the top suppliers in Guangzhou APM. Stop selling generic products and start selling fashion that builds a loyal customer base.
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