How To sourcing building materials In China?

by George House/ June 10,2025

As of June 2025, transit visa waiver agreements are in place with 59 countries,if you’ve never been to China and are planning a trip to sourcing building materials for your projects, this policy offers a significant advantage: it can save you the hassle and cost of applying for a visa.

In this sourcing building materials guide, we cover key considerations for your visit, including how to:
1. Source the best quality building materials within the visa waiver period,
2. Identify the key regional markets in China for your needs,
3. Arrange transportation back to your country after procurement.

Notes on Visa Waivers

Note: Visa-free entry applies only to residents of countries with approved agreements for business, tourism, visiting relatives, exchanges, or transit. For full details and country eligibility, please check below:

Countries that are covered by the visa-free policy

Citizens belonging to the countries applying the transit visa-free policy

European countries : Germany, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Monaco, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland.

Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.

Oceania countries: Australia, New Zealand.

South America countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.

Documents to be prepared under the visa waiver policy

• A valid ordinary passport with sufficient validity to cover the intended duration of stay in China. (Holders of travel documents, temporary or emergency documents, etc., are not eligible for China’s visa-free policies.)
• It is recommended to carry supporting documents matching the purpose of your visit, such as invitation letters, flight itineraries, and hotel reservations.
• Minors enjoy the same conditions for entry as adults and are also eligible for the visa-free policy.

How long can I stay in China visa-free?

The duration of stay permitted under the visa-free policy is calculated from the day after entry and allows for a continuous stay of 30 calendar days. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you may choose one of the following options:

1. Apply for a stay permit from the Exit-Entry Administration authorities of the Chinese public security organs for stays exceeding 30 days.

2. Depart to a neighboring country and then re-enter China. Currently, Chinese authorities impose no official limit on the number of visa-free entries or the total cumulative stay days. However, visitors must refrain from activities inconsistent with their stated purpose of entry.

How to come to China from countries that are not in the visa-free category?

If your country is not included in China’s visa-free list and you wish to visit China to sourcing building materials, you should contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in your locality, or other overseas agencies authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which are responsible for issuing entry visas to foreigners. Please refer to the following details:

(a) **Passport:** The original passport valid for more than **6 months** with **blank visa pages**, plus **one photocopy** of the passport’s bio-data page.

(b) **Visa Application Form and Photo:** One completed **”Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China”** and **one recent, front-facing, color passport photo** (against a **light background**, without headwear) **pasted** onto the form.

(c) **Proof of Legal Stay/Residence** (if applying outside your country of nationality): If applying in a country other than your country of nationality, you must provide **original and photocopy** of valid proof of legal stay, residence, work, or study in that country, or a valid visa for that country.

Visa Type Selection:

* For business purposes like sourcing building materials, apply for a Category M Visa (Business/Trade Visa).

* This requires an invitation letter issued by your trade partner in China, such as a letter for business activities or an invitation to a trade fair. The invitation letter must include the following:

1. Invitee Information: Full name, gender, date of birth.

2. Visit Details: Purpose of visit to China, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relationship with the inviting entity/inviter, source of funding.

3. Inviting Entity/Inviter Information: Name of inviting company/full name of inviter, contact phone number, address, company seal (stamp), and signature of the legal representative or inviter.

If you require assistance Sourcing building materials

Please contact us and provide your detailed product drawings/plans. Our company can apply to the relevant Chinese authorities on your behalf to obtain the official invitation letter required for your visa application.

Regional Advantages to Sourcing Building Materials in China

We have collected the advantages of the production of construction materials in different provinces and regions of China, as well as famous brands, which will help you to choose in advance the destination airport in China and the location of procurement of the corresponding materials. Please refer to the below details.

Ceramics (Wall & Floor Tiles)

Foshan, Guangdong: China’s Largest Architectural Ceramics Production Hub

Foshan dominates China’s architectural ceramics sector, accounting for over 50% of national output. While export share has declined due to challenging global trade conditions and competition from lower-cost Vietnamese/Indian tiles, Foshan manufacturers have responded by:

• Upgrading production technology
• Enhancing product quality
• Expanding tile varieties across specifications (20 mm–3600 mm sizes, 1 mm–18 mm thicknesses) and designs.

This makes Foshan a one-stop destination for virtually all tile categories – whether for indoor/outdoor walls, flooring, pools, or gardens.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Dongpeng
  Comprehensive home solutions (tiles, sanitary ware, flooring, coatings). Serves major real estate developers and global high-end projects.
  Operates 14 production bases and 40+ smart production lines across China. Jiangmen facility produces 40,000㎡ tiles/day.
  Address: Dongpeng HQ Building, 127 Jihua West Road, Chancheng District, Foshan
• Marco Polo
  Specializes in architectural ceramics (glazed, rustic, slab stone tiles). Primary clients: large distributors & premium developers.
  Runs 60+ automated lines across 5 bases, with annual output of 220 million ㎡ (~600,000㎡/day) – China’s highest-capacity producer.
  Address: North Wang Road, Gaobu Town, Dongguan, Guangdong
• Monalisa
  Focus: ceramic tiles, ultra-thin slab stone (3mm pioneer), and ceramic art. Key partners: luxury developers & global projects (e.g. Dubai Expo China Pavilion).
  30+ production lines across 4 bases, annual capacity >70 million ㎡ (~190,000㎡/day).
  Address: Industrial Zone, Xiqiao Tourism Resort, Nanhai District, Foshan

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Foshan Meiju International Building Materials Center
  280,000㎡ home renovation exhibition complex offering customized solutions for residential/commercial projects. Covers tiles, sanitary ware, doors/windows, flooring, and custom cabinets.
  Address: 3 Lüjing West Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan
• Foshan Casa Ceramics & Sanitary Wares Mall
  Est. 1994. 100,000㎡ integrated trade hub for ceramics, sanitaryware, bathroom fittings, hardware, and art ceramics. Provides international trade services and industry networking.
  Address: Jihua 4th Road, Chancheng District, Foshan
• China Ceramics City
  53,000㎡ premium trading platform hosting 200+ flagship stores of domestic/global brands. Product range: wall/floor tiles, imported ceramics, slab stone, sanitary ware, mosaics, doors/windows, and whole-home customization.Serves 800,000+ professional buyers across 150+ countries via international trade, project procurement, and high-end retail channels.
  Address: No.2 Jiangwan 3rd Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan

Quanzhou, Fujian: Leading in Niche Segments

Specializing in exterior wall tiles, paving stones, and rustic-style tiles, Quanzhou’s ceramic industry holds significant influence in these niche segments across China. The region has developed specialized building materials trading hubs while maintaining a strong export-oriented focus, with products widely distributed across the Middle East and Southeast Asia markets.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Wanli Ceramics
  Headquartered in the Cizao Industrial Zone (Jinjiang), this manufacturer specializes in premium tile series for exterior walls and rustic flooring. Notable for patented innovations like its “Recycling System for Ceramic Equipment Cleaning Waste.” Operates a 200,000+ m² production base.
  Address: Cizao Industrial Zone, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou, Fujian
• Haoshan Building Materials Co., Ltd
  A mid-sized mineral products manufacturer specializing in R&D and production of ceramic wall and floor tiles. Runs 9 automated lines producing 7 product series including ceramic slabs and marble-effect glazed tiles.
  Address: Cizao Industrial Zone, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou, Fujian

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Tiengong Ceramics City
  Located along National Highway 324 in Jinjiang, this large-scale specialized market hosts 500+ suppliers representing 800+ brands. Offers comprehensive building materials including domestic/international premium brands and high cost-performance options across all tile categories.
  Address: G324 National Highway, Cizao Town, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou, Fujian

Bathroom Fixtures & Sanitary ware

Foshan & Chaozhou, Guangdong: Manufacturing Hub (70%+ China Market Share)

Foshan hosts China’s largest sanitary ware cluster with 3,000+ enterprises covering ceramics, hardware, and vanity units. Leads in R&D and brand development.

Chaozhou (“China’s Porcelain Capital”) produces 50% of China’s ceramic sanitary ware through 800+ specialized OEM factories.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• ARROW
  China’s top comprehensive sanitary ware brand. Major manufacturer of ceramic toilets, whirlpools, shower enclosures, steam rooms, solid wood/PVC vanities, brass faucets, and bathroom accessories.
  Address: ARROW HQ Building, Chuangxing 1st Road, Lecong, Shunde District, Foshan
• SSWW
  Est. 1994. Operates two 200,000m² production bases for ceramic sanitary ware and luxury bathroom products. Annual output: 5 million pieces including massage tubs, steam cabins, washbasins, toilets, and faucets.
  Address: 553 North Sanshui Avenue, Lubao Town, Sanshui District, Foshan

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Foshan Meiju International Building Materials Center
  280,000㎡ home renovation exhibition complex offering customized solutions for residential/commercial projects. Covers tiles, sanitary ware, doors/windows, flooring, and custom cabinets.
  Address: 3 Lüjing West Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan
• Foshan Casa Ceramics & Sanitary Wares Mall
  Est. 1994. 100,000㎡ integrated trade hub for ceramics, sanitaryware, bathroom fittings, hardware, and art ceramics. Provides international trade services and industry networking.
  Address: Jihua 4th Road, Chancheng District, Foshan
• China Ceramics City
  53,000㎡ premium trading platform hosting 200+ flagship stores of domestic/global brands. Product range: wall/floor tiles, imported ceramics, slab stone, sanitary ware, mosaics, doors/windows, and whole-home customization.Serves 800,000+ professional buyers across 150+ countries via international trade, project procurement, and high-end retail channels.
  Address: No.2 Jiangwan 3rd Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan

Quanzhou, Fujian: Global Smart Bathroom Hub

Produces 40% of China’s bathroom fixtures, accounting for 60% domestic sales. Global leader in smart toilet production (4 million units/year) with 35% efficiency gains and annual water savings of 14-14.5 million m³.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• JOMOO
  Est. 1990. China’s #1 & world’s #3 sanitary ware brand. Integrated R&D-to-sales operations for complete kitchen/bath solutions. Brand value surpassing ¥100 billion.
  Address: JOMOO Group, Fumao Industrial Park, Nan’an Economic Zone, Quanzhou, Fujian
• SUNLOT
  30+ years specializing in sanitary ware. 40,000 m² production facility with annual capacity of 10 million units. Industry leader in market share and technical expertise.
  Address: Hengban Base, Yingdu Town, Nan’an City, Fujian

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Tiengong Ceramics City
  Located along National Highway 324 in Jinjiang, this large-scale specialized market hosts 500+ suppliers representing 800+ brands. Offers comprehensive building materials including domestic/international premium brands and high cost-performance options across all tile categories.
  Address: G324 National Highway, Cizao Town, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou, Fujian

Doors & Windows

Foshan, Guangdong: “Aluminum Capital of China”

Aggregates over 60% of China’s leading door/window brands. The industrial chain covers aluminum extrusion, surface treatment (anodizing/spraying), and finished product processing. Its “triple-glazed acoustic insulation design” holds EU certification with K-value as low as 1.6W/(m²·K), leading in energy efficiency.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• PHONPA Windows & Doors
  Official supplier for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Operates a modern production base in Foshan, integrating R&D, manufacturing, and sales. Specializes in doors/windows and sunrooms. Has 800+ branded stores across 30 Chinese provinces.
  Address: Lubao Town, Sanshui District, Foshan
• PAIYA Doors & Windows
  Founded in 1990, provides high-end whole-house system solutions including casement/sliding/folding windows, lift-and-slide balcony systems, sunrooms, sliding/folding/entry doors, and aluminum-wood doors.
  Address: 9 Huancheng North Road, Shengli East Eco-Industrial Park, Lishui Town, Nanhai District, Foshan

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Foshan Meiju International Building Materials Center
  280,000㎡ home renovation exhibition complex offering customized solutions for residential/commercial projects. Covers tiles, sanitary ware, doors/windows, flooring, and custom cabinets.
  Address: 3 Lüjing West Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan
• Foshan Huayi Decorative Materials Market
  A renowned wholesale-retail hub integrating exhibitions, logistics, and information services with premium domestic/international brands.
  Address: 11 Jianyuan Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Nantong, Jiangsu: Export-Oriented & Intelligent Benchmark

Advantages: Strategic location + patent barriers + international certifications. Annual capacity exceeds 20,000 tons with full-process lines (melting, extrusion, spraying). Serves 24 top-grade construction enterprises in a trillion-RMB local market.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• YKK AP
  Japanese origin with 60+ years of history. Entered mainland China in 1999, offering system doors/windows, entrance doors, and interior partitions. Operates profile factories in Shenzhen and R&D centers in Suzhou.
  Address: Jiangsu Province Nantong National High-tech Industrial Development Zone

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Nantong BA Home International
  Est. 1983. 500,000㎡ complex housing 1,000+ global brands across furniture, building materials, lighting, soft furnishings, and appliances.
  Address: 99 North Street, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu

Flooring

Nanxun, Zhejiang (“Wood Flooring Capital of China”)

Annual output: 60 million ㎡ (66% of national total), solid wood flooring dominates >60% market share. Full-chain capabilities: plain board processing, painting, testing. Leads in tech innovation and high-end exports.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Nature Flooring
  Est. 2001. Expanded to laminate and engineered flooring lines. 2,000+ stores nationwide. Contributor to multiple national flooring standards.
  Address: R&D Center, Nature Wood Solid Wood Base, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang
• Sunyard Flooring
  Top-tier manufacturer with fastest growth in China. Domestic sales volume ranks top 3. Recognized among “China’s 100 Most Competitive Private Brands” and “Top 10 Solid Wood Flooring Brands.
  Address: 3998 Xunlian Highway, Nanxun Town, Huzhou, Zhejiang

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Nanxun International Building Materials City
  475,000㎡ complex integrating R&D, procurement, and logistics for furniture, flooring, ceramics, and hardware.
  Address: 2333 Qianghua Road, Nanxun Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang

Custom Wardrobes & Cabinets

Guangdong (Innovation & Brand Hub)

Foshan/Guangzhou/Dongguan host 60% of industry leaders, including listed companies like SOGAL, Oppein, and Topstrong. Full industrial chain: R&D, smart manufacturing, supply chain. 7 of China’s top 10 brands headquartered here.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• SOGAL Home
  China’s first listed custom home enterprise (est. July 15, 2007). Products: custom cabinets, wardrobes, wood doors, flooring, hardware, and furniture.
  Address: 2 Xianning Road, Guocun, Yongning Street, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou
• Oppein Home Est. 1994. Whole-home solutions: cabinets, wardrobes, sanitary ware, metal doors/windows, armored doors, soft furnishings, kitchen appliances, and furniture. Address: 366 Guanghua 3rd Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Foshan Meiju International Building Materials Center
  280,000㎡ home renovation exhibition complex offering customized solutions for residential/commercial projects. Covers tiles, sanitary ware, doors/windows, flooring, and custom cabinets.
  Address: 3 Lüjing West Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan
• Foshan Huayi Decorative Materials Market
  A renowned wholesale-retail hub integrating exhibitions, logistics, and information services with premium domestic/international brands.
  Address: 11 Jianyuan Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Marble/Stone

Yunfu, Guangdong: Processing & Trade Hub

China’s largest stone processing base: 4,000+ enterprises, ¥10B+ annual output, >30% national trade volume. Annual raw block imports: 2 million tons (Spain/Turkey); 60% processed products re-exported to EU/US. Full-chain operations with Liudu Port logistics hub.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Yongguang Stone
  Est. 1983. Integrated mining, processing, engineering, and import/export. 40,000+㎡ facility. Top-tier supplier in scale and capability.
  Address: Chucheng Zhenxing Industrial Zone, Yunfu, Guangdong
• Oppein Home Est. 1994. Whole-home solutions: cabinets, wardrobes, sanitaryware, metal doors/windows, armored doors, soft furnishings, kitchen appliances, and furniture. Address: 366 Guanghua 3rd Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Yongguang International Stone Slab Market
  30,000㎡ one-stop platform for premium stones (white/grey/beige marble, jade, luxury stones).
  Address: 3 West 3rd Road, Yuncheng District, Yunfu, Guangdong
• Foshan Huayi Decorative Materials Market
  A renowned wholesale-retail hub integrating exhibitions, logistics, and information services with premium domestic/international brands.
  Address: 11 Jianyuan Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Lighting

Zhongshan, Guangdong: Global Manufacturing Hub

World’s largest lighting cluster: 70% of China’s output, 50% global market share. 30,000+ entities covering design, components, and assembly.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Forest
  Global R&D, manufacturing, and sales network with 100+ subsidiaries (50+ in China, 60+ overseas). China’s highest-revenue lighting company.
  Address: 1 MLS Avenue, Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan
• FSL Est. 1958. Green lighting solutions for residential, commercial, outdoor, office, and educational sectors. Address: 64 Fenjiang North Road, Chancheng District, Foshan:

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Guzhen Lighting Wholesale Market
  Largest wholesale hub in Zhongshan offering competitive bulk pricing.
  Address: Gangdong Section, Qijiang Highway, Guzhen Town, Zhongshan
• Foshan Huayi Decorative Materials Market
  A renowned wholesale-retail hub integrating exhibitions, logistics, and information services with premium domestic/international brands.
  Address: 11 Jianyuan Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Soft Furnishings

Foshan, Guangdong

South China’s largest distribution hub: 500,000㎡, 800+ merchants covering curtains, wallpapers, furniture. 5,000+ suppliers serving Southeast Asia.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Molik
  Est. 1982. China’s first integrated fabric R&D/production/sales enterprise.
  Address: 1 Chunyang Road, Zhangcha Town, Foshan, Guangdong
• ZHIDA Home Specializes in home textiles for furniture, curtains, and bedding. Focus: hospitality/hotel soft furnishings and whole-house customization. Address: 199 Longjiang Section, G325 National Highway, Longjiang, Shunde, Foshan

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Foshan Meiju International Building Materials Center
  280,000㎡ home renovation exhibition complex offering customized solutions for residential/commercial projects. Covers tiles, sanitary ware, doors/windows, flooring, and custom cabinets.
  Address: 3 Lüjing West Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan
• Foshan Huayi Decorative Materials Market
  A renowned wholesale-retail hub integrating exhibitions, logistics, and information services with premium domestic/international brands.
  Address: 11 Jianyuan Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Furniture

Foshan, Guangdong: Global Manufacturing & Trade Hub

1/3 of China’s output (¥1 trillion), >20% national export share. 30,000+ enterprises (7,000+ manufacturers); 90% have overseas channels.

Leading Brands (with addresses):

• Landbond Furniture Group
  Est. 1984. Premium solid wood furniture, sofas, mattresses, custom cabinets, and carpets. International-standard production.
  Address: 40 Bo’ai Middle Road, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan
• Oppein Home Est. 1994. Whole-home solutions: cabinets, wardrobes, sanitary ware, metal doors/windows, armored doors, soft furnishings, kitchen appliances, and furniture. Address: 366 Guanghua 3rd Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou

Recommended Markets for Individuals & Small-Scale Buyers:

• Louvre International Furniture Expo Center
  Integrated design, manufacturing, hotel, and trade tourism complex (est. 2000)
  Address: Lecong Section, G325 National Highway, Shunde, Foshan
• Lecong International Furniture City
  3,450+ dealers, 50,000+ employees, 20,000+ product types. Daily traffic: 20,000+ vehicles, 30,000+ customers. China’s #1 furniture sales hub.
  Address:Intersection of Lecong Avenue & Foshan South Avenue, Lecong Town, Foshan

How to transport the purchased building materials to your country

For custom products like closets, cabinets, doors, and windows:

• Work with your supplier to finalize order details
• Expect a typical production/delivery time frame of 10–35 days
• Pay a 20–50% deposit upfront (based on total order value)
• Request photo/video confirmation when goods are ready before paying the balance

For standard stocked items like ceramics, sanitary ware, marble, and flooring:

• Verify container availability if shipping soon
• Ask suppliers to provide large-item samples for approval
• Pay the full amount after sample confirmation

Recommended Payment Methods

a. Cash Transactions

Most Chinese suppliers have limited Visa card acceptance (typically capped at $50,000). To avoid complications:Exchange your currency for RMB at any Chinese bank before transactions

b. Online Transfers

Since most Chinese bank accounts don’t support international transfers, confirm these alternatives with your supplier:

1).Alibaba International Account

2).International Corporate Account

3).Letter of Credit (L/C)

Working with Freight Forwarders

Once you’ve identified your building materials sources (or completed procurement), consult Complete List: Top 50 China Shipping Agents for Global Success to contact specialized forwarders. Provide your shipment details to request quotes and service options.

Key benefit: If your supplier doesn’t accept international payments, established freight forwarders often provide faster payment solutions – they can pay suppliers directly on your behalf.

Container Loading Guidelines

Most Chinese suppliers don’t handle shipping arrangements. They typically offer:

• EXW (Ex-Works) terms (you collect at factory)
• Limited free local delivery

For full container loads (FCL):
✓ Factories usually provide complimentary loading

For multi-supplier consolidation:
✔️ Engage a freight forwarder to:
• Coordinate all suppliers’ production timelines
• Book containers aligned with readiness dates
• Consolidate goods at their warehouse for loading

Summary

For distributors:
If you’re wholesaling specific high-quality building materials, visit the brand addresses listed earlier to negotiate directly for factory pricing.

For project buyers:
When sourcing building materials for commercial projects or self-built homes, prioritize local building materials markets to save on procurement and shipping costs.

Why Foshan stands out:
As China’s top construction supply hub, Foshan offers the most comprehensive building materials ecosystem for small-to-mid-sized projects. While prices may not always be the absolute lowest, its advantages include:

• Industry-leading supply chain coverage
• Ranked top 3 nationally for exported building products
• Suppliers experienced in international communication and logistics
• Streamlined procurement for foreign buyers