When sourcing products from China, you’ll encounter three major platforms: 1688, AliExpress, and Taobao. Each serves a different purpose and audience. Here’s how to choose the right one.
1688: Wholesale and Manufacturing
1688 is Alibaba’s domestic wholesale platform. It connects factories and wholesalers with businesses buying in bulk.
- Best for: Bulk orders, custom manufacturing, B2B
- Pricing: Lowest unit prices, but higher minimum order quantities
- Language: Chinese only
- Key advantage: Direct factory pricing
AliExpress: International Retail
AliExpress was designed for international buyers. It’s the most accessible platform for small orders.
- Best for: Small quantities, samples, DTC
- Pricing: Higher than 1688 but includes international shipping
- Language: Available in multiple languages including English
- Key advantage: Buyer protection and international shipping built in
Taobao: Domestic Retail
Taobao is China’s largest consumer marketplace, with the widest variety of products.
- Best for: Unique products, trend items, consumer goods
- Pricing: Competitive retail pricing
- Language: Chinese only
- Key advantage: Largest product selection in the world
How to Choose
The right platform depends on your needs:
- Buying in bulk or manufacturing custom products? → 1688
- Testing products with small orders? → AliExpress
- Looking for unique or trending consumer items? → Taobao
The Kango Advantage
The best part? You don’t need to choose. Kango sources from all three platforms — and many more. Just send us what you’re looking for, and we’ll find the best source across all Chinese marketplaces.
Whether it’s wholesale pricing on 1688, convenience on AliExpress, or variety on Taobao, we ensure you get the right product at the right price.