1688 is a free lifestyle app developed by HARSIMRANJEET SINGH. This app is a directory of China-based wholesale suppliers affiliated with the Alibaba Group. While it shares many similarities with Alibaba.com, its focus is primarily on serving the needs of Chinese businesses.

As a major e-commerce platform in China, 1688 enables businesses based in the country to purchase goods directly from manufacturers and resell them at a markup on other e-commerce sites such as AliExpress and Gearbest. This platform is an intermediary between wholesale sellers and manufacturers, connecting them with wholesale buyers in China and providing sourcing and online transaction services.

Largest wholesale platform in China

The Alibaba Group owns 1688 and shares many features with its sister site, Alibaba.com. Nonetheless, this app differs from its counterpart in specific ways. With this app, you can quickly locate Chinese suppliers across a wide range of industries without having to sift through hundreds of websites. An extensive range of products is available on this platform, encompassing everything from jewelry, clothing, and shoes to accessories, kitchenware, and much more.

Further, this app primarily focuses on facilitating B2C and B2B transactions, wholesale, and product manufacturing. With over 50,000 Chinese suppliers concentrated on this platform, it offers a diverse range of products from various shopping platforms such as Tmall, Suning.com, Taobao, and JD.com. These sources provide access to goods, including imports and new products that can be easily ordered with just a few clicks.

As previously mentioned, this e-commerce app represents the largest wholesale platform in China. With three times lower prices than its competitors, it has become a go-to choice for many trading companies seeking to purchase goods for their overseas buyers. However, one drawback of this app is that it operates exclusively in Chinese language and characters, which poses difficulties for non-Chinese-speaking customers worldwide in accessing and utilizing the platform.

Need to use a translator app to use

1688 is a powerful e-commerce app designed to cater to the needs of Chinese businesses seeking to purchase goods directly from manufacturers and resell them at a markup on other e-commerce sites. The app offers an extensive range of products across various industries, with over 50,000 Chinese suppliers on the platform. However, the app requires a translator app due to its exclusive reliance on the Chinese language and characters.