The Definitive Guide to Import and Export Freight Services into/from Lishui, Zhejiang：Enabling Global Business Growth
2. City Introduction
2.1 Geographical Location
Lishui, located in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province, East China, occupies a unique geographical position. It is nestled among mountains, with the Qiantang River, Oujiang River, and other major water systems originating from or flowing through the region. Although it is an inland city, Lishui has a well – developed transportation network. Expressways and railways traverse the city, connecting it to major cities in Zhejiang and neighboring provinces. This connectivity enables Lishui to engage in domestic and international trade, despite its inland location. The mountainous terrain also endows Lishui with rich natural resources, which play a significant role in its economic development and freight – related activities.
2.2 Economic Characteristics
Lishui has a diverse economic structure. The manufacturing industry is gradually growing, with a focus on the production of machinery, new – materials, and light – industrial products. The machinery manufacturing sector in Lishui produces a variety of products, including small – scale industrial machinery, agricultural machinery, and some precision – manufacturing equipment. These products are not only supplied to the domestic market but also exported to some international markets. The new – materials industry is emerging, with local enterprises focusing on the research, development, and production of high – performance materials such as advanced composite materials and some new – energy – related materials.
The city also has a vibrant agricultural – product processing industry. The fertile land and suitable climate in Lishui yield abundant grains, vegetables, fruits, and livestock products. These agricultural products are processed into various food products, such as processed grains, canned food, and dairy products, which are exported to meet the demands of different markets. In addition, Lishui is known for its handicraft industry. Traditional handicrafts, such as bamboo and wood handicrafts, ethnic – minority – style handicrafts, and some cultural – heritage – related handicrafts, are highly sought – after both domestically and internationally. In recent years, emerging industries such as e – commerce and modern logistics have started to develop, further fueling the demand for import and export freight services.
2.3 Administrative Regions and Freight – Related Areas
Lishui administers several regions, each contributing uniquely to the freight business:
- Liandu District: As the core urban area of Lishui, it serves as an important commercial and service center. The district has a large number of trading companies, business service providers, and commercial complexes. It is a major source of consumer goods for both the local market and export, especially high – end consumer electronics, fashion products, and luxury goods. The district also has some emerging e – commerce enterprises that contribute to the export of various products through online platforms. In addition, there are some high – tech start – ups in the district, focusing on software development, high – tech services, and some high – tech product manufacturing, which contribute to the export of high – value – added products.
- Qingtian County: It has a strong focus on the import and export trade, especially in the fields of stone products and ethnic – minority – style handicrafts. The county is renowned for its high – quality stone resources, and stone – processing enterprises export a large amount of stone products, including decorative stones, stone carvings, and some building – material stones. Qingtian also has a long – standing tradition of handicraft production, with ethnic – minority – style handicrafts being a major export item. In addition, the county has a vibrant overseas – Chinese – related trade industry, importing and exporting a variety of products through its overseas connections.
- Jinyun County: It has a relatively developed industrial base, mainly in the fields of machinery manufacturing, light – industry, and food processing. There are factories producing industrial machinery, light – industrial products such as daily – use chemicals and handicrafts, and food – processing enterprises that process local agricultural products into various food products. These products are exported to different regions, both domestically and internationally. The county also imports some advanced production equipment, high – quality raw materials, and technologies to support local industries.
- Suichang County: It has a diverse economic structure, with a focus on the manufacturing, agricultural, and tourism – related industries. The manufacturing industry in Suichang produces industrial products such as machinery, new – materials, and some high – tech products. The county is also an important agricultural area, producing high – quality grains, fruits, and vegetables. These agricultural products are processed and exported. In addition, Suichang has a growing tourism industry, and tourism – related products such as souvenirs and handicrafts are also part of its exports.
- Songyang County: Known for its rich agricultural resources and traditional handicrafts, Songyang is a major exporter of agricultural products and handicrafts. The county has agricultural production bases that produce high – quality grains, tea, and some specialty agricultural products. These agricultural products are processed and exported. It also has a traditional handicraft industry that produces products such as bamboo handicrafts, wooden handicrafts, and some cultural – heritage – related handicrafts. In addition, Songyang has a growing tourism industry, and tourism – related products such as souvenirs and handicrafts are also part of its exports.
- Yunhe County: It has a strong focus on the manufacturing and tourism – related industries. The manufacturing industry in Yunhe produces industrial products such as machinery, light – industrial products, and some high – tech products. The county is also known for its beautiful natural scenery and growing tourism industry. Tourism – related products, such as handicrafts, souvenirs, and local specialties, are exported. In addition, Yunhe has some emerging industries, such as e – commerce and modern logistics, which contribute to the growth of the import and export business.
- Qingyuan County: Rich in forest resources, it is a major exporter of forest – related products and some agricultural products. The county has forest – product processing enterprises that export products such as bamboo products, wooden products, and forest – based chemicals. It also has agricultural production bases that produce high – quality fruits, vegetables, and tea. These agricultural products are processed and exported. In addition, Qingyuan has a growing tourism industry, and tourism – related products such as souvenirs and handicrafts are also part of its exports.
- She Autonomous County: It has a unique economic structure, with a focus on the production of ethnic – minority – style handicrafts, agricultural products, and some cultural – related products. The county has a traditional handicraft industry that produces ethnic – minority – style handicrafts, such as embroidery, weaving, and handicrafts with unique ethnic – minority designs. It also has agricultural production bases that produce high – quality grains, fruits, and vegetables. These agricultural products are processed and exported. In addition, the county has a growing tourism industry, and tourism – related products such as souvenirs and handicrafts are also part of its exports.
- Longquan City: It has a well – developed manufacturing base, especially in the fields of traditional handicrafts, machinery, and new – materials. The city is famous for its traditional handicrafts, such as Longquan swords and celadon. These handicrafts are exported to various regions around the world. It also has a manufacturing industry that produces industrial products such as machinery, new – materials, and some high – tech products. Longquan imports some high – tech components and raw materials to support its manufacturing industries.
3. Port and Airport Information
3.1 Port / Sea Freight
3.1.1 Port Selection
Although Lishui is an inland city, it has access to several ports for international trade. The main ports it relies on include Ningbo Zhoushan Port, Wenzhou Port, and Shanghai Port. Lishui has established convenient transportation links to these ports through a combination of road, railway, and water – borne transportation. Road transportation offers flexibility for small – to – medium – scale cargo shipments, allowing for door – to – door service. Railway transportation, on the other hand, is more suitable for large – volume and long – distance transportation. Inland waterway transportation, although limited in some areas, still plays a role in transporting bulk goods to the ports.
3.1.2 Port Information
- Ningbo Zhoushan Port: A large – scale comprehensive port with deep – water berths that can accommodate various large – scale vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, and ro – ro ships. It is equipped with advanced cargo – handling equipment, such as high – efficiency gantry cranes, automated container – handling systems, and specialized equipment for handling different types of goods. The port has large – scale storage facilities, including warehouses and container yards, to ensure the proper storage and management of goods. It also has efficient customs – clearance facilities, which can handle the customs procedures for import and export goods quickly and smoothly.
- Wenzhou Port: It has modern berths and efficient cargo – handling systems. The port is equipped with state – of – the – art cargo – handling equipment, enabling high – speed loading and unloading of various types of goods. It has advanced storage facilities and a well – organized logistics management system. Wenzhou Port also has strong connections with the inland transportation network, facilitating the transfer of goods between the port and the factories in Lishui.
- Shanghai Port: One of the largest ports in the world, it offers a wide range of shipping services to all major international ports. It has a large number of deep – water berths, advanced cargo – handling equipment, and comprehensive logistics support services. Shanghai Port can handle various types of cargo, from high – value – added industrial products to bulk commodities. The port has a high – efficiency customs – clearance system, which ensures the smooth flow of goods in international trade.
3.1.3 International Routes
- Asia: Regular shipping services from these ports connect to major Asian ports such as Busan in South Korea, Tokyo in Japan, and Singapore. Lishui’s exports to Asia mainly include industrial products, agricultural products, and some light – industrial products. For example, Lishui exports handicrafts, agricultural products, and machinery products to South Korea and imports some high – tech components from Japan.
- Europe: Regular container ships ply from these ports to European ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg. High – value – added products from Lishui’s emerging industries, such as high – tech equipment and some high – end manufacturing products, are exported to Europe.
- North America: The ports have established shipping connections with North – American ports such as Vancouver and Los Angeles. Goods such as industrial products, agricultural products, and light – industrial consumer goods from Lishui are transported to North America.
3.2 Air Freight
Lishui does not have a dedicated international airport. However, it is in close proximity to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, and other major airports. These airports serve as major air – freight hubs for the region.
- Fast and Efficient: Air freight can quickly transport high – value, time – sensitive goods from Lishui to major international destinations within a few hours to a day or two. This is especially suitable for products like high – tech components, precision instruments, and some fresh agricultural products with short shelf – lives.
- Cargo Types: Predominantly transports high – tech products (such as components for the new – energy and high – tech industries), high – value – added agricultural products (such as premium – grade fruits and vegetables), and some high – value – added industrial products (such as high – precision machinery parts).
- Logistics Services: Local logistics companies in Lishui cooperate with the airports to provide “door – to – door” services. Goods can be directly transported from factories or warehouses in Lishui to the airport and then swiftly delivered to the destination by air. The airports also offer value – added services such as cargo tracking, warehousing, and distribution.
3.3 Inland Transportation Modes
Lishui has a diverse set of inland transportation modes:
- Road Transportation: Ideal for short – distance and small – to – medium – batch cargo transportation. The road network in Lishui is well – developed, with expressways, national highways, and urban roads connecting different regions. Professional logistics companies offer “door – to – door” services, ensuring the quick transportation of goods from factories or warehouses to the port or airport.
- Railway Transportation: Lishui has a railway network that is constantly being improved. Railway transportation is suitable for large – batch and long – distance cargo transportation. It is characterized by high efficiency, low cost, and high punctuality. Through railway transportation, goods can be transported to domestic destinations and can be seamlessly connected with sea freight. The railway network can handle various types of cargo, including industrial products, minerals, and agricultural products.
- Inland Waterway Transportation: Along the Qiantang River, Oujiang River, and other local waterways, there are some inland waterway transportation routes. These routes are mainly used for the transportation of bulk goods such as building materials, industrial raw materials, and some agricultural products. The inland waterway transportation also plays a role in connecting Lishui with other inland areas and in international trade through the connection to the sea.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
4.1 Cost – related
4.1.1 FCL and LCL (Sea Freight)
Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) are two common transportation modes in sea freight, and they have different cost structures:
- FCL Transportation Cost: The cost of FCL mainly includes basic ocean freight, which is determined by factors such as the distance of transportation, the type of goods, and the size of the container. Port handling charges cover the loading and unloading operations at the origin (Ningbo Zhoushan Port, Wenzhou Port, Shanghai Port, or other relevant ports) and destination ports. There are also document fees for handling necessary shipping documents, such as bills of lading and packing lists. Additionally, factors like bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and currency adjustment factor (CAF) may affect the overall cost, as they are adjusted according to international oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations.
- LCL Transportation Cost: LCL costs are more complex. In addition to a proportionate share of the basic ocean freight, it includes LCL service fees. These fees cover the costs of consolidating and distributing goods in the container. Since multiple shippers’ goods are combined in one container, there are additional charges for storage, sorting, and repackaging in the warehouse. LCL is usually charged based on the larger of the weight or volume of the goods, that is, “charging by the larger measure”. At the destination port, there may also be additional fees for unpacking and delivering the goods to the consignee.