Johannesburg has long been one of the main shopping destinations for cross-border traders from Southern Africa. In particular small retailers and resellers come to the city to buy in bulk from Joburg’s many large wholesalers. Among the biggest are the city’s network of ‘China Malls’ selling clothing, electronics, accessories and homeware, much of it made in China, at exceptionally low wholesale prices.

What’s on sale at China Mall? Joburg’s China Malls generally do not have any notable online presence so it can be difficult to find out what exactly is on sale and at what prices. If you want to shop at China Mall and buy specific products, it is best simply to go there, see what’s on sale, and engage directly with the mall’s many retailers about what they stock and can order.

Here’s a brief guide to the city’s biggest China Malls

China Mall

Joburg’s original and largest China Mall, is the China Mall in Amalgam in south Joburg. With more than 500 stores it is said to be one of the biggest shopping centres in Southern Africa. There are shops filled with local and imported goods sold at discount prices, ranging from small electronics stores and fashion boutiques to shops specialising in Chinese food and medicine. There are also cash-and-carry outlets where small retailers can buy items in bulk.

Address and open times: 103 Main Reef Rd (entrance on Production Rd), Amalgam, chinamall.co.za. Open 08:30–17:00.

Home Africa (previously known as China Mall West Lifestyle)

Home Africa is the largest wholesale mall destination for construction and decor products. Popular with those working in the building and interiors trade there are 25 shops selling building tools and household furnishings.

Address and open times: Cnr Main Reef and Commando Road, Wibsey Dip, chinamall.co.za/home-africa. Open 08:30-17:00, Sun and public holidays 08:30-17:00.

China City Wholesale Centre

Based in New Doornfontein just east of the City Centre, China City was the first Chinese mall to open in southern Africa. There are over 200 stores selling electronics, cellphones, clothing, household appliances, bags, shoes, suitcases, linens and fabrics, homeware, hair accessories, African fabrics and perfume.

Address and open times: 2 Dora St, New Doornfontein, tel. +27 11 402 8882, www.chinacityjhb.co.za, fb.com/ChinaCityWholesalecenter. Open 08:00-16:00, Sat, Sun 08:00-15:00.

China Town Mall Midrand

One of the largest China Malls in the north of the city (although still small compared to those listed above) and close to the Midrand Gautrain station, this mall has stores selling clothing, household goods, electronics, party and event supplies, toys, hair and beauty products and groceries.

Address and open times: Old Pretoria Rd, Halfway House Estate, Midrand, chinatownmidrand.co.za, fb.com/chinatownmall1. Open 08:00- 18:00, Sat, Sun 08:00-16:00.