We’ve visited China several times, and the quality of its supermarkets always impressed us! While they look familiar from the outside, the deeper you go into the aisles, the more unique things you will find.
From massive hypermarkets to neighborhood spots and membership clubs, the retail scene here is incredibly diverse. In this guide, we’re breaking down the main chains to help you navigate the market.
Let’s Discover Them 🪄
1. The Chinese Chains
Freshippo (Hema)
Owned by Alibaba, this fast-growing chain is a common fixture in modern city centers and one of our faves for quick shopping
Food-wise, they feature an excellent food-to-go section for quick snacks alongside a massive deli counter serving hot, regional dishes like Peking duck and fresh skewers
In terms of the store experience, the setup is incredible. You must check out the massive live seafood tanks—a classic Chinese highlight. Also, look up at the ceiling to watch online orders glide along overhead tracking rails
When it comes to pricing and payment, prices are reasonable and highly competitive. Just note: because it is an Alibaba store, you must use Alipay at the self-checkout counters.
To feel its vibe, here is a tour we filmed in one of their larger stores!
Yonghui Superstores
Yonghui is a massive, incredibly popular local superstore that offers a genuine look at how millions of Chinese families do their daily shopping.
Food-wise, the selection is vast. It features fewer quick food-to-go snacks than Freshippo but excels with specialized in-store booths for fresh sushi, meats, bakery items, a massive self-service candy section, and giant live seafood tanks.
In terms of the store experience itself, the layout is exceptionally modern and clean. They utilize a distinct design choice by dimming overhead lights and using focused spotlights to make the fresh products pop.
When it comes to pricing and payment, prices remain highly reasonable. The checkout process is straightforward, and they accept all regular forms of payment at both staffed and self-serve lanes.
To see what it looks like to wander through this local favorite, here is a tour we filmed inside one of their stores!
Vanguard
Vanguard operates upscale, traditional supermarkets. Depending on the city, they sometimes run under premium banners like Ole or BLT.
Food-wise, this is the ultimate destination if you miss home. They specialize heavily in premium imported products that you rarely find in other stores
In terms of the store itself, the environment is clean, pleasant, and slightly boutique. They do not feature massive live seafood tanks, offering a more familiar “in-between” supermarket experience instead.
When it comes to pricing and payment, their heavy import selection makes them a bit more expensive than domestic chains. Payment is simple, with standard self-checkout and staffed lines accepting all regular payment methods.
To see the layout and imports inside, here is a quick tour we filmed at one of their stores!
2. The International Chains
Walmart
Walmart operates major hypermarkets in China, typically located slightly outside immediate city centers.
Food-wise, they heavily feature their private label, Marketside. They carry all the major domestic and international brands alongside a scaled-back nod to local superstore DNA via small fresh counters and live fish tanks.
In terms of the store experience itself, the layout is clean, bright, and merges physical shopping with digital tech. They display online best-sellers directly in the aisles so you can scan a QR code to buy on the spot.
When it comes to pricing and payment, their in-store communication is incredibly aggressive. Massive banners hang everywhere to highlight discounts—a clear push to be the price leader, even if the actual price difference between chains isn’t massive. Checkout is fully modernized with standard self-service kiosks.
If you want to see exactly how this global giant adapted, here is the tour we filmed inside one of their stores!
RT-Mart
Originally built by the French retail giant Auchan, RT-Mart retains its classic, wide, and bright European hypermarket style under its current Chinese ownership.
Food-wise, the section is massive. You will find a great mix of local and international products, extensive tasting booths, and on-site dining areas. They also manage non-food categories like clothing and electronics much better than Walmart.
In terms of the store experience itself, it is highly interactive. A unique highlight is their decorative family aquariums where you can buy pet fish or turtles, making the store feel exceptionally welcoming.
When it comes to pricing and payment, rates are highly competitive and consistent with local supermarkets. The checkout lanes are fully modernized and open to all regular payment methods.
To see a French-style hypermarket in action, here is the tour we filmed inside one of their locations!
Aldi
Currently centered in Shanghai, this German discount giant is expanding rapidly across the region.
Food-wise, they seamlessly blend their German DNA with local tastes. They feature a massive convenience section with unique items like Japanese-style fresh fruit sandwiches, an outstanding bakery (where we once found a mini Beef Wellington), and high-quality private labels.
In terms of the store experience itself, it functions as a compact, highly efficient neighborhood supermarket rather than a giant hypermarket, making it perfect for quick trips.
When it comes to pricing and payment, they stay incredibly sensitive on price to offer great deals. Checkout is seamless for travelers and accepts all standard local payment methods.
To see this neighborhood transformation, here is the tour we filmed inside one of their locations!
3. The Membership Warehouse Clubs
Costco
Costco entered mainland China with an incredibly strong reception, maintaining its classic warehouse identity while adapting subtly to local tastes.
Food-wise, they focus heavily on high-quality global imports in signature bulk packaging, alongside localized additions like high-end live seafood tanks and a competitive fresh bakery.
In terms of the store experience itself, it is a non-food powerhouse. Their electronics department is packed with premier global brands rather than domestic labels, all housed in a busy, energetic no-frills warehouse layout.
When it comes to pricing and payment, an annual membership is required. Bulk pricing offers incredible value, and checkout lines are fast, modern, and accept all regular payment methods.
To see this raw warehouse concept in China, here is the tour we filmed inside one of their locations!
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is Walmart’s absolute secret weapon in China, operating as a massive shopping phenomenon for the local middle class.
Food-wise, it is a paradise for premium groceries and their private label, Member’s Mark. They are famous on social media for viral bakery items, imported steaks, and massive cakes balanced with top-tier local fresh products.
In terms of the store experience itself, the massive 200,000-square-foot spaces feel incredibly high-end. They feature a heavy digital layer where locals use a dedicated app to scan items or order straight to their homes.
When it comes to pricing and payment, membership is mandatory. They narrow down inventory to only the best-performing products to keep luxury items competitively priced. Checkout is fast and traveler-friendly.
Conclusion: Navigating China’s Retail Landscape
For such a massive country, it might seem like there are very few dominant supermarket chains. This is because corporate chains only represent a modernized tier of Chinese retail. The vast majority of grocery shopping in China still happens through independent local grocers, traditional “mom-and-pop” shops, and wet markets.
For travelers, these major corporate chains are the best and safest spots to navigate. They are worth visiting for the pure experience itself—offering high-tech layouts and unique product assortments you won’t find anywhere else—and they act as a convenient comfort zone when you need a quick break with familiar, high-quality imported foods.
Note on Convenience Stores (7-Eleven & Lawson): We have intentionally left out hyper-local chains like Lawson and 7-Eleven. They operate strictly as high-density convenience hubs for quick commuter snacks rather than full supermarkets. If you want to dive into how they work, click on our dedicated convenience store tours to discover more!
Thank you very much for your interest in this post
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Have a wonderful time 😁
Thank you
The WizArno Team
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