The Hualing Market Port, situated in the center of Urumqi, formally opened on November 26, 1998. The port area occupies an area of 6,389 square meters, with 2,000 square meters of warehouses equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Every year, more than 7,000 tons of commodities valued at about US$200 million are exported to the Commonwealth of Independent States, Afghanistan and Pakistan through this port.

The Hualing Market itself covers 233,000 square meters, with plans for expansion to 600,000 square meters. It is a large comprehensive market combining the functions of trade and commerce, warehousing, exhibition, entertainment, advertising and information. It is the largest construction and decorating materials market in northwest China, with over 10,000 different items available. Most of the leading building and decorating materials manufacturers offer their products at the Hualing Market.

(China.org.cn December 15, 2004)