Xiamen/Shuitou Stone & Marble Cluster
Buyers researching Shuitou Stone usually want to know what this manufacturing cluster is known for, whether prices really beat online sourcing, and how to avoid low-quality suppliers. Shuitou Town near Xiamen is the world's largest stone processing and trading center. The town imports raw stone from over 60 countries, processes it, and exports finished products worldwide. From luxury marble countertops to granite tiles and stone sculptures, Shuitou has very broad variety.
Why Buyers Source from Shuitou Stone
Shuitou processes stone from over 60 countries, making it the most diverse stone market in the world. The town has over 2,000 stone processing factories and 50+ specialized markets. The annual Xiamen International Stone Fair is the world's largest stone exhibition.
Shuitou's stone industry started in the 1990s and grew rapidly due to its seaport access. By the 2010s, it was the world's largest stone processing center. The annual Xiamen Stone Fair attracts 150,000+ visitors.
What Products Are Best to Source Here
Market Information for Visiting Buyers
Market Name
Shuitou International Stone Exhibition Center
Address
Shuitou Town, Nan'an City, Quanzhou, Fujian Province
Best Season
Year-round
Best Time
8am-6pm. The Xiamen Stone Fair (March) brings global suppliers.
Order Quantity
MOQ: 1 slab for popular types, 5+ for exotic stone
Estimated Savings
30-50% vs retail
How Buyers Get to Shuitou Stone
From Guangzhou
Flight to Xiamen (1h), then taxi to Shuitou (1h, ¥120).
From Shanghai
Flight to Xiamen (1.5h), then taxi to Shuitou (1h).
From Shenzhen
Flight to Xiamen (1h), then taxi. Or high-speed rail to Xiamen (3h).
From Beijing
Flight to Xiamen (2.5h), then taxi to Shuitou (1h).
Sourcing Tips for First-Time Buyers
Bring exact dimensions and project specifications
Book thickness matters for countertops - 2cm is standard, 3cm is premium
Request samples of the exact slab, not just similar-looking ones - natural stone varies enormously
Check slab flatness with a straight edge - warped slabs are unusable
Bookmatching (matching veins across slabs) requires buying sequentially cut slabs
Sealing requirements vary by stone type - ask about maintenance
The market has both imported and domestic stone - prices vary 3-5x between equivalent-looking stones
Shipping stone internationally requires crates - factor $200-500/crate into costs
Pitfalls to Avoid
Natural stone varies between slabs - never buy from photos alone
Cracks and fissures may be filled with resin that deteriorates over time
Weight limits for containers - stone fills containers quickly due to weight
Resin-filled stones require different maintenance than solid stone
Some stones sold as "imported" are actually domestic with similar appearance
Lead time for custom cutting can be 2-4 weeks
Edge profiles and finishes affect price significantly
Some stones contain iron that rusts when wet
Inspection Checklist
Check slab flatness, inspect for cracks/fissures, verify thickness consistency, test with water for porosity, check resin fill quality.
Online Platforms to Source
Nearby Attractions
- Xiamen Gulangyu Island (UNESCO)
- Tulou Earthen Buildings
- South Putuo Temple
Local Food
- Oyster omelette
- Satay noodles
- Fujian seafood
- Buddha jumps over the wall
Practical Information
Language
Mandarin (Minnan dialect)
Currency
CNY
Savings Potential
30-50% vs retail