Introduction to Common International Supermarket Brands in China

The supermarket market in China has a high degree of internationalization, with many international chain brands deeply rooted for years, providing convenient shopping experiences for tourists. Below are the main international brands and their features:

1. Walmart (Walmart)

• Country: United States
• Features: One of the most common international supermarkets in China, covering first to fourth-tier cities, offering a wide variety of products including fresh produce, daily necessities, and imported food.
• Suitable for: Tourists seeking cost-effectiveness and one-stop shopping.
• Distribution: Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, etc.
• Tip: Some stores have "Sam's Club" (a high-end warehouse-style supermarket, membership card required), suitable for families or tourists staying long-term.

2. Carrefour (Carrefour)

• Country: France
• Features: Known for its European style, with a higher proportion of imported goods (such as French wine, cheese), good quality in the fresh produce section.
• Suitable for: Tourists who prefer European food or are looking for specialty imported items.
• Distribution: First-tier and emerging first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, etc.
• Note: In recent years, some city stores have been adjusted, it’s recommended to confirm operating status via map apps in advance.

3. Sam's Club (Sam's Club)

• Country: United States (high-end brand under Walmart)
• Features: Warehouse-style shopping, mainly featuring bulk-packaged goods and exclusive imported items (such as Australian beef, American nuts).
• Membership System: Requires a membership card (260 yuan/year), suitable for long-term residents or group travelers.
• Distribution: Economically developed cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuhan, etc.

4. Costco (Costco)

• Country: United States
• Features: Membership-based warehouse supermarket, characterized by "high cost-effectiveness + bulk packaging", with a rich selection of American-imported goods.
• Distribution: Currently only available in a few cities such as Shanghai and Suzhou, with plans for gradual expansion.
• Tip: You can register as a member in advance through the WeChat Mini Program.

5. Metro (METRO)

• Country: Germany (now controlled by China's Wumart Group)
• Features: Retains European supply chain advantages, with a high proportion of imported goods (such as German beer, chocolate), some stores offer corporate procurement services.
• Distribution: More than 60 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.
• Suitable for: Business travelers or tourists needing bulk purchases.

6. Other International Brands

• AEON (AEON): Japanese brand, specializing in Japanese goods (such as sushi ingredients, daily chemical products), concentrated in Guangdong, Jiangsu, etc.
• Ito Yokado (Ito Yokado): Japanese brand, stores in Chengdu and Beijing, featuring Japanese food and exquisite lifestyle items.
• Lotus's (Lotus's): Under Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group, widely distributed in southern China, rich in Southeast Asian goods.

Practical Suggestions

1. Location Search:
2. Use Amap or Baidu Map to search for supermarket names, check business hours and routes in real time.

3. WeChat Mini Programs like "Walmart Scan & Go" and "Carrefour China" can be used to query store information online.

4. Payment Methods:

5. Supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), some stores also accept cash.

6. Imported Goods Reminder:

7. Check the expiration date and ingredient descriptions on Chinese labels for imported food.

8. Some supermarkets (like Sam's Club, Costco) require a membership card to checkout, consider traveling with a local friend or borrowing temporarily.

9. Special Services:

10. Large supermarkets usually offer online delivery (such as JD Daojia, Meituan Waimai), suitable for tourists staying in hotels.