This report is from this week's CNBC's The China Connection newsletter, which brings you insights and analysis on what's driving the world's second-largest economy.

The big story

Three young boys eating lollipops joined me on the elevator inside the five-story Yiwu "International Trade Market," which ships the majority of the world's Christmas decorations.

The kids ran out before I got off. There were more children than buyers when I visited what is one of the world's largest wholesale markets in late August, just days before the end of summer vacation in China. Lego pieces lay scattered at store entrances, while escalators were halted — signs said it was "for the safety of children."

Whether on a weekday morning or afternoon, the legendary Yiwu marketplace — which has the reputati

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