I agree with Amrita - it will take some time before this ambitious new market becomes a mecca for outsiders; though ultimately, it may significantly impact the global freshwater pearl trade. It has a LONG way to go to catch up to Yiwu (another awesome place, if you are sourcing large volumes of small manufactured goods). At the moment, the cavernous new building is relatively empty, and many of the vendors that are there are complaining about the increase in operational costs. The new mega-market is not in Zhuji City proper, but another half-hour drive to Shanxiahu - Pearl City - out in the middle of nowhere.

Shanxiahu has nothing but pearls, though a few vendors have brought in semi-precious stones and other items. Shopping definitely does NOT favor small purchases, like a strand of this and a strand of that. Be prepared to buy by hanks and kilos, though smaller quantities of higher-end pearls are possible. And the asking prices, if you walk in off the street, will leave you wondering if you came to the wrong place. The very best pearls, as I understand it, are usually shipped off to Hong Kong or wherever they fetch higher prices... so you may have a hard time finding them unless you go hunting around the town, with a fistful of cash. Many of the local vendors have generally not learned what foreigners expect, and still don't realize outrageous markups and outright rip-offs are not good for long-term business.

There is one excellent hotel - the Hailiang Garden Hotel - but it is way out of town also. The only hotels within walking distance of the market are not at all desirable for the average foreigner (though I'm sure this will change). Don't expect to find any Western food. And be sure to have a completely trustworthy translator/guide who also knows pearls. (Virtually nobody speaks English).

Other than that, it's an awesome place! I usually go there by flying into Hangzhou and hiring a car (or getting picked up) to take me directly from the airport to Shanxiahu (about 90 minutes). You might want to visit just for the day. You may come away with just a few good deals (and you may not), but you will see pearls and pearl businesses from one horizon to the other, and that in itself makes the trip worthwhile!

Or wait just a few more years. The Chinese have a way of transforming situations (even entire cities) fast, when there is lots of money to be made!