Directly across the street is the new Yanji International Trade Center, a massive emporium where the shelves are stacked with South Korean brand names like Lotte.

CNN: 'The South's Guangdong'

It's evolved over the decades into an international financial center, but hasn't been able to use or trade the currency of its hinterland.

WSJ: The View From Hong Kong: Walking a Fine Line on Yuan Trade

But more and more Chinese firms are trying to build their WTO or foreign trade practices, said Judy Wang, an international trade lawyer at Troutman Sanders and a former member of the Shanghai WTO Affairs Consultation Center's training program.

FORBES: A Series: China's Trade Offensive

Toys are on center stage because of the 108th annual American International Toy Fair, the largest international toy trade show in the western hemisphere.

FORBES: Welcome To Toy Fair 2011