Introduction to the Canton Fair
The China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, is a globally renowned comprehensive international trade fair. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn , serving as an important window for China’s foreign trade. It not only brings together a vast number of high – quality products but also builds an efficient communication and cooperation platform for global buyers and suppliers.
Where Is the Canton Fair Held?
The Canton Fair is held in the China Import and Export Complex (Canton Fair Complex for short). It is also known as Guangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Center or Pazhou International Exhibition Center.
Venue: China Import and Export Fair (Pazhou) Complex, Yuejiangzhong Road 382, Haizhu, Guangzhou
Chinese address: 中国广州市海珠区阅江中路382号、中国进出口商品交易会展馆
Exhibition Time and Phases in 2025
Spring Exhibition
Offline:
- First Phase: April 15 – 19, displaying industrial products such as electronic appliances, machinery, and building materials. Such as smart home appliances, advanced machinery and equipment.
- Second Phase: April 23 – 27, covering household items, gifts, decorations, etc. Including delicate home decorations, creative gifts.
- Third Phase: May 1 – 5, exhibiting clothing, textiles, healthcare products, etc. Such as fashionable clothing, high – quality textiles.
Canton Fair opening hours: 9:30 AM-6:00 PM
Online: The 137th Canton Fair online will be launched from March to September 2025.
Autumn Exhibition
- Offline:
- Phase 1, October 15-19: Electronics & Appliance, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, International Pavilion
- Phase 2, October 23-27: Houseware, Gift & Decorations, Building & Furniture, International Pavilion
- Phase 3, October 31-November 4: Toys & Children Baby and Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, International Pavilion
- Canton Fair opening hours: 9:30 AM-6:00 PM
- Online: The 138th Canton Fair online will be live from September 2025 to March 2026.
Canton Fair 2025 exhibitor list
Canton Fair each edition houses over 25 thousand exhibitors. Check the catalog of exhibitors at the Canton Fair in thirteen categories and 55 sections.
Canton Fair hall map
Canton Fair fairground is huge (1.55 million square meters!). Make sure to check out our Canton Fair Map post before attending.
Exhibition Preparation
Registration Process
- Online Registration: Visit cantonfair.org.cn, click on the “Buyer” tab, create an account, and submit personal and business information, a copy of your passport, business cards, etc. to apply for an invitation letter.
- Obtain the Invitation Letter: After approval, complete the registration and obtain the invitation letter, which is an important material for applying for a business visa.
- Collect the Buyer badge(Buyer’s Card): Bring the invitation letter and a recent photo to the exhibition hall or designated hotel to collect the buyer’s badge (IC card), which is valid for multiple sessions of the exhibition over the years.
Onsite Badge Collection:
Pre-registered attendees can use express channels at registration offices at the main complex and 40 designated hotels.
Additional offices are at key points in Areas B, C, and D of the Canton Fair Complex.
Two overseas buyer registration offices are at Area B of the Canton Fair Complex (Exit A/B, Pazhou Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 8).
One overseas buyer registration office is at Area C of the Canton Fair Complex (Exit C, Pazhou Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 8).
One overseas buyer registration office is at Area D of the Canton Fair Complex (Exit A, Xingangdong Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 8).
Customer Service Telphone: (852) 2877 1318 | Email: cs@cantonfair.org.cn
Visa Application
Generally, a business “M” visa is required. Prepare a valid passport (with at least six months of remaining validity), two 4.5cm x 3.5cm passport – sized photos, an invitation card issued by the Canton Fair or a Chinese company (required for applying for a business visa, including the company’s business license), and business cards with company name and other information. Submit the application a few weeks in advance through online application, the Chinese embassy or consulate, travel agencies, or visa agencies.
Where to Apply for Business Visa to Canton Fair
Here are common sources to obtain a Chinese visa:
- Apply online at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/
- Visit the Embassy or Consulate General of P.R. China in your country (Missions Overseas).
- Contact a local travel agency or visa agency for assistance.
- Reach out to the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong through their website http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/fwxx/wgrqz/, or by phone at 852-34132300 or 852-34132424. You can also email them at fmcovisa_hk@mfa.gov.cn.
- Consider the 72/144 hour Transit Visa Exemption Policy for shorter stays.
Highlights of the Exhibition
Rich and Diverse Exhibits
There are over 25,000 exhibitors in each session, displaying more than 150,000 types of products, covering 13 categories and 55 exhibition areas. Whether it’s high – tech products or daily consumer goods, high – quality suppliers can be found here.
Abundant Concurrent Activities
During the exhibition, various seminars, new product launches and other activities will be held to help participants understand industry trends and the latest developments.
Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation Guide
- Departing from the Airport: Departing from Baiyun International Airport, you can take Metro Line 3 (North Extension) to Tiyu Xilu Station, transfer to Line 3 to Kecun Station, and then transfer to Line 8 to Xingangdong Station (Zone A of the exhibition hall) or Pazhou Station (Zones B and C of the exhibition hall); you can also take a taxi, which costs 2.6 yuan per kilometer, with a 50% surcharge for distances over 35 kilometers; the airport express has a shuttle every 30 minutes from 13:00 – 18:00 directly from the airport to the exhibition hall.
- Urban Transportation: The public transportation in Guangzhou is well – developed. Metro Line 8 can directly reach the exhibition hall, and you can also choose to travel by bus, such as routes 229 and 239.
Accommodation Recommendations
There are various hotels near the exhibition hall. Luxury hotels such as The Westin Guangzhou Pazhou start at 25. It is recommended to book in advance and consider choosing a hotel with an overseas buyer registration office.Click this link for detailed hotel recommendations,”Canton Fair Hotel Guide: Finding the Perfect Place to Stay for Comfort and Convenience“
How to Find the Best Supplier at the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair can be a bit overwhelming for buyers, especially when it comes to finding the right suppliers. First of all, it’s important to note that all exhibitors go through the preliminary verification by the fair organizers, so you don’t need to worry about running into fake companies.
The big question is: How do you find the perfect supplier among hundreds of exhibitors? In this article, we’ll discuss some tips to help you identify a reliable supplier at the Canton Fair.
1. Work directly with manufacturers.
At the fair, there are many booths run by trading companies, not the manufacturers. These trading companies add their own margins which can make the products more expensive for buyers. This is why many experienced buyers prefer dealing directly with the factories, as it usually leads to lower prices and better deals.
How can you identify who owns the booth? You can often spot a factory booth by the similar product range and production techniques. However, to be absolutely sure, you may need to take a close look, check documents, or even better, visit the factory after the fair.
2. Inspect products.
Checking products is the core step when choosing a potential supplier. Examine the craft, function, and quality issues. Request product samples to test the product personally after the fair. A reliable supplier should willingly offer samples or demos to potential customers.
3. Verify certifications.
Certifications can indicate a supplier’s dedication to quality and meeting industry standards. Look for suppliers with relevant certifications like ISO, CE, or other relevant industry-specific standards. This means that the supplier has put in place strong quality management practices and follows global standards.
4. Evaluate communication skills.
Smooth communication is the road to successful collaboration, especially when you’re engaging with partners from diverse cultures and languages. Be straightforward and ask questions that you’ve prepared before attending the Canton Fair. When talking to suppliers at the fair, pay attention to their communication skills. Are they able to understand your needs and requests? Do they answer your questions promptly? A reliable supplier is the one who enables easy and clear communication.
5. Check track record.
Ask your potential supplier for their current and previous customers. Contact them to learn about working with the supplier. Ask about product quality, communication process, delivery times, and overall impression. This feedback can give you valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
6. Visit factories.
Once you’ve found the suppliers you have a good connection with, consider arranging visits to their factories. These tours may give you valuable insights into their factory size, production techniques, and facilities. You might even explore their latest products which they haven’t displayed at the fair to keep their designs and technologies secure from imitating.
Exhibition Tips
- Bring a large number of business cards for easy communication with suppliers and other buyers.
- Prepare a wheeled suitcase to easily carry materials and samples.
- Install a VPN to access some restricted websites.
- Plan your itinerary in advance and make a visiting schedule to improve efficiency.
- Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: While food options are available, bringing water and snacks is helpful, especially for extended meetings.
- Dining Options: Restaurants in Areas A, B, and C offer Cantonese and Western cuisine. To avoid long waits, plan to eat outside peak lunch hours.
- Scheduling Meetings: Use the Canton Fair website to prioritize booths and schedule meetings in advance. The complex is extensive, so planning saves time.
- Connectivity Essentials: WiFi is available onsite, but a VPN is needed to access Google and other restricted sites. WeChat is essential for communication.
- Attire and Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes and smart casual clothing. A light sweater may be needed indoors. A carry-on bag is ideal for storing brochures and supplies, including a power bank, chargers, and a notebook.
Important Notes
- The official Canton Fair invitation typically includes: the Buyer’s Name, Nationality, and Company Name. In most cases, an invitation from Chinese factories or foreign trade enterprises is more effective for Chinese visa applications. However, please be aware that while the Canton Fair invitation is helpful for obtaining a Chinese Visa, the final decision is made by the Chinese Embassy in your country.
- Keep in mind that obtaining the Chinese visa takes a couple of weeks. So, don’t delay your application until the last minute. Otherwise, you will have to pay rush fees.
- If you plan to travel from Mainland China to Hong Kong or Macau and then return to Guangzhou you will need to obtain a multi-entry visa.
- Extending or applying for a new visa within Mainland China is a challenge. Therefore, we recommend considering this process from Hong Kong.
- If you’ve already arrived in China without a Chinese Visa, it’s advisable to travel to Hong Kong to address your visa requirements.
- The attendee may also choose to visit the Canton Fair unofficially on a tourist visa.
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