Canton Fair Guide for First-Time Foreign Visitors (2025)
The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is the world’s largest trade fair. Held twice a year in Guangzhou, it attracts 25,000+ exhibiting companies and over 200,000 international buyers from 220+ countries.
If you’re serious about sourcing from China, the Canton Fair belongs on your calendar. This guide covers everything you need to attend successfully.
Canton Fair Basics
Official name: China Import and Export Fair (中国进出口商品交易会)
Location: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
Frequency: Twice per year
Dates:
- Spring session: Late April – early May (Phase 1, 2, and 3)
- Autumn session: Late October – early November (Phase 1, 2, and 3)
Each session is divided into three phases, each running 5 days. Different product categories exhibit during each phase — you need to know which phase covers your product category before booking your trip.
Phase Breakdown (Typical)
| Phase | Dates (Approx.) | Product Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Days 1–5 | Electronics, lighting, machinery, building materials, hardware |
| Phase 2 | Days 6–10 | Consumer goods, gifts, home décor, toys, furniture |
| Phase 3 | Days 11–15 | Textiles, garments, shoes, office supplies, medical |
Check the official Canton Fair website (cantonfair.org.cn) for exact dates and phase schedule for each session.
How to Register
Registration for the Canton Fair is free and open to international buyers. Here’s the process:
Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)
- Go to cantonfair.org.cn
- Click “Register as Buyer”
- Fill in your business details (company name, country, industry)
- Upload a copy of your business license or proof of business
- Receive your registration confirmation and QR code by email
With pre-registration, you collect your badge at the registration desks at the fair. This saves significant time compared to on-site registration queues.
On-Site Registration
You can also register at the venue, but expect longer queues — especially on the first day of each phase.
What you need to bring:
- Passport (for foreign nationals)
- Business card or proof of business
- Registration confirmation (if pre-registered)
Getting to the Canton Fair
Flying to Guangzhou
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the closest airport. Direct flights are available from most major international hubs.
Getting from the Airport to the Fair
The Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou) is located about 40 km from the airport.
- Metro: Line 3 from the airport → transfer at Kecun to Line 8 → Pazhou Station (directly at the venue). Total time: 50–70 minutes. Cost: ¥10–¥12.
- Taxi/DiDi: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: ¥80–¥150 (~$11–$20).
Hotels
Hotels near the Canton Fair fill up extremely fast and prices triple during fair dates. Book at least 3–4 months in advance.
Best areas to stay:
- Pazhou /琶洲 — Walking distance to the venue; most expensive during fair
- Tianhe / 天河 — 15 minutes by metro; better value, good transport links
- Haizhu / 海珠 — Moderate distance, more affordable options
Budget ¥500–¥1,500/night ($70–$210) for decent accommodation during peak fair dates. Budget options further from the venue start around ¥300/night.
What to Expect Inside
The Scale
The Canton Fair Complex is one of the largest exhibition spaces in the world — 1.1 million square meters of indoor space. Even covering your target categories in a single phase takes a full day, sometimes two.
The Exhibitors
Most exhibitors are Chinese manufacturers and trading companies specifically prepared to meet international buyers. Unlike the Yiwu market (which is permanent wholesale), the Canton Fair is a showcase for export-focused companies.
You’ll find:
- Companies with English-speaking staff specifically assigned for international buyers
- Full product catalogs in English
- Sample products on display
- Companies prepared to discuss OEM/ODM (private label) production
What You Can Actually Do There
- Browse products across your category in one place
- Compare multiple suppliers side by side
- Collect samples (small samples are often free; request larger samples to follow up after the fair)
- Have face-to-face meetings with suppliers you’ve already contacted online
- Discover new suppliers and products you didn’t know existed
- Attend business seminars (some sessions have these)
How to Use Your Time Efficiently
Before You Go
Build a supplier hit list. Search the Canton Fair’s online exhibitor directory before you arrive. Filter by product category and add target companies to your “My Favorites” list on the Canton Fair app. Show up with a plan.
Download the Canton Fair app. The official app has the exhibitor map, search function, and a QR-code-based meeting scheduling system. Download and set it up before arriving.
Prepare a clear product brief. Know what you’re looking for before you start — product specifications, target price range, quantity requirements. Vague inquiries produce vague results.
Bring lots of business cards. Every interaction involves a business card exchange. Bring 200+ for a multi-day visit.
At the Fair
Start with your most important targets. The first day at any fair is high-energy; use it for your highest-priority meetings and the best suppliers on your list.
Take photos of everything. Products, booth numbers, business cards, price sheets. You will not remember details by the end of the day otherwise.
Get a WeChat QR code from every interesting supplier. Business cards get lost; WeChat connections persist. Most exhibitors have their WeChat QR code on their materials.
Don’t negotiate final prices at the fair. The fair floor is for initial qualification, not final deals. Collect information, evaluate products, get pricing as a starting point. Do the real negotiation follow-up over email after the fair.
Walk the whole section before committing to conversations. Walk past the entire row before stopping for a long conversation. You may find a better option two booths down.
After the Fair: Following Up
The work of the Canton Fair largely happens after the fair. Within two weeks of returning:
- Shortlist suppliers — Based on product quality, communication quality, and pricing competitiveness
- Send detailed RFQs (Request for Quotation) — Specific quantities, specifications, timeline
- Request samples — For your top 2–3 supplier candidates
- Continue qualification — Video calls, business license review, reference checks
Most buyers who attend the Canton Fair without a structured follow-up process get little return from the trip. The fair is a sourcing starting point, not a place to finalize orders.
Canton Fair vs. Yiwu Market: Which Should You Visit?
| Factor | Canton Fair | Yiwu Market |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Trade show (twice/year) | Permanent wholesale market |
| Exhibitors | Export-focused manufacturers | Traders + smaller manufacturers |
| Product range | All export categories | Small commodities focused |
| English support | Generally good | Varies widely |
| MOQ | Factory minimums (higher) | Flexible, lower minimums |
| Prices | Factory prices | Slightly higher (trader margin) |
| Best for | OEM/factory relationships | Ready stock, small batches |
Many experienced importers visit both on the same China trip — the Canton Fair for developing new supplier relationships, and Yiwu for ready stock and small-batch sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canton Fair only for large buyers?
No. Buyers of all sizes attend. Individual entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup brands regularly attend and source successfully.
Do I need a visa to attend?
Most nationalities need a Chinese tourist or business visa. China has also expanded visa-free entry for several countries in 2024–2025. Check current requirements for your passport nationality.
Is everything at the Canton Fair for export?
Yes. The fair is specifically an export trade fair. All exhibitors are there to sell to international buyers. This is different from domestic wholesale markets like Yiwu.
Can I buy sample products to take home?
Yes, you can buy samples at the fair. However, for anything beyond small samples, you’ll typically follow up with orders after the fair rather than buying on-site. Your hotel luggage has limits.
What languages are used at the fair?
Chinese and English are the primary languages. Most exhibitor booths in export-oriented product categories have at least one English-speaking staff member.