The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, stands as a monumental trade show event that has been shaping global commerce since its inception in 1957. This biannual fair, held in Guangzhou city, is not only the largest trade fair in China but also a pivotal platform for international trade and communication.

Buyers from all over the world attend the Canton Fair to network and source products from new factories, with the organizational efforts led by the China Foreign Trade Center.

Where is the Canton Fair Held?

The Canton Fair is held in the city of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. The fair takes place at the impressive China Import and Export Fair Complex, also known as the Pazhou Complex, which is a huge modern exhibition centre. This venue is beside the Pearl River and is an ideal meeting point for global traders and business leaders.

China Import and Export Fair Complex: 380, Yuejiang Zhong Lu Road. Hai Zhu. Guangzhou City, China. The Canton Fair complex covers approx 1.1M square meters, 338K square meters for indoor exhibitions, and 42K square meters for outdoor exhibitions.

The word ‘Canton’ is another name for Guangzhou in the local Cantonese language. In Mandarin it’s referred to as ‘Guangzhou’.

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How to get to the Canton Fair

To go to the Canton Fair, you can conveniently start your journey at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which offers various transport options. One of the easiest ways to reach the fairgrounds from the airport is by taking a shuttle bus. These shuttle services are specifically designed for fair attendees and run frequently during the fair periods.

The shuttle buses provide a direct and efficient route to the Canton Fair, ensuring that visitors can travel comfortably without the hassle of navigating through city traffic. This service allows you to save time and arrive at the fair with ease, ready to explore the multitude of exhibitions and business opportunities.

Line 8 Metro offers another convenient option for reaching the Canton Fair. This line directly connects to the fairgrounds, providing a fast and reliable route for those preferring public transit. It’s a great choice for quickly navigating through Guangzhou and getting to the fair efficiently.

Dates and Phases of the Canton Fair

The fair is organized twice a year, every spring and autumn, each divided into three phases, typically occurring in the spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November). Each phase caters to different product categories. Below are the 3 phases set for October 2024:

• Phase 1: October 15th-19th 2024.
  • Consumer Electronics and Information Products, Household machinery, Electrical appliances, Spare Parts, Lighting Equipment, Electronic and Electrical products, Hardware, Tools.
• Phase 2: October 23rd-27th 2024.
  • General ceramics, Household items, Kitchenware & tableware, Weaving, rattan and iron products, Gardening products, Home decorations, Festival products, Gifts and premiums, Glass artware, Art ceramics, Clocks, watches & optical instruments, Building and decorative materials, Sanitary and bathroom equipment, Furniture.
• Phase 3: October 31st -November 4th 2024.
  • Home textiles, Carpets & tapestries, Men and women’s clothing, Underwear, Sports and casual wear, Furs, leather, downs & related products, Fashion accessories and fittings, Textile raw materials & fabrics, Shoes, Cases and bags, Food, Sports, Travel and recreation products, Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices, Pet Products & Food, Toiletries, Personal care products, Office supplies, Toys, Kids’ wear, Children, Baby & Maternity Products.

Due to the sheer size of the event, buyers must do thorough research to understand which phase, and which section to go looking to find the right supplier to match their needs. You can visit the official Canton Import and Export Fair website here.

Why Attend the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair provides a great opportunity for buyers to find almost any product to be manufactured. Each fair attracts more than 200,000 visitors from around 200 countries, who brows and connect with over 20,000 exhibitors.

• New Business Deals: The Canton Fair connects buyers to negotiate and seal business deals directly with manufacturers, reducing intermediary costs.
• Wide Range of Products: With thousands of exhibitors, the fair showcases a wide range of products, allowing attendees to find everything from raw materials to finished goods.
• Network Expansion: It’s a chance to meet with potential suppliers and buyers, extending your network on a global scale.
• Market Trends: The fair provides insights into the latest market trends and emerging industry technologies.

What Happens at the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair is more than just an exhibition for showcasing products. The event includes several other demonstrations and provides vast networking opportunities:

• Product Demonstrations: Exhibitors use this opportunity to introduce new products and technologies.
• Seminars and Workshops: Various seminars are held on topics like global economic trends, trade regulations, and market-specific strategies.
• Networking Events: These events are designed to foster connections between international businesses.

How Much Does it Cost to Attend the Canton Fair?

Entry to the Canton Import and Export Fair is typically free for overseas buyers who pre-register online. The main costs incurred will be for travelling to attend the fair and stay in China. These costs will vary widely depending on several factors such as flights, travel expenses, VISA, accommodation and personal spending.

At the Canton fair there are additional services available such as translation of business match making services. You will find that most suppliers will have salespeople that will communicate with you in English.

A trip to Guangzhou to stay for 1 week will cost a minimum investment of $3000USD per person, or higher, depending on your specific plans and travel arrangements.

How Many Days to Spend at the Canton Fair?

The Canton fair is an enourmous tradeshow. There are over 20,000 exhibitors over multiple phases. The time needed will depend on the type and number of products that you are wanting to source and purchase.

The trade fair is split up into many sections. It’s important that you study the sections and product categories and go searching in the right sections, otherwise you will spend too much time walking around sections that are not suitable for your needs.

Do you need an interpreter at the Canton Fair?

While you don’t necessarily need an interpreter at the Canton Fair, having one can greatly facilitate negotiations. Most booths typically have someone who speaks basic English, but for more complex discussions or if you’re a first-time attendee, an someone who can translate can be very handy.

You can arrange for interpreter services either in advance or directly at the fair. The cost generally ranges from about 100-150 USD. Bringing your own interpreter might also enhance your experience, ensuring smooth communication throughout the event.

Registering and Acquiring a Buyer Badge for the Canton Fair

Begin by registering on the Canton Fair’s official website. Choose the “Pre-application for Buyers Badge” option. First-time attendees should register online to avoid the on-site fee of $20. Collect your Buyer Badge at the fair or your hotel to bypass long lines. This badge, necessary for entry, is valid for multiple sessions.

For those with an existing Buyer Badge, verify it using your Overseas Buyer Badge or ID number. Securely manage your badge as it is crucial for entry and saves time in future sessions. If lost, a replacement costs about $30 USD. Remember, registration details such as a passport photo and a paper copy are needed at the counter to create the IC Badge.

To streamline badge collection, utilize the Express Channels available at the Canton Fair’s designated Registration Offices, typically found in hotels. Pre-registering facilitates a faster and smoother badge pick-up, especially during peak times. If you have local representatives, they can also help obtain badges, ensuring your team’s seamless entry to the fair.

Other Highly recommended tips

When planning your business trip to the Canton Fair, here are some highly recommended tips to ensure a successful visit:

• Business Cards: Always carry plenty of business cards. They are essential for networking and establishing contact with potential suppliers or buyers. Exchanging business cards is a key part of professional interactions in China.

• Preparation: Consider it crucial to prepare thoroughly before you go. Check out our most comprehensive course on the Canton Fair for maximizing opportunities. Being well-prepared can significantly enhance your experience and potential business outcomes.

• Plan Your Visit: Map out which exhibits and exhibitors you want to visit ahead of time to make efficient use of your time at the fair. This targeted approach will help you focus on your business goals during the fair.

Take the course ‘Master Sourcing at the Canton Fair’.