Planning to visit Canton Fair in Guangzhou? This article'll tell you everything about Canton Fair, including the when and where for Canton Fair, how to attend Canton fair, cost, transportation guide, where to stay. keep reading and get what you need to know in advance.
What is Canton Fair?
Source from cantonfair.org
The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is a comprehensive international trade event jointly hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, and organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre. Originally named the Chinese Export Commodities Fair, it is renowned as "China’s No. 1 Fair" and is regarded as a "barometer" and "weather vane" of China’s foreign trade.
[8% Off] Best Hotels near Canton Fair
Wondering where to stay near Canton Fair, check out Trip.com featured hotels now. Don't forget to claim the 8% Off coupon below!
Featured Canton Fair Hotels | ||||
Hotel Name | Star | Distance from Canton Fair | Services & Amenities | Price |
Langham Place Guangzhou | 5 Star | 0.8 km (approx. 7-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(Engligh&Italian), Restaurants, Bar, etc. | |
The Westin Pazhou | 5 Star | 0.45 km (approx. 5-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(English&Cantonese), Café, Restaurants, etc. | |
Shangri-La Guangzhou | 5 Star | 3.1 km (approx. 7-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(English&Japanese), 2 Restaurants, Café, etc. | |
The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou | 5 Star | 6.1 km (approx. 13-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Laguage Support(English&German&French), Restaurant, Café, etc. | |
NO.1
Where & When is China Canton Fair Held?
Canton Fair 2025 Dates
- Phase 1: October 15–19, 2025
- Phase 2: October 23–27, 2025
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2025
Canton Fair 2025 Business Hours
- 9:30–18:00 Daily
Canton Fair 2025 Venue
China Canton Fair is held in Canton fair complex, also known as Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, is located on Pazhou Island in the Guangzhou.
- Address: 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
3 Phases of Canton Fair 2025
Source from Unsplash
Offline Canton Fair 2025
Session | Phase | Dates |
The 137th Canton Fair (Spring) | Phase 1 | 15th-19th April 2025 |
Phase 2 | 23rd-27th April 2025 | |
Phase 3 | 1st-5th May 2025 | |
The 138th Canton Fair (Autumn) | Phase 1 | 15th-19th October 2025 |
Phase 2 | 23rd-27th October 2025 | |
Phase 3 | 31st Oct.-4th Nov. 2025 |
How to Attend the Canton Fair?
Source from cantonfair.net
I. Obtaining Your Visit Pass
- Official Registration: Create a visitor account on the Canton Fair's official website.
- Application Methods: Online (Recommended): Apply 1-2 months in advance via the website/On-Site: Bring original ID (passport) to designated counters at locations like Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.
- Fee: A fee is required (e.g., approx. CNY 300; check the official website for latest details).
- Agent Service: Professional travel agencies can handle applications on your behalf.
II. Planning Your Visit
- Review Exhibitors: Check the exhibition layout and exhibitor list beforehand to target specific industries and products.
- Plan Your Route: Mark target booths on the map to create an efficient visiting schedule.
- Research Companies: Learn about key exhibitors in advance for more productive on-site meetings.
- Book Travel & Accommodation: Secure flights and hotels early, considering the fair dates and location.
III. At the Exhibition
- Bring Materials: Have business cards and product catalogs ready for exchanges.
- Communication Aids: Consider bringing translation tools for smoother communication.
- Attend Events: Participate in forums and seminars to gain insights and network.
How can non-Chinese residents participate in the Canton Fair?
Source from Unsplash
Participation Requirements
Exhibitors must be non-Mainland China registered companies and provide a stamped business registration certificate or equivalent proof. Affiliated entities (e.g., parent companies, subsidiaries) may co-exhibit with prior approval and supporting documentation. All exhibits must align with the Canton Fair Import Exhibition Product Categories.
Participation Process
- Submit Qualification Materials
Contact the organizer to submit qualification materials, including: - Copy of business registration certificate (business license)
- Introduction to the company and its products
- Overseas brand or trademark registration certificate
- Certificate of origin / Overseas brand registration certificate / Proof of association with the overseas brand owner / Exhibition authorization letter, etc.
- Submit Application Materials
After confirming eligibility with the organizer or an official partner, sign and submit the following documents stamped with the company’s official seal: - Application form
- Exhibition terms and conditions
- Online participation responsibility statement
- Payment
Exhibitors shall make full payment on time based on the Payment Noticeissued by the organizer. Full payment confirms final participation eligibility. Paid fees are generally non-refundable. - Offline Exhibition Preparation
(1) Yijietong System Application
Submit an online booth application via the Yijietong System (booth application system).
(2) Exhibit Transportation
Arrange exhibit shipping through the official freight forwarder recommended by the organizer.
(3) Visa Application
After securing a booth, download the exhibition invitation letter via the Yijietong System and use it to apply for the relevant visa.
(4) Booth Setup - For raw space booths: Work with a Canton Fair-certified decoration contractor to finalize the booth design.
- For standard booths: The organizer will handle basic setup. For modifications, contact the general contractor at cfedcip@cfedc.net.
(5) Badge Application
Activate or apply for exhibitor badges via the Yijietong System. Each 9㎡ booth qualifies for 3 complimentary exhibitor badges. On-site badge collection details will be announced separately.
- Online Exhibition Preparation
(1) Log in to the Canton Fair official platform to upload company and product information.
(2) Visit the help center to familiarize yourself with the online platform’s functions.
(3) Regularly log in during the event to respond to buyer inquiries and orders.
Canton Fair Exhibition Floor Map
Exhibition Section Floor Map of the 137 th China Import and Export Fair（Phase 1）
Source from Cantonfair Official Website
Exhibition Section Floor Map of the 137 th China Import and Export Fair（Phase 2）
Source from Cantonfair Official Website
Exhibition Section Floor Map of the 137 th China Import and Export Fair（Phase 3）
Source from Cantonfair Official Website
Canton Fair Transportation Guide
Source from Unsplash
Transportation | Route | Estimated Time | Estimated Cost | Tips |
Metro (Recommended) | Line 8: Get off at Xingangdong Station (Exit A/B) - direct access to the complex. | Varies | ¥5-10 | Use Guangzhou Metro app or Alipay/WeChat for QR code entry. |
Taxi / Ride-Hailing | Show this address to the driver: | ~30-45 min from downtown | ¥30-50 from downtown | Use apps like Didi for ease. Have the address ready in Chinese. |
Shuttle Bus | Free shuttles provided between major hotels and the complex. | Varies | Free / Public bus fare | Check with your hotel for shuttle schedules. |
From Airport (CAN) | Metro: Line 3 → Transfer to Line 8 at Tiyu Xilu → Xingangdong. | ~60 min (metro) | ¥7-10 (metro) | Metro is the most cost-effective option. |
From Guangzhou South Railway Station | Metro: Line 2 → Transfer to Line 8 at Changgang → Xingangdong. | ~50 min (metro) | ¥7 (metro) | Follow metro signs for easy transfers. |
Hotels near Canton Fair Recommendation
Source from Unsplash
Finding where to stay near Canton Fair? Here are recommendations for stays. Don't forget to claim the 8% Off coupon below!
Hotel Name | Star | Distance from Canton Fair | Services & Amenities |
5 Star | 0.8 km (approx. 7-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(Engligh&Italian), Restaurants, Bar, etc. | |
5 Star | 0.45 km (approx. 5-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(English&Cantonese), Café, Restaurants, etc. | |
5 Star | 3.1 km (approx. 7-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(English&Japanese), 2 Restaurants, Café, etc. | |
5 Star | 6.1 km (approx. 13-minute drive) | Airport Pick-up Service, Laguage Support(English&German&French), Restaurant, Café, etc. |
FAQs about Canton Fair
What are the dates for the Canton Fair?
The 138th Autumn Canton Fair takes place in October 2025 with three phases: October 15-19 (Phase 1), October 23-27 (Phase 2), and October 31-November 4 (Phase 3). Each phase focuses on different product categories, with the fair alternating between spring and autumn sessions annually.How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair?
The cost for the Canton Fair depends on whether you're a visitor or an exhibitor. As a visitor, you'll need to pay for a buyer's badge, which costs about 3,500 RMB (approximately $480 USD) for the 2025 Autumn Fair, and you'll also need to cover your travel and living expenses. Exhibitor costs are significantly higher, with booth rentals for exhibitors ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of RMB, depending on booth size and location.Is it worth going to the Canton Fair?
It is absolutely worth attending the Canton Fair. The Canton Fair is a world-renowned and large-scale comprehensive product trade exhibition, with numerous products, sellers, and buyers participating, where one can obtain new market information.What is Phase 1 of the Canton Fair 2025?
Phase 1 of the Canton Fair is dedicated to industrial sectors and is considered the largest phase in terms of product variety and supplier participation. Held from April 15-19, 2025, this phase focuses on electronics, machinery, and construction materials, among other industrial goods.