Your Ultimate Guide to Canton Fair 2024 China Import and Export Fair
The Canton Fair, or the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the largest trade events where suppliers and manufacturers showcase their products to prospective buyers.
Its 135th edition is scheduled to commence in Spring of 2024 in Guangzhou, China. The Canton Fair is held in three phases over three weeks so businesses can take optimum advantage of the event.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Canton Fair or a seasoned pro, preparing and getting a game plan together will help you have a successful and fun trip to Guangzhou.
Our Canton Fair Guide is packed with essential travel advice, local tips, and Canton Fair knowledge that’ll help you get around more easily, enjoy the local culture, and make sure you make the most out of the trade fair.
Table of Contents
What is the Canton Trade Fair?
The Canton Trade Fair is one of the world’s biggest exhibitions that connects sellers and buyers. The trade show occurs twice a year in Guangzhou, China.
The first session kicks off in spring, around April/May, and the second is organised in autumn, around October/November. The event is organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre and co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China.
Here are the event details for the upcoming Canton Trade Fair 2024 in autumn:
Date: October 15 to November 5, 2024
- Phase 1: October 15th to 19th
- Phase 2: October 23rd to 27th
- Phase 3: October 1st to November 5th
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm local time
Location: Canton Fair Complex, No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China
Interesting trivia:
- The Canton Fair Complex is probably one of the biggest exhibition centres in Asia, covering over 1,100,000 square metres.
- The word Canton comes from the Cantonese language, and it is just another word for the city of Guangzhou. While Mandarin speakers call it Guangzhou, Cantonese speakers call the city Canton.
How to attend the Canton Fair?
Here are the steps to attend the Canton Fair as a new buyer or a seasoned buyer:
1- Register and apply for the e-invitation
Overseas buyers will need a Canton Fair invite to get a Chinese visa. To apply for an e-invitation, use the Buyer E-service tool on the Canton Fair website. Register as a new buyer and add your business and personal details to create an account. You will also be required to add your passport details.
Regular overseas buyers who already have the previous year’s badge can directly apply for the e-invitation by logging into the Buyer E-service tool. The Buyer Badge number (9 digits) will be the login ID, and the 7 or 8-digit number on the backside of the badge will be the initial password.
2- Receive the invitation
It may take a few days to a week to get the invitation letter through email. After you receive the invitation, you can print it out and use it to apply for a Chinese visa.
Here are some of the sources to get a Chinese visa:
- Apply online directly through China Online Visa Application (COVA)
- Contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country
- Get in touch with a local travel agency
3- Get your buyer badge
The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for multiple sessions.
Using your e-invitation, you can pre-register for the buyer badge or get your badge on-site at the event.
- To pre-register online, visit the Buyer E-Service tool or scan the QR code below. When you apply for a badge for the first time online, it’s completely free.
- To register in person, reach the buyer badge booth at the fair venue and get your badge by showcasing your printed invitation.
You can also apply for your buyer badge in advance at the Appointed Hotels or the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.
Note: Regular buyers who already have the previous year’s badge can enter the event directly with their existing badge.
4- Enter the event
With your buyer badge, you are all set to attend the world’s biggest trade fair and expand your business globally. Using a translating app or an interpreter is highly recommended to ensure there aren’t any communication issues.
Overview of the three phases of the Canton Fair
The Canton Trade Fair 2024 has three phases, like all previous editions. The organisers designed the event so that each phase would display different product categories.
Phase 1
October 15 – October 19
- New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility
- Hardware, Tools
- Machining Machinery and Equipment
- Household Electrical Appliances
- New Materials and Chemical Products
- Lighting Equipment
- Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
- Power and Electrical Equipment
- General Machinery and Mechanical Parts
- Construction Machinery
- Agricultural Machinery
- Motorcycles, Bicycles
- Vehicle Spare Parts
- Vehicles
- Consumer Electronics and Information Products
- Electronic and Electrical Products
- New Energy Resources
Phase 2
October 23 – October 27
- Iron and Stone Decorations
- Building and Decoration Materials
- Kitchen and Tableware
- Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment
- Furniture
- Daily-use Ceramics
- Household Items
- Clocks, Watches, and Optical Instruments
- Gifts and Premiums
- Festival Products
- Home Decorations
- Art Ceramics
- Glass Artware
- Gardening Products
- Woven, Rattan, and Iron Products
- Outdoor Spa Facilities
Phase 3
October 31 – November 4
- Men’s and Women’s Clothing
- Personal Care Appliances
- Bathroom Products
- Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices
- Pet Products
- Maternity and Baby Products
- Toys
- Children’s Clothing
- Sportswear and Casual Wear
- Underwear
- Fur, Leather, Down and Related Products
- Clothing Accessories and Fittings
- Home Textiles
- Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics
- Carpets and Tapestries
- Shoes
- Office Supplies
- Bags and Suitcases
- Sports and Tourism Leisure Products
- Food
- Rural Revitalization
How to reach the Canton Fair
Once you are in Guangzhou, there are three main ways to reach the Canton Fair:
Direct shuttle service: It takes you directly from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the fair venue. The shuttle services run through all three phases of the trade fair between 1pm to 6pm. You will find a new shuttle every 30 minutes. There are also shuttle buses available from major hotels to the fair venue.
Metro: You can take Line 8 either from the Pazhou Station via exits A, B, or C or from the Xingang Dong Station via exit A.
Taxi: You can also directly get a taxi to the venue using ride-hailing apps like DiDi.
Top tips to conquer the Canton Trade Fair
1- Create a game plan
The Canton Trade Fair is so far and vast that it’s easy to get lost in the wide range of products offered by suppliers from across China. To make the most out of the event, you need to first decide on the type of products you are interested in.
You should also build a short list of suppliers you want to see and find out where they are located. Prepare a list of questions to ask suppliers, including
- What are the most popular products?
- What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
- What are the current delivery time frames?
- Which countries do you export to?
- What are the preferred payment methods?
- Can I get exclusivity on a specific product or product range?
- Can I get products in a specific colour or size?
It’s important to choose reputed and reliable suppliers and build deep business relationships with them. You may not get a lot of opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with so many suppliers. Use your time to learn about them and their major capabilities. Ask direct questions, be confident, and learn some negotiation skills.
→ Pro tip: If you are going to visit the Canton Trade Fair for a particular phase, you can create a daily game plan like this:
- Day 1-2: Explore and engage by heading to your shortlisted exhibitors and schedule talks and forums that might benefit your business.
- Day 3 & beyond: Deepen connections and learn more by revisiting any preferred suppliers for further discussions and plans, and meet other exhibitors to see what else is on offer.
2- Consider getting a translator
You will find that most booths at the Canton Fair will have someone who can speak English. But if you want your own translator, you can partner with a translation service agency or even book Canton Fair’s on-site translators, who are often in high demand, so booking early is necessary.
→ Pro tip: Digital translation apps, like Alibaba Translate, can be handy for simple conversations.
3- Stack up your business cards
Exchanging business cards is a common practice in China. You should bring plenty of business cards with all your contact information, including, phone number, email address, and WeChat ID.
Networking is one of the main reasons many overseas buyers attend the Canton Fair in China. You should use this opportunity to build your network of suppliers.
→Pro tip: Receive all business cards with two hands to show respect, and keep it in sight during your meeting.
4- Download useful apps
China has its own range of apps for making payments, sending messages, and managing transportation. Make sure you have all the important apps downloaded on your phone when you land in China.
- Alipay: It is a leading platform for payments and digital services in China. Accepted by millions of merchants, foreign visitors can connect their credit cards to pay for nearly everything. To pay, open the app and either scan the QR code or the merchant will scan your one-time QR code in the ‘Pay/Receive’ tab.
→ Pro tip: The popular question, “I scan or you scan me?” is often asked in stores.
- WeChat: It is the main communication app used in China. Stay in touch with suppliers, taxi drivers, and official business accounts with it. Create a profile and get verified by an existing user to get started.
- Amap: Amap is a navigation app that provides details about real-time traffic in China
- Baidu Map: Another navigation app that provides a street view function and helps people find their way across the different Chinese cities.
- DiDi: It is a taxi-hailing app that allows users to request real-time rides from partnered drivers.
- Metroman China: It provides up-to-date and accurate information about metros in China, including metro maps and running schedules.
→ Pro Tip: Install a VPN before you land in China because global apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram don’t work in the country.
5 - Learn some handy Chinese phrases
It’s good to show appreciation for Chinese culture by learning a few common phrases. It can also help you travel the country with convenience.
→ Pro tip: Create a checklist for everything you will need before you board and arrive in China. Here’s our ultimate checklist to help you navigate through the city:
- Open 15+ local currency accounts with local account details
- Direct CNH payments to 1688.com
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff in 40+ currencies and 130+ destinations
- Collect secure payments from 100+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, AliExpress, Paypal and Shopify
- Lock in currency conversion rates for up to 24 months
Where to stay when attending the Canton Fair?
You will find accommodation options all across the city of Guangzhou, ready to host people worldwide. Most hotels offer pickup and drop facilities from the airport and the fair venue. It’s also better to book a hotel well in advance and preferably book a place closer to the fair venue to lower your travel time.
Hotel Name
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou
Langham Place, Guangzhou
The Westin Pazhou
The Mulian Hotel
The Xanadu Guangzhou
Royal Mediterranean Hotel Guangzhou
Ramada Plaza Guangzhou
Yuwa Hotel
Star
5 star
5 star
5 star
5 star
5 star
5 star
5 star
5 star
5 star
Distance from Canton Fair venue
2.8 km
2 km
3.6 km
3.8 km
6.9km
6.3 km
7.5 km
8.5 km
9.7 km
Where to eat when attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou?
Guangzhou is the home of Cantonese food, so we definitely recommend trying out the local cuisine here. The city also offers flavours from around the world for international travellers.
Restaurant
Five Zen5es
Ming Court
Panxi restaurant
Jiang restaurant
Wilber’s
La Seine
The Oakroom
Cuisine
Cantonese
Cantonese
Cantonese
Cantonese
Western
French
Chinese and European
About the place
The restaurant has been awarded Michelin plates for over five consecutive years, making it a must-try.
The restaurant offers an antique, fine-dine experience to patrons.
The serene and peaceful interiors of Panxi can be perfect after a long day at the fair.
The place offers a high-end dining experience with private dining booths that can be perfect for business meetings or just for some much-needed alone time.
A staple among Western travellers, Wilber’s is located in a colonial-era villa. The place offers great Western food and a cocktail area.
Experience authentic French cuisine coupled with great service in this fine-dine restaurant.
Located on the rooftop of a 16-floor building, Oakroom offers panoramic city views and great food.
Beyond Canton Trade Fair: Sightseeing in Guangzhou
Here are the top tour routes in Guangzhou to experience the modern cityscapes and deep culture of the city:
1. A tour of the thousand-year-old Guangzhou: Take a walk through its history. Explore major landmarks, including:
- Guangzhou Museum of Art Yuexiu Park (Five Goats Statue, Zhenhai Tower)
- Nanyue King Museum (Site of King’s Tomb)
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou —
- Ximen Wengcheng Ruins
- Beijing Road Cultural Tour Route
- Tianzi Wharf
- Shamian Island
- Yongqingfang
2. A shopping Tour in Guangzhou
Go shopping in the fashionable city of commerce and trade. Explore major shopping malls, including:
- Grandview Mall
- Teemall
- Fashion Tianhe Plaza
- Taikoo Hui
3. An artistic tour in Guangzhou
Explore the artistic tour of the beautiful town through landmarks, including:
- Beicun Village
- Chen Clan Temple
- Shamian Island
- Xiguan Yongqingfang
- Dongshankou Area
- Taikoo Shed Quay Taigucang Wharf
- Ancient Whampoa Anchorage (Huangpu Ancient Port)
- Hengsha
- Scholar Street
4. A passionate tour of Guangzhou, a city of vitality
Relax in these hotels and water parks after a long day at the Canton Trade fair:
- Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort
- Chimelong Safari Park
- International Circus
- Chimelong Paradise
- Chimelong Water Park
- Chimelong Hotel
- Chimelong Panda Hotel
5. A folk cultural tour of Guangzhou
Take a cultural tour of the city and walk through its history with these landmarks:
- Shamian Historical and Cultural Blocks
- Yongqingfang Intangible Cultural Heritage Area
- Nanyue King Museum (Site of King’s Tomb)
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou
- Guangdong Museum
- Canton Tower
- Haizhu National Wetland Park
- Rice Noodles Experience Centre
- Shawan Ancient Town
6. A romantic tour in Guangzhou
Experience the fragrant spring blossoms and reconnect with nature through these beautiful places:
- Conghua Liuxihe National Forest Park (Liuxi Fragrant Snow)
- Shimen National Forest Park
- Jindong Peach Blossom Town
- Trendsee Cherry
- Blossom Park
- Luogang Xiangxue Park
7. A tasty tour in Guangzhou, a city for gourmets
Explore local cuisine restaurants to better understand why Guangzhou is known as the city for gourmets.
- Lychee Bay Scenic Area
- Panxi Restaurant
- Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
- Chentian Fish Skin
- Beijing Road Cultural Tour Route
- Guangzhou Restaurant
8. A slow, healthy tour in Guangzhou
Relax and unwind as you walk through the different nature points around the city:
- Xitang Fairy Village
- Conghua Hot Spring Tourist Resort
- Shimen National Forest Park
- Nanping Seclusion Town
9. A cultural heritage tour in Guangzhou
Seep into the culture of Guangzhou through these major landmarks:
- Langtou Ancient Village
- Shitouji Mineral Park
- Formal Residence of Hong Xiuquan
- Yuen Yuen Taoist Temple
- Guangzhou Folk Custom
- Museum (Zizheng DaifuCi Temple)
Streamline cross-border payments with WorldFirst and build better supplier relationships
While the Canton Trade Fair makes finding the right products and suppliers easy, the biggest hiccup you will face with an international supplier is making quick and cost-effective cross-border payments. If you don’t choose the right payment partner, the high FX costs can affect your profit margins. Also, continuous delayed payments can affect your relationship with the suppliers.
WorldFirst helps businesses make international payments easily, quickly, and securely. Our expertise allows you to trade confidently in 130 countries across 40+ currencies. We believe every business, regardless of size, deserves a shot at the global stage.
Your World Account removes barriers to buying and selling worldwide, so you can easily grow in a way that suits you. It’s the simpler, faster, and smarter way to pay and get paid internationally – all through a single account.
Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.
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