Canton Fair 2025: Your guide to the China Import and Export Fair
Last updated: 14 Feburary 2025
Planning to visit the Canton Fair 2025? Take a look at our complete guide to the China Import and Export fair to better prepare yourself for it.
Key takeaways
- The Canton Fair is one of the world’s largest trade events, connecting buyers and suppliers across various industries
- The 137th edition of the Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou, China, in three phases from April 15 to May 5, 2025
- Registration, visa application (if required), and obtaining a Buyer Badge are essential steps to attend the fair
- The fair is divided into three phases, each catering to different product categories.
- Planning ahead with a list of suppliers, key questions, and negotiation strategies maximizes opportunities.
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 137th edition is scheduled to commence in Spring of 2025 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 Canton Trade Fair 2025 that was organised in spring:
Date: April 15 to May 5, 2025
- Phase 1: April 15th to 19th
- Phase 2: April 23rd to 27th
- Phase 3: May 1st to May 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.
History and significance of the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, has been connecting businesses since 1957. Held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, it’s the country’s longest-running and largest trade fair.
It started as a way to boost China’s foreign trade and has grown into a massive international event where businesses from all over the world focus on product sourcing from China, finding suppliers in China, and finding dropshipping suppliers. The fair provides opportunities to explore new products, build partnerships, and negotiate deals, including understanding how to efficiently pay suppliers in China while ensuring secure transactions.
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 2025 has three phases, like all previous editions. The organisers designed the event so that each phase would display different product categories.
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
|---|---|---|
| April 15 - April 19 | April 23 - April 27 | May 1- May 5 |
How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair?
Attending the Canton Fair from NZ involves these expenses:
- Registration Fee: If you pre-register online, the first Buyer Badge is free. Without pre-registration, obtaining the badge on-site costs RMB 100 (approximately AUD 20)
- Visa: New Zealand passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days.
- Flights: Round-trip flights from major New Zealand to Guangzhou vary between NZD 700 and NZD 1,500, depending on the season and booking time
- Accommodation: Hotels in Guangzhou can charge up to NZD 200 per night, depending on their location and amenities. But it’s possible to find affordable options too.
- Total: For a 5-day trip, the total cost can depend on choices in accommodation, dining, and other personal preferences
How to get a Chinese visa for the Canton Fair as an New Zealand Passport holder
New Zealand passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits, transit, and exchange purposes. This policy is effective until December 31, 2025.
If your stay exceeds 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa. For attending the Canton Fair, obtaining an official invitation is essential for the visa application process. You can apply for this invitation through the Canton Fair’s Buyer Service System.
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.
How many days to spend at the Canton Fair
The number of days you should spend at the Canton Fair depends on the types of products you’re interested in and how in-depth you want to explore potential suppliers. Since the fair is divided into three phases, each covering different industries, your visit should align with the industries/ products you’re interested in.
- Phase 1 (Electronics, machinery, and vehicles): If you’re sourcing complex or high-tech products, you may need 3 to 4 days to compare different manufacturers and negotiate terms.
- Phase 2 (Consumer goods, home decorations, and gifts): A 2 to 3-day visit is often enough to browse and discuss pricing for household products, decor, and gifts.
- Phase 3 (Textiles, clothing, office supplies, food, and medical products): Since this phase has a broad range of products, 2 to 4 days might be required depending on the variety of items you’re sourcing.
If you’re visiting multiple phases or want to conduct detailed negotiations with suppliers, a week-long trip can be beneficial. However, if you’re well-prepared with a shortlist of exhibitors, a 2 to 3-day targeted visit could be sufficient.
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Do you need an interpreter at the Canton Fair?
Hiring an interpreter for the Canton Fair can enhance your experience, especially if you’re not fluent in Mandarin. The cost for English-language interpreters typically ranges from RMB 400 to 800 per day. Additionally, bringing an interpreter into the fair requires an interpreter’s badge, which comes at an additional cost.
Please note that these rates can vary based on the interpreter’s experience and the prevailing demand during the fair. It’s best to check these rates while you’re at the fair.
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:
6. Negotiate the best deals
The Canton Import Export Fair is one of the few chances you’ll get to meet suppliers face-to-face, so make the most of it. Negotiating in person gives you a better chance to secure favourable terms. Focus on:
- Pricing: Don’t accept the first quote. Suppliers expect negotiations, so be prepared to bargain.
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Many suppliers list high MOQs, but if you negotiate, they may be willing to lower them, especially for first-time orders.
- Payment terms: Discuss whether you can get better terms, such as a lower deposit or extended payment periods.
- Cost of shipping from China to New Zealand: Factor in shipping costs when negotiating prices, as they can significantly impact your total expenses. Consider different shipping options and ask suppliers if they can offer better rates or share shipping costs.
7. Take your time to check sample products
When you source products from China while running a business overseas, getting samples shipped takes time and adds costs. The Canton Expo gives you the chance to inspect products up close, compare quality, and even request customizations on the spot.
8. Build relationships for long-term success
Chinese business culture values relationships, and meeting suppliers in person helps build trust. A good relationship can lead to better pricing, priority production, and more flexible terms in the future.
9. Gather supplier information and compare options
Don’t rush into a deal with the first supplier you meet. You can also consider sourcing from 1688.com or buying from Alibaba . Make sure to collect business cards, take notes, and compare multiple suppliers before making any commitments. The Guangzhou Trade Fair is huge, and there’s always another booth offering similar products—so shop around.
10. Plan for smooth international transactions
Managing transactions efficiently is key when buying from the Canton Exhibition. Setting up a foreign currency account in NZ can help you pay suppliers in China in their preferred currencies, with better exchange rates.
11. Check the schedule in advance
Before attending, review the Canton Fair Complex layout and the schedule for the expo in Guangzhou to maximize your time. Since the China Guangzhou Fair runs in three phases, each catering to different industries, arriving prepared ensures you get the most out of the fair.
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 | Star | Distance from Canton Fair venue |
|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Hotels & Resorts | 5 star | 2.8 km |
| Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou | 5 star | 2 km |
| Langham Place, Guangzhou | 5 star | 3.6 km |
| The Westin Pazhou | 5 star | 3.8 km |
| The Mulian Hotel | 5 star | 6.9km |
| The Xanadu Guangzhou | 5 star | 6.3 km |
| Royal Mediterranean Hotel Guangzhou | 5 star | 7.5 km |
| Ramada Plaza Guangzhou | 5 star | 8.5 km |
| Yuwa Hotel | 4 star | 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 | Cuisine | About the place |
|---|---|---|
| Five Zen5es | Cantonese | The restaurant has been awarded Michelin plates for over five consecutive years, making it a must-try. |
| Ming Court | Cantonese | The restaurant offers an antique, fine-dine experience to patrons. |
| Panxi restaurant | Cantonese | The serene and peaceful interiors of Panxi can be perfect after a long day at the fair. |
| Jiang restaurant | Cantonese | 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. |
| Wilber’s | Western | A staple among Western travellers, Wilber’s is located in a colonial-era villa. The place offers great Western food and a cocktail area. |
| La Seine | French | Experience authentic French cuisine coupled with great service in this fine-dine restaurant |
| The Oakroom | Chinese and European | 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 Guangzho
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.
The World Account is a multi-currency account that lets you set up local currency accounts in 20+ currencies, including CNH, GBP, USD, CAD, EUR, AUD and NZD. Local currency accounts are created under your business’s name. For every currency, you get a separate account number and branch code.
With a World Account, you can:
Pay suppliers faster: Send same-day or next-day payments at competitive interbank/mid-market rates (Cut off times apply)
Securely pay 1668 suppliers: World Pay is the only authorized way to make international payments to suppliers on 1668.com
Protect your profit margins: Lock-in exchange rates for up to 24 months through forward contracts
Make instant payments: Payments are free and instant between World Accounts
Security-first: WorldFirst safeguards customer funds in segregated accounts with leading financial institutions. It offers real-time fraud monitoring and your login is secured with two-factor authentication via the Authy app
Collect from marketplaces: Collect payments from 100+ global marketplaces, including Amazon, AliExpress, Etsy, and eBay. Hold the funds to pay suppliers or withdraw funds to your bank account anytime
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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