5 tips for first-time visitors to the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair is not only a major event in the global trade calendar, it’s also the largest and most successful trade fair in China. Here’s what to know before you visit.
The Canton Fair, or the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the largest trade fairs in China, where suppliers and manufacturers showcase their products to prospective global buyers. In almost seven decades since launching in 1957, the fair has seen over 10 million overseas buyers visit, making it an essential part of the calendar for international trade businesses looking for sourcing inspiration.
A brief introduction to the Canton Fair
Held biannually, the Canton Fair spans over three phases each session, showcasing more than 25,000 exhibitors and attracting approximately 200,000 buyers from around the globe per session. The spring fair is usually held from mid-April, while the autumn fair takes place in mid-October to the start of November.
Both sessions exhibit everything from electronics, home appliances and industrial products to apparel, recreational goods and medical products. China’s peak manufacturing period happens around the time of the spring fair, making it ideal for buyers to source products for the year, while the autumn fair allows businesses to test the market before the major shopping events at the end of the year.
Canton Fair information
The trade fair is organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre and co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China.
2025 fair dates:
- Spring: 15 April – 5 May 2025
- Autumn: 15 October – 4 November
Location and hours:
One of the biggest exhibition centres in Asia, the Canton Fair Complex is in Guangzhou, China, the country’s fifth-largest city by population. Fair doors open from 9:30am to 6pm while the fair is on.
For international attendees, Hong Kong serves as a convenient transit point if not flying directly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Many visitors choose to fly into Hong Kong International Airport, then travel to Guangzhou via high-speed train or direct flights.
Transport options to the Canton Fair Complex itself include bus, metro and taxi, while there’s also a direct shuttle bus from the airport. Some hotels may offer a hotel shuttle.
How to apply for entry to the Canton Fair
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’ll need to add your passport details here as well.
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 business visa. Some ways to get a Chinese visa include applying online directly through China Online Visa Application (COVA); contacting the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the UK; or getting in touch with a local travel agency.
The visa type we recommend is a multi-entry visa, as you may need it for future trips to China. Visa requirements for a business visa include:
• Your passport
• Photocopy of the passport information
• Passport photo
• Canton Fair invitation
• Visa application form
3. Get your buyer badge
The buyer badge or buyer card is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair and 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 (note that the queues will be long, especially on the first few days).
Cost
The fair is free to attend, but there’s a RMB200 fee if you need to pick up your buyer card at the registration counters of the Canton Fair Complex or at designated hotels in Guangzhou. And, if you happen to misplace it, there’s a fee to get it reissued.
Overview of phases
An example of the items showcased at each phase of the biannual fair include:
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
|---|---|---|
- Open 20+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
5 tips to conquer the Canton Fair
1. Create a game plan
Covering 1.1 million square metres, the complex is so vast that it’s easy to get lost in the wide range of products on offer. To make the most of the event, you’ll need to decide on the categories of products you’re interested in. See which of the phases it falls under, build a shortlist of suppliers and find out where they’re located.
Questions to ask suppliers might include:
- What are the most popular products?
- What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
- What’s your maximum manufacturing capacity?
- 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?
Since you may not get a lot of opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with many suppliers, it’s important to choose reputable ones and build close business relationships. Use your time to learn about their experience and main capabilities. Ask direct questions, be confident and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
If you’re visiting the Canton Trade Fair during a particular phase, you can create a daily game plan like this:
Day 1-2: Explore and engage by heading to your shortlisted exhibitors; schedule in 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; meet other exhibitors to see what else is on offer
2. Consider getting a translator
You’ll 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 via the official Canton Fair website, who are often in high demand. Booking early is essential.
Alternatively, digital translation apps can be handy for simple conversations.
3. Download useful apps
On the topic of apps, there are ones that will make life easier when navigating both the Canton Fair and Guangzhou generally.
Alipay: Your all-in-one travel companion in China
Alipay is one of China’s most popular mobile payment platforms and much more than just a payment app. It’s widely used for making everyday payments, booking transportation, splitting bills, and even booking hotels.
Whether you’re grabbing a meal, shopping, or taking a taxi, Alipay is accepted almost everywhere, making it essential for travellers who want to avoid carrying cash. It also offers additional features like maps, public transportation schedules, and even money transfers between users.
WeChat: Stay in touch
The main communication app used in China, you can use WeChat to stay in touch with suppliers, taxi companies and official business accounts. You’ll need to get verified by an existing user to get started.
Baidu Translate and Google Translate
Overcome language barriers with translation apps that can translate in real time. While useful for basic conversations, they might not be adequate for more complex negotiations. To use Google Translate in China, you may need to install a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
Amap and Baidu Map
Both Amap and Baidu Map are navigation apps that will help you get from A to B. Amap provides details about real-time traffic, while Baidu Map has a street view function.
4. 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 and this is your opportunity to build your network of suppliers and Chinese companies.
As a sign of respect, you should receive all business cards with two hands and keep it in sight during your meeting.
5. Simplify payments with a reliable solution
After making connections at the Canton Fair, having a way to pay your Chinese suppliers quickly and securely is essential. Our World Account offers a streamlined payment solution that simplifies transactions, supports multiple currencies and ensures your payments are secure and streamlined.
Some of the benefits of a World Account include:
Fast payments
80% of global payments arrive on the same day. Build trust with your suppliers and keep your goods moving by paying promptly.
Real-time tracking
Get real-time payment status updates at every step of the way with tracking on the SWIFT network, so you always know the location of your funds and the exact time they’ll arrive.
Multi-currency support
Open 20+ currency accounts including CNH, HKD and USD to pay suppliers. If your supplier also has a World Account, payments are instant and free in the same currency.
Competitive rates
Our currency conversion rates for major currencies are capped at 0.50% and we don’t charge ongoing account keeping fees.
Chinese market expertise
As part of Ant Group, China’s leading financial service platform, we have extensive experience and a strong network of partners to simplify your business dealings with China.
Ready to open a World Account? Sign up today for free.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation.WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
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