Planning to visit Canton Fair in Guangzhou? In this article, I'll give you best guide to Canton Fair, including the when and where for Canton Fair, how to attend Canton fair, cost, transportation guide, where to stay, and everything you need to know! Stay with us till the end!
What is Canton Fair?
Source from cantonfair.org
The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a comprehensive international trading event with the longest history. The fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, during the spring and autumn seasons, usually during April/May and October/November.
It is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the government of Guangdong Province, and organized by China Foreign Trade Centre.
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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 is China Canton Fair Held?
Source from cantonfair.net
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.
It covers a total construction area of 1,100,000 square meters with the indoor exhibition area of 338,000 square meters and the outdoor exhibition area of 43,600 square meters. The complex is divided into three main sections: the exhibition halls, the convention center, and the business center.
- 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
When is Canton Fair 2025?
Canton Fair 2025 is divided into spring session and autumn session, check out the following table to learn more:
Offline 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 |
Canton Fair opening hours: 9:30 AM-6:00 PM.
Online Fair 2025
- The 137th Canton Fair online will run from March to September 2025.
- The 138th Canton Fair online will be available from September 2025 to March 2026.
🚌 Canton Fair Nearby Hotel with Shuttle
For anyone going to the Canton Fair, some hotels on Trip.com have shuttle buses to and from the fair—just check if a hotel has this service when you book. Here’s a simple breakdown of 3 such hotels:
- Langyi Hotel: It’s super close to the Canton Fair’s Pazhou venue and Chigang Metro Station (Line 2, Exit C—you can walk there). They have a wine bar with French food and wine, plus a business center and rooms for meetings. The shuttle runs Oct 15-19, 23-27, and 31-Nov 4: leaves at 8:30 AM every day, and comes back at 5:45 PM except the last day of each fair phase (no return that day).
No. 468 Xingang Middle Road
- Betterdream Garden Yijing Hotel Guangzhou Xingchen: This one has a gym, two parking lots (you have to pay for them), a front desk open 24/7, free luggage storage and kid care, service robots, and rooms for meetings (those cost extra). The shuttle works like this: Oct 15-18, 22-26, and Nov 1-4—there are 2 morning rides to the fair and 1 evening ride back. But on Oct 19, 27, and Nov 5, there’s no return shuttle, only 2 rides to the fair.
No. 281 Chigang East Road, Chigang Subdistrict
- Super 8 Hotel Guangzhou Gangbei Road: They have paid private parking, free public parking, a 24/7 front desk, places to store your luggage, a tea room, a restaurant, can help book taxis, and meeting rooms (those cost extra). The shuttle runs Oct 15-19, 23-27, and 31-Nov 4—but on the last day of each fair phase, it only takes you to the fair, no ride back.
No. 68 Gangbei Road
3 Phases of Canton Fair 2025
The Canton Fair is split into three phases, each dedicated to a specific industry. In 2025, the fair will be held in both Spring and Autumn, with each session following the same structure for the offline phases.
2025 Canton Fair Phase 1 (Spring & Autumn Editions)
Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, and the International Pavilion.
2025 Canton Fair Phase 2 (Spring & Autumn Editions)
Houseware, Gifts & Decorations, Building & Furniture, and the International Pavilion.
2025 Canton Fair Phase 3 (Spring & Autumn Editions)
Toys & Children, Baby and Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, and the International Pavilion.
How to Attend the Canton Fair?
To attend the China Canton Fair, you need the following:
- Invitation from the Canton Fair (or Chinese company)
- Chinese visa
- Registration and Buyer badge
The fair's invitation can help you get both the visa and the badge.
How to Register and Get a Buyer Badge for Canton Fair?
The procedures for applying for a buyer badge may differ based on whether you're first-time buyer or regular buyer. Here is a registration proccess chart:
Source from cantonfair.net
First-time Buyer
Registering at the fair will cost you 200 RMB or about 30 USD. Registering in advance will save you this service fee.
Additionally, note that when you register online in advance, you receive an official invitation letter. This invitation is helpful when applying for a business visa to enter China for the Canton Fair.
- 1. The first step is to visit the official website of Canton Fair and click on the "Buyers" section
- 2. Click on the "Register" button and fill in the required details like your name, email address, contact number, and company information.
- 3. After registration, you will receive a verification email. Click on the link provided in the email to verify your account.
- 4. Once your account is verified, log in to your account and click on the "Apply for Buyer Badge" option. Fill in the required details and submit the application.
- 5. Get your Buyer badge. The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for multiple sessions and lasts for several years.
For more information, please check out the related article for more detailed procedures.
Regular Buyer
For regular buyers, the procedure is very easy:
- 1. Go to the website of the Canton Fair and sign in using your current account.
- 2. Check whether your account details are current. If necessary, request a new invitation letter or revise the one you have.
- 3. Access the Canton Fair directly using your badge. Once you have it, it's valid for future sessions, so make sure to keep it secure.
However, if you misplace or lose your badge, a replacement will cost 200 RMB (approximately $30 USD). You'll also need to adhere to the standard process to get a Buyer’s badge, either at the Canton Fair Complex or at the specified Registration Offices in hotels.
How to Apply for the Canton Fair Invitation?
As previously stated, possessing an invitation letter is crucial. This letter allows international buyers to:
- 1. Apply for a Chinese visa(the final decision rests with the Chinese Embassy in your home country).
- 2. Obtain a unique badge that grants free access to the Canton Fair via the Registration Express Channel.
To accquire the invitation letter, you need to:
- By BEST (Buyer E-Service Tool)
- By contacting Canton Fair Call Centre, China Foreign Trade Centre
- By contacting the Economic & Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Embassy (The Economic & Commercial Section of the Consulate General) of P.R. China in your region
- By contacting Overseas cooperative organizations of China Foreign Trade Centre
How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Canton Fair 2025?
The expenses of attending the Canton Fair can vary based on your mode of travel, hotel choices, and registration methods.
- Usually, online registration for the Canton Fair is free. However, if you opt for on-site registration at the fair, you will be charged a fee of 200 RMB or around 30 USD.
- The 2025 Autumn Canton Fair (Phase II) general admission costs about 3,500 RMB or 480 USD (10.23-10.27), while exhibitors pay tens to hundreds of thousands of RMB for booth rentals based on size and location.
- Travel cost include flight tickets, local transportation, and accomodation during your time at the Canton Fair. These expenses can vary based on your locations and the type of hotels you select, with prices ranging from 20 USD to several hundred dollars per night. Moreover, costs can vary based on the season.
In conclusion, it is difficult to provide a precise eastimte of the cost to attend the Canton Fair due to these varying factors. Nevertheless, we advise that you arrange your travel, accomodations, and registration ahead of time to ensure a smooth business trip.
✨If you're curious about how to stay connected in China, learn more about SIM card, eSIM, and pocket Wi-Fi
Canton Fair Transportation Guide
Transportation from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Canton Fair
1. Taxi
The most convenient option is to take a taxi directly from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to the Canton Fair. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and costs around 120-150 RMB.
2. Metro
Guangzhou metro system is also a viable option. From the airport, you can take Line 3 to Kecun Station, then transfer to Line 8 and get off at Pazhou Station, which is close to the Canton Fair. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 7 RMB.
3. Airport Express Bus
The Airport Express Bus Line 10 can take you directly to the Canton Fair complex. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs around 25 RMB.
4. Private Car Service
For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, you can book a private car service. The cost varies depending on the car type and service provider, but it usually ranges from 200-300 RMB.
Transportation from Hong Kong to Canton Fair
1. Direct Flight
The quickest way to travel from Hong Kong to Canton Fair is by direct flight. The average travel time from Hong Kong airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is about 1 hour. The average cost is around 1000-1500 CNY.
2. Train
The China high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou South Railway Station takes about 1-2 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or metro to the Canton Fair. The average cost for the train ticket is around 200-300 CNY. See China high speed train booking guide.
3. Bus
There are direct buses from Hong Kong to Guangzhou which take about 3-4 hours. The average cost is around 100-200 CNY.
4. Ferry
You can also take a ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The journey takes about 2 hours. The average cost is around 200-300 CNY.
[8% Off] Where to stay at Canton Fair - Best Hotels Nearby
The Canton Fair is located at the Pazhou Exhibition Center. There are many hotels nearby, offering a range of choices from budget-friendly to high-end options. Before you book, make sure to claim 8% OFF coupon above!
To get your Buyer’s Badge easily, check the official Canton Fair website for a list of confirmed hotels with Overseas Buyers’ Registration Offices.
1. The Westin Pazhou: This hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and a restaurant. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair complex.
Area C, Canton Fair Complex, No. 681 Fengpu Middle Road
2. Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a health club, outdoor tennis court, full-service spa, and several restaurants. It's located just a kilometer away from the Canton Fair.
No. 1 Huizhan East Road
3. Langham Place Guangzhou: This hotel offers a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several dining options. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair.
No. 638 Xingang East Road
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several restaurants. It's located just a few minutes drive from the Canton Fair.
No. 3 Xing'an Road, Zhujiang New Town
5. Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou: This hotel features a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and several dining options. It's located just a short drive from the Canton Fair.
No. 199 Huangpu Avenue Middle
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Canton Fair
What are the dates for the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair 2025 will be held in two biannual sessions, each divided into three phases. The spring session runs from April 15–19 (Phase 1), April 23–27 (Phase 2), and May 1–5 (Phase 3) . The autumn session takes place from October 15–19 (Phase 1), October 23–27 (Phase 2), and October 31–November 4 (Phase 3) . Each phase focuses on distinct industries, such as electronics, consumer goods, textiles, and medical products, allowing buyers to target specific sectors efficiently.Is Canton Fair worth it?
Yes, the Canton Fair is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential trade events, attracting over 246,000 overseas buyers and 30,000 exhibitors in 2025 . It serves as a critical platform for sourcing products, negotiating deals, and fostering global partnerships, particularly for industries like electronics, machinery, and textiles. Participants praise its scale, diversity of suppliers, and opportunities to discover emerging trends and cost-effective manufacturing solutions . The fair’s reputation and track record make it a valuable investment for businesses seeking to expand into the Chinese market or strengthen international supply chains.Is the Canton Fair free?
Registration and entry are free for pre-registered overseas buyers . However, on-site registration may incur fees (e.g., 100 RMB for a same-day badge) . Chinese citizens or residents without foreign business credentials typically pay 300 RMB per day plus service fees unless they attend with a foreign counterpart . While basic entry is free, costs like travel, accommodation, and optional services (e.g., translators) should be budgeted separately .Where is the Canton Fair in 2025?
The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex (Canton Fair Complex) in Guangzhou, China. The address is 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District . This modern venue spans 1.55 million square meters and is easily accessible via metro Line 8 (Pazhou Station) or taxi, with nearby hotels offering convenience for attendees .Do I need a visa to visit the Canton Fair?
Most international visitors require a China Business Visa (M visa). However, citizens of 38 countries (e.g., France, Germany, Japan) can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until December 31, 2025, for business or tourism purposes . Additionally, travelers from countries with bilateral visa-exemption agreements (e.g., Singapore, Thailand) may qualify for longer visa-free stays . To apply for an M visa, attendees should obtain an official invitation letter from the Canton Fair website, which simplifies the visa process . Always verify the latest visa policies with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.What kind of products are typically exhibited at the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair typically exhibits a wide - range of products, which are divided into three phases, each with different key product categories. The following is a detailed introduction: Phase 1: It mainly focuses on industrial products and high - tech products, including home electrical appliances, consumer electronics and information products, lighting equipment, new energy, new materials and chemical products, hardware, tools, machining machinery and equipment, power and electrical equipment, general machinery and mechanical parts, industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, new energy vehicles and smart mobility, motorcycles, bicycles, and vehicle spare parts. Phase 2: The products are mainly related to daily - use consumer goods and building decoration, covering building and decoration materials, sanitary and bathroom equipment, furniture, kitchen and tableware, daily - use ceramics, household items, clocks, watches and optical instruments, gifts and premiums, festival products, home decorations, art ceramics, glass artware, gardening products, and woven, rattan and iron products. Phase 3: It is mainly about daily necessities, clothing and medical products, including personal care appliances, bathroom products, medicines, health products and medical devices, pet products, maternity and baby products, toys, children 's clothing, men' s and women '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, and food.How to buy a Canton Fair ticket?
- Online pre - registration: Visit the official invitation website of the Canton Fair (http://invitation.cantonfair.org.cn/en/index.aspx). Complete the relevant personal and company information as required, and apply for a buyer 's badge in the "pre - application for buyers badge" section. After the application is approved, log in to the buyer e - service tool, click "my Canton Fair" - "my buyer badge", and print out the pre - application receipt. When arriving at the fair, you can get a free buyer card at the overseas buyer registration office with the pre - application receipt, valid personal documents (such as an overseas passport, Hong Kong or Macao home - return permit, etc.), and a business card.
- On - site purchase: You can also buy a badge at the overseas buyer registration office on - site without online pre - registration. But this method costs more. You need to provide your passport, business card, and a photo of yourself.
Are there any language support services available at the Canton Fair?
- Multilingual hotlines and platforms: The 12367 service platform provides 7×24 - hour multilingual policy consultation. The Guangzhou Multilingual Public Service Platform, hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangzhou Municipal Government and undertaken by China Telecom, offers free translation services in 9 languages, including Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- Volunteer service stations: The Guangzhou Multilingual Public Service Platform sets up volunteer service stations at Baiyun Airport and the Canton Fair Complex, providing venue and registration consultation and guidance for foreign - related personnel.
- Translation services at the exhibition site: The Canton Fair provides translation services for visitors, and you can find translators at the international business center of the exhibition site. The fair mainly provides exhibitors with the service of hiring translators and interpreters in languages such as English, Spanish, and Italian. In addition, there are also professional translators holding signs at the entrance of the Canton Fair, most of whom are English interpreters.
- WeChat translation function: During the Canton Fair, the WeChat applet translation function supports 18 languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Italian. Users can click the "translation" button in the upper - right corner of the applet to use this function.