Complete Guide to the Canton Fair

What is the Canton Fair?

Founded in 1957 and hailed as "China’s No. 1 Exhibition," the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is China’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious comprehensive international trade event. It features:

• The widest product range (over 50,000 exhibitors)

• Unmatched credibility (government-backed since inception)

• Biannual schedule: Held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou

The permanent venue of the Canton Fair is the China Import and Export Fair Complex, located on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou.   with a total construction area of 1.1 million square meters, making it one of the largest convention and exhibition centers in the world.

Fair Address: No. 382, Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

Canton Fair Schedule

The Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, during the spring and autumn seasons, with each session divided into three phases.

Spring Session:

• Phase 1: April 15 – April 19

• Phase 2: April 23 – April 27

• Phase 3: May 1 – May 5

Autumn Session:

• Phase 1: October 15 – October 19

• Phase 2: October 23 – October 27

• Phase 3: October 31 – November 4

Each phase of the Canton Fair focuses on different industries. Taking the 138th Canton Fair in October 2025 as an example, the details are as follows:

Phase 1  October 15–19

• Home Appliances, Consumer Electronics,   Information Technology Products

• Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Processing Machinery, Power and Electrical Equipment, General Machinery and Mechanical Components, Construction Machinery, Agricultural Machinery, New Materials, and Chemical Products

• New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility, Automobiles, Auto Parts, Motorcycles, Bicycles

• Lighting Products, Electronic & Electrical Products, New Energy

• Hardware and Tools

Phase 2 October 23–27

• Daily-use Ceramics, Kitchenware, Household Items

• Glass Artware, Home Decorations, Garden Supplies, Holiday Products, Gifts and Premiums, Watches and Eyewear, Art Ceramics, Woven, Rattan, and Iron Crafts

• Building and Decorative Materials, Sanitary Ware, Furniture, Iron & Stone Decorations, and Outdoor Spa      Facilities

Phase 3 October 31 – November 4

• Toys, Maternity, Baby & Children’s Products, Children’s Clothing

• Men’s and Women’s Apparel, Underwear, Sportswear and Casual Wear, Leather, Fur, Down Products, Clothing Accessories, Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics, Footwear, Bags & Luggage

• Home Textiles, Carpets and Tapestries

• Office Supplies and Stationery

• Pharmaceuticals, Health Products, and Medical Devices, Food, Sports and Travel Leisure Products, Personal Care Products, Bathroom Supplies, Pet Products

How to Attend the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is not open to tourists. Overseas buyers must meet the following requirements to participate:

• A Canton Fair Invitation Letter (or an invitation from a Chinese company)

• A valid passport and Chinese visa, Mainland      Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau Residents, or Taiwan Compatriot Travel Document

• Registration and a Buyer Badge (Entry Badge)
       (The invitation letter helps facilitate your application for the Buyer Badge)

How to Register as a Buyer and Obtain a Buyer Badge

Canton Fair Official Website: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/customPages/buyerGuide

You can:

• Pre-register online and apply for an invitation letter

• Use the invitation letter to apply for a Chinese visa

• Collect your Buyer Badge at the Canton Fair venue or designated hotels

Alternatively:

• On-site registration is available at the fairground

• A 200 RMB processing fee is required to obtain the      Buyer Badge if registering on-site

Pre-Registering for the Canton Fair

You can complete your pre-registration at designated hotels or at the Buyers’ Registration Office within the Canton Fair Complex. Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete the online pre-registration form

2. Upload the required documents

3. Receive your pre-registration code

4. Present the code on-site

Collect your Buyer Badge

Download Alipay and WeChat Before You Arrive

In mainland China, cashless payment is the norm. Most purchases are made using digital apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay. You can link your credit card to Alipay for seamless payments, including taxi bookings, shopping, and even food delivery.

WeChat is also the country’s most popular messaging and social networking app. Since many Chinese suppliers use WeChat for communication, it’s highly recommended to set up and familiarize yourself with the app before attending the fair — it’ll help you network more effectively.

Dress Comfortably — Be Ready to Walk

The Canton Fair is massive, and you’ll likely walk thousands of steps each day. A pair of comfortable shoes (or even two, to alternate) is essential. While looking professional is important, opt for attire that’s both presentable and practical, so you stay comfortable throughout the day.