The Complete Canton Fair Travel Guide
Everything foreign buyers need to know — from registration to Guangzhou sightseeing, day trips, and private tour booking.
Ask a Local for HelpWhat Is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair (officially the China Import & Export Fair) is the world's largest trade fair, held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou since 1957. With over 25,000 exhibitors from across China and buyers from 200+ countries, it is the single best place to source products, meet factories face-to-face, and discover new trends.
The fair is named after Guangzhou's historical identity as “Canton” — China's oldest and most important trading port. Beyond the exhibition halls, Guangzhou itself is a vibrant, food-obsessed city of 18 million people with deep historical roots and endless exploration opportunities.
Years of history
Exhibitors per session
Countries represented
Three Phases Explained
The Canton Fair runs in three separate phases, each covering different product categories. Plan your visit around the phase that matches your sourcing needs.
Phase 1
Oct 15 – 19
Electronics, Machinery, Vehicles, Lighting, Hardware
Phase 2
Oct 23 – 27
Home Furnishings, Gifts, Decoration, Building Materials, Furniture
Phase 3
Oct 31 – Nov 4
Toys, Children's Products, Fashion, Textiles, Health, Food
How to Get to the Fair
The venue is the China Import & Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Haizhu District. It's well connected by metro and easy to reach from any major transport hub.
By Metro
Line 8 → Pazhou station (Exit A). The venue is a 5-minute walk from the exit.
From Baiyun Airport
Metro Line 3 → transfer to Line 8 → Pazhou station. About 1.5 hours total.
From Guangzhou East Station
Metro Line 3 → transfer to Line 8 → Pazhou station. About 40 minutes.
Taxi / Didi
About ¥50–80 from Tianhe city center. Tell the driver: 琶洲展馆 (Pázhōu Zhǎnguǎn).
Guangzhou Top Attractions
Don't just stay at the fair — Guangzhou has incredible things to see and do. Here are the must-visit spots to fill your evenings and days off.
Canton Tower
600 m tall landmark with observation deck and night light show.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Stunning Lingnan architecture and folk art museum.
Shamian Island
Colonial-era European buildings and quiet tree-lined streets.
Yongqing Fang
Restored old-town quarter with Bruce Lee's ancestral home.
Baiyun Mountain
Guangzhou's green lung — hiking trails and city panoramas.
Yuexiu Park / Five Rams
The city's iconic symbol and largest park.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Shopping, street food, and ancient road ruins under glass.
Pearl River Night Cruise
See the skyline lit up — departures near Haixinsha.
Day Trips from Guangzhou
The Pearl River Delta is China's manufacturing heartland. Take advantage of your trip to explore nearby cities — all easily reachable by metro, HSR, or ferry.
Foshan
40 min by metroAncestral Temple, kung fu studios, ceramics
Shenzhen
30 min by HSRTech markets, shopping, Huaqiangbei electronics
Macau
1 hr by ferryCasinos, Portuguese charm, ruinas ruins
Zhuhai
1 hr by HSRChimelong resort, coastal promenades
Kaiping
2 hr driveUNESCO Diaolou Watchtowers
Hong Kong
48 min by HSRShopping, dining, Victoria Peak
Where to Eat — Guangzhou Is a Food City 🍜
Dim sum is THE reason to visit Guangzhou. The city is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine and the morning tea (早茶) culture. Here's what to order and where.
Must-Try Dishes
Shrimp Dumplings (虾饺)
The king of dim sum — translucent skin, whole shrimp inside.
BBQ Pork Buns (叉烧包)
Fluffy steamed buns with sweet char siu filling.
Rice Rolls (肠粉)
Silky rice noodle sheets with shrimp, beef, or egg.
Wonton Noodles (云吞面)
Bouncy egg noodles in a prony broth.
Recommended Spots
Dian Du De (点都德)
The most popular dim sum chain — expect queues but worth it.
Lian Xiang Lou (莲香楼)
A century-old bakery famous for mooncakes and dim sum.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Street food heaven — try double-skin milk, fish skins, mango tofu.
Practical Tips for Fair Visitors
Register Online
Pre-register at cantonfair.org.cn before arriving to skip long queues.
Bring Business Cards
Lots of contacts — bring at least 200 cards. Two-sided (EN/CN) is ideal.
Install WeChat & Alipay
Cash is rarely accepted. Set up both apps before you arrive.
Get Connectivity
Buy a Chinese SIM at the airport or set up an eSIM before departure.
Badge Photo Requirements
Bring a passport-size photo for your Canton Fair badge, or take one at the venue.
Dress Code
Business casual. Comfortable shoes are a must — you will walk 15,000+ steps daily.
140-Day Visa-Free Transit
Many nationalities qualify for 144-hour visa-free transit via Guangzhou.
Download Translation Apps
Google Translate offline pack or Baidu Translate help with menus and signs.
Make the Most of Your Time in Guangzhou
Book an English-speaking private guide who knows the city inside out. City tours, factory visit support, restaurant recommendations — whatever you need to make your Canton Fair trip productive and enjoyable.
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Flexible itinerary — city tour, factory support, food trips
- From $99/day — transport not included
per day
Certified English-speaking guide based in Guangzhou. Book at least 3 days ahead during Canton Fair period.
Where to Stay
Hotels near the venue fill up fast during Canton Fair. Book early — prices can double compared to regular weeks. Here are the best areas to stay:
📍 Near Pazhou Venue
Area around Xianggang / Xingangdong metro stations on Line 8. Walking distance or one stop to the venue. Most convenient but priciest.
🏙️ Tianhe District (City Center)
Around Tianhe Sports Center or Zhujiang New Town. Best selection of international hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. 20–30 min by metro.
💰 Budget Option — Haizhu
Hotels in Haizhu district are generally cheaper. You're still close to the venue (10–15 min metro) with plenty of local restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the Canton Fair?
Do I need a visa to attend the Canton Fair?
How many days should I spend in Guangzhou?
Is English widely spoken in Guangzhou?
What's the weather like during the Canton Fair?
Can I visit factories around Guangzhou?
Need Help Planning Your Canton Fair Trip?
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We reply within 2 hours during business hours (9am–9pm Beijing time).