For the Canton Fair: register early, book hotel near Pazhou, plan which categories to visit with specific requirements, expect to walk 10-15 km daily, and organize post-fair follow-up (samples, factory audits, negotiations).
Visiting China for the first time—especially to attend the Canton Fair—is a milestone for any importer.
Whether you're a retailer, entrepreneur, or procurement manager, the fair offers unmatched access to thousands of suppliers across nearly every product category.
But it can also feel overwhelming without the right preparation.
This guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of your trip.
The Scale of the Canton Fair: What Makes It Unique
The Canton Fair is the largest and oldest trade exhibition in China.
Held in Guangzhou, it brings together:
- 25,000+ exhibitors
- 200,000+ buyers
- 3 phases covering every major product category
It’s not just a fair—it’s a global sourcing ecosystem.
Learn more at the official website:
Canton Fair Official Website
Preparing for Your Visit
1. Register early and secure your buyer badge
Make sure you complete:
- Online pre-registration
- Hotel booking (Pazhou, Zhujiang New Town or Tianhe recommended)
- Transportation planning (Metro Line 8 goes directly to the fairgrounds)
2. Plan your product categories ahead of time
The fair is massive. Without a plan, you’ll lose valuable time.
Identify:
- Which categories matter most
- Minimum requirements (MOQ, certifications, materials)
- Target pricing and specifications
Create a shortlist of booths to visit each day.
3. Understand cultural and negotiation dynamics
Meeting suppliers in person accelerates trust.
You’ll notice:
- friendly introductions,
- exchange of WeChat details,
- quick sample evaluations,
- instant quotation discussions.
This face-to-face interaction is one of the biggest strategic advantages of attending.
What to Expect Inside the Fair
You’ll experience:
- Endless rows of booths
- Rapid product demonstrations
- Sample handling
- Quotation sheets filled quickly
- Opportunities to compare suppliers side by side
Expect to walk 10–15 km per day, so bring comfortable shoes.
Post-Fair Follow-Up: Where Deals Are Won
The real value happens after the fair.
Organize your notes and:
- Review supplier profiles
- Request samples
- Conduct factory audits
- Continue negotiations through WeChat or email
- Filter suppliers based on quality and responsiveness
A structured follow-up increases your chance of successful long-term partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this topic
The Canton Fair is the world's largest trade exhibition with 25,000+ exhibitors, 200,000+ buyers, and 3 phases covering nearly every product category. It's held twice yearly in Guangzhou.
Register early and secure your buyer badge, book a hotel near Pazhou, plan which categories to visit with specific requirements, and create a shortlist of booths to visit each day. Expect to walk 10-15 km daily.
The real value is in post-fair follow-up: review supplier profiles, request samples, conduct factory audits, continue negotiations via WeChat or email, and filter suppliers based on quality and responsiveness.