Canton Fair: Visiting Tips & How to Source Products at the Best Prices

Not only is the Canton Fair an important trade event connecting China with the global market, but it also contributes significantly to tourism thanks to the large number of international visitors it attracts. For those passionate about shopping, sourcing quality products, or exploring new business opportunities, the Canton Fair in Guangzhou is an event not to be missed.

In the following article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Canton Fair — from featured product categories and how to register for a Canton Fair entry card, to essential visiting tips that will help you make the most out of your trip.

Many domestic and international visitors come to Guangzhou each year to attend the Canton Fair.

1. What is the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair Guangzhou, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest and longest-running international trade exhibition in China, first held in 1957. Known as “China’s gateway for global trade,” the event brings together tens of thousands of exhibitors and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from over 200 countries and territories.

1.1 Schedule

The Canton Fair takes place twice a year, in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November). Each session lasts about 15 days and is divided into three phases, each showcasing different product categories to help attendees find what they’re looking for more easily.

The 137th Canton Fair will be held from April 15 to May 5, 2025, in Guangzhou, divided into three phases by industry:

Phase 1 (April 15–19): Electronics, home appliances, building materials, machinery, automotive parts, hardware, and tools.
Phase 2 (April 23–27): Consumer goods, home décor, ceramics, bathroom equipment, furniture, gifts, handicrafts, and household items.
Phase 3 (May 1–5): Textiles, clothing, footwear, jewelry, fashion accessories, healthcare and personal care products, toys, children’s products, and pet supplies.

1.2 Venue

The fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex (China Import and Export Fair Complex), located at 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China. It is one of the world’s largest exhibition centers, covering 1.8 million square meters, with capacity for tens of thousands of booths.

The Canton Fair in Guangzhou is one of China’s largest and most important trade exhibitions.

2. What to Expect at the Canton Fair

The question “What’s at the Canton Fair?” is one of the most searched topics among businesses and individuals looking for cooperation and trading opportunities. When attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, you can:

Connect and expand business partnerships: The fair gathers hundreds of enterprises from around the world, giving you the chance to meet potential partners and establish long-term collaborations.
Discover new products and market trends: The event showcases the latest and most innovative products across various industries, helping you stay ahead of consumer trends and competitors.
Inspect products and negotiate deals: You can directly evaluate product quality, features, and performance at the booths, allowing you to make informed purchasing decisions and negotiate prices and terms efficiently.
Promote your brand and expand markets: The Canton Fair is also a golden opportunity for businesses to showcase products, strengthen brand awareness, and access new markets globally.
Enhance business knowledge and skills: Attendees can gain valuable insights into trade strategies, marketing techniques, and sustainable business development from industry experts and peers.

The Canton Fair is not only a place for businesses and customers to explore new opportunities but also an event where participants can broaden their knowledge and experience.

3. How to Register for the Canton Fair Entry Card

If you’re planning to attend the Canton Fair, registration is an essential step to gain access to the venue and participate in the activities. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to register quickly and easily:

Step 1: Create an Online AccountVisit the official website at www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US and create your personal account. Then, verify it through email or phone number to activate.
Step 2: Log In & Start RegistrationUse your newly created account to log in, then select “Exhibitor/Buyer Registration” to begin the registration process.
Step 3: Provide Personal and Company InformationFill in all required details such as personal data, company profile, business sector, and purpose of participation to complete your application form.
Step 4: Confirm & Make PaymentDouble-check all information and proceed with payment (if required). Some categories of attendees may be eligible for free registration — make sure to check the organizer’s policy carefully.
Step 5: Receive Your Canton Fair Entry CardAfter completing registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The entry card can either be printed in advance or collected at the registration desk on-site.

Note: Be sure to follow the official registration steps carefully to avoid issues upon arrival. Early registration is recommended to save time and prevent long queues at the venue. Regularly check the official website for updates on the registration process and requirements.

4. How to Get to the Canton Fair

4.1 Traveling to Guangzhou

With the rapid development of the aviation industry, traveling between countries has never been easier. Many airlines now operate direct flights to Guangzhou, including Vietjet.

Vietjet has expanded its flight network from Vietnam to Guangzhou with frequent daily flights, offering passengers flexible travel options. The flight duration is only about 2–3 hours, allowing visitors to save time and start their journey efficiently.

To make your trip even more cost-effective, don’t miss the chance to grab Vietjet’s 0 VND flight tickets available during the golden hours from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily. See details HERE.

Reference Airfares:

From Ho Chi Minh City to Guangzhou: From VND 890,000/ticket (excluding taxes and fees)
From Hanoi to Guangzhou: From VND 890,000/ticket (excluding taxes and fees)

4.2 Getting to the Canton Fair Venue

After landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, you can reach the Canton Fair Complex by the following means of transportation:

Taxi: The fastest and most convenient option. The distance from the airport to the venue is about 40 km, taking around 50 minutes. The taxi fare is approximately 2.6 RMB/km, totaling about 156 RMB (~25 USD). Note: an additional 50% surcharge may apply for distances beyond 35 km.
Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, special shuttle buses operate during the fair period from the airport to the exhibition center every 30 minutes between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs 25 RMB (~4 USD). However, schedules are fixed and only suitable for flights arriving during operating hours.
Metro: A convenient and economical choice to avoid traffic congestion. Take Line 3 from Jichang Nan Station (Airport South) to Tiyu Xi Station, then transfer to Line 8 at Kecun Station to Pazhou Station. Exit at Xingang Dong Station (Area A) or Pazhou Station (Areas B & C). Total travel time is about 1 hour, and the fare ranges from 2–14 RMB (≈ VND 6,800–47,600) depending on the distance.

5. Useful Tips for Visiting the Canton Fair

To ensure a smooth and productive experience at the Canton Fair, check out these essential tips from Vietjet:

Plan ahead: Clearly define your objectives, target product categories, and potential suppliers to maximize your time at the fair.
Prepare all documents and finances: Make sure to have a valid visa, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and bring both cash and bank cards.
Research the event: Learn about the fair’s schedule, exhibition phases, and featured industries in advance to avoid missing important opportunities.
Bring a list of questions: Prepare relevant questions to ask suppliers during discussions.
Negotiate smartly: Don’t hesitate to discuss prices, discounts, or order conditions to secure the best deal possible.
Language support: If you’re not fluent in Chinese or English, consider hiring an interpreter for smoother communication.
Transportation & communication: Use the metro or buses in Guangzhou to save costs. If you have heavy luggage or need faster travel, taxis are a better option. Also, carry small change or use Alipay and WeChat Pay for easy transactions.

Don’t miss the chance to grab Vietjet’s 0 VND flight tickets to make your upcoming trip to the Canton Fair even more affordable!

We hope this guide helps you better understand the Canton Fair and provides useful tips for your upcoming visit. For the latest updates on flight schedules, promotions, and special offers, follow Vietjet’s official channels today!