The China Import and Export Fair — universally known as the Canton Fair (广交会) — is the world’s largest trade fair, held twice annually in Guangzhou in April–May (Spring Fair) and October–November (Autumn Fair). With over 25,000 exhibitors and 200,000 buyers attending each session, it’s the single most comprehensive sourcing event in global manufacturing.
For business visitors, the Canton Fair is often the primary reason for visiting China. For general travellers, understanding the fair context explains Guangzhou’s extraordinary import/export infrastructure and the broader Pearl River Delta manufacturing ecosystem.
The Three Phases
Each Canton Fair session is divided into three phases of 5 days each (total 15 exhibition days):
Phase 1 (Days 1–5): Electronics, electrical appliances, lighting equipment, vehicles and accessories, machinery
Phase 2 (Days 6–10): Consumer goods (toys, home decorations, holiday supplies, gifts and premiums, personal care products)
Phase 3 (Days 11–15): Textiles, apparel, footwear, office supplies, cases and bags, medical devices and health products
Buyers typically attend the phases relevant to their sourcing categories. Exhibitors are present only during their phase.
Registration
Buyer registration: Free for international trade buyers. Register online at en.cantonfair.org.cn with a business email and company details.
Trade buyer credentials: Confirm you’re a legitimate business buyer (B2B only — not retail consumers). The fair is for trade professionals.
Buyer pass: Electronic pass sent after registration. Present at the registration desk at Pazhou Complex (琶洲展馆) on arrival for physical badge issuance.
No registration on arrival: Registration must be completed in advance. The deadline is typically 2 weeks before each phase.
Practical Fair Logistics
Location: China Import and Export Fair Complex (中国进出口商品交易会展馆), Pazhou Island (琶洲), Guangzhou. Metro Line 8, Pazhou station.
Scale: Three main exhibition halls (A, B, C) plus ancillary buildings — 1.1 million sq metres of exhibit space. Allow multiple days for thorough coverage.
Navigation: Download the Canton Fair official app (available before travel) for floor maps, exhibitor search, and appointment booking.
Appointment booking: Major exhibitors offer pre-booked meetings through the app — book 1–2 weeks in advance for peak-demand exhibitors.
Hours: 9am–6pm during fair days.
Accommodation
Hotels within 5km of the Pazhou complex (Guangzhou Marriott Tianhe, Four Points by Sheraton, Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre) are booked months in advance for fair periods. Book 3–4 months ahead.
Budget alternative: Hotels in the Tianhe CBD (3 metro stops from Pazhou) maintain availability longer and are 30–40% cheaper than fair-perimeter hotels.
Pricing during Canton Fair: All Guangzhou hotel prices increase 40–100% during the fair. This is a significant budget consideration.
Combining with Guangzhou Tourism
The Canton Fair’s 5-day phase structure makes it natural to combine a 2-day Guangzhou tourism extension. Guangzhou deserves 2 days for its food scene alone — dim sum culture, Cantonese cuisine, and the extraordinary wholesale food markets around Qingping Market are world-class.
Also see: Guangzhou Old City Guide | Shenzhen Modern City Guide | Pearl River Delta Guide