Canton Fair: A Complete Guide In 2025

Navigating Canton Fair with zero GUIDE is like going straight into a pitch-black maze. You’ll get lost with 0 results. 

As a sourcing expert who helps THOUSANDS of businesses import from China. I made this article to HELP entrepreneurs like YOU utilize Canton Fair more. You source the cheapest products. Guaranteeing HIGHER profit ceilings for your business. 

Keep reading to EXPAND your brand through Canton Fair!

What is Canton Fair?

Canton Fair is the KING of all trade shows in the country. The COACHELLA of the business world! After all, it’s the largest and longest-standing trade fair in China. 

You attend it twice a year in Guangzhou City. The capital of Guangdong Province.

What makes this China import and export fair popular and special? 

The fair has THOUSANDS of exhibitors and overseas buyers worldwide. 

It has over 180,000 attendees yearly. Plus, you’ll find millions of FEATURE PRODUCTS on display. Making it one of the BIGGEST trade events worldwide.

When and where will the Canton Fair be held?

Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China. Located in the Guangdong Province.

The exact dates vary from year to year. However, this China import and export fair typically starts in spring and autumn.

Here are the specific dates of this year’s schedule. 

Take note of these dates. So you won’t miss out on the upcoming 133rd Canton Fair! 

Spring Schedule

Mid-April – Early May

• Phase 1: April 15 – 19, 2023
• Phase 2: April 23 – 27, 2023
• Phase 3: May 1 – 5, 2023

Autumn Schedule

Mid-October – Early November

• Phase 1: October 15 – 19, 2023
• Phase 2: October 23 – 27, 2023
• Phase 3: October 31 – November 4, 2023

The different sections of the Canton Fair

This event has THREE phases. Making it more MANAGEABLE to accommodate over 180,000 attendees yearly. 

Each section exhibits different product niches. Making the SHEER SIZE of this China import and export fair LESS overwhelming. 

You FOCUS more on your interest and your chosen industry.

Let’s go over each phase: 

Phase 1

Here’s the list of product categories showcased in this phase:

• Electronics Household Electrical Appliances
• Vehicles & Spare Parts
• Lighting Equipment
• Energy Resources
• Building Materials
• International Pavilion
• Hardware Tools
• Chemical Products 
• Machinery and Electronics

Phase 2

Here’s the list of product categories showcased in this phase:

• Home Decorations
• Consumer Goods
• Gifts and Toys

Phase 3

Here’s the list of product categories showcased in this phase:

• Health Products & Medical Devices
• Textiles & Garments
• Office Supplies
• Recreational Products
• Bags, Shoes & Cases
• Foods
• International Pavilion

Fun Fact: Each phase typically lasts for 5 days. And there are a few days’ breaks in between each phase. 

Should you go to the Canton Fair?

There are multiple reasons why attending the Canton Fair is worthwhile. Let me show you why going to this China import and export fair is a valuable investment. 

1. Source Products

Attending the Canton Fair is like GOING on a shopping spree. You’ll FIND an endless array of products to choose from worldwide. Giving you EASY access to thousands of sourcing opportunities. 

2. Meet Local and International Suppliers

Canton Fair allows you to MEET local and international suppliers. You’ll find suppliers from almost EVERY industry. 

Whether you specialize in health products or chemical products. Or you’re mostly interested in consumer goods. Finding potential suppliers at this fair will be a walk in the park.

3. Compare Products

Canton Fair is a budget-friendly fair. There are thousands of exhibitors showcasing their products. Giving you a chance to EXPLORE and compare their pricing. Finding the BEST DEALS is a piece of cake.

4. Find New Products

Canton Fair is a great place to DISCOVER the newest trends in your niche industry. GAIN valuable insights into the latest products. Never lose track of the trends and WIN more customers! 

What should you prepare to attend the Canton Fair?

Here’s the list of the things you should prepare before attending the Canton Fair. 

Chinese Visa

This is your golden ticket to the fair. Chinese Visa takes several WEEKS to process. So before hopping on to your plane. Make sure your documents are all processed. 

Pack Practical Stuff

Canton Fair is equivalent to the size of 280 football fields. That’s how massive the location is. So bring with you the comfiest shoes in your drawer. You need them if you want to roam around all day.

Bring Business Attire

You’ll find thousands of suppliers and business owners at the fair. Dressing appropriately saves you in the negotiation process. Giving them a POSITIVE impression. 

Money

This China import and export fair allows you to PURCHASE products on the spot. Just in case you see a must-have item. You won’t miss the chance to buy that product.

After Covid-19, what’s the difference in Canton Fair 2023

After years of Covid-19’s strict restrictions. The Canton Fair prepared major improvements. Thousands of exhibitors and buyers are IN for a ride this year! 

Bigger Venue 

This year, the CANTON FAIR has more room than ever! 

Its ground space expanded to a WHOPPING 1.5 million square meters. A huge leap from the usual 1.15 million square meters. Over 30,000 exhibitors will join the event. Making it the ultimate all-in-one tradeshow for overseas buyers. 

New Product Categories

This China import and export fair accommodates exhibitors for more categories. Some of the BEST ones are: 

• Intelligent manufacturing

One of the MAIN HIGHLIGHTS and gifts of this China import and export fair! This category focuses on robots, AR glasses, and OTHER mind blowing smart devices. Tech buyers have PLENTY of options to choose from! 

• New energy and smart vehicles 

Witness unmanned vehicles and pure electric vehicles. Along with ENERGY-EFFICIENT spare parts for these consumer goods. The event exhibits the BEST never-been-seen-before renditions of energy-saving vehicles. 

• Easier Visa Applications 

Many foreign exhibitors have SPECIAL INVITATIONS. Allowing them to apply for a visa from any Chinese consulate or embassy in no time. Holders of the virtual APEX Business Travel Cards may also receive visas for FREE. No time-consuming processes! 

How to attend Canton Fair and where to stay in 2023?

Mark your international trading calendar. It’s time to hop on one of the BIGGEST trade events worldwide. Just follow this guide. And you’ll be ONE flight away from this China import and export fair!  

3 Hotels to Stay in 

I tried over 10 hotels within 1 hour of the commute from the fair’s venue.

Based on the price, service, and convenience. I shortlisted the best 3 hotels for overseas buyers and exhibitors. 

#1: Westin Pazhou

This hotel’s the CLOSEST to the Canton Fair. It’s a walking distance away. Less energy to reach the event. No transportation fees and no need to rent vehicles. Making it the BEST hotel to stay in if you want to access the event’s consumer goods easily.

The downside?

Expect to pay a fortune. 

My dinner cost me OVER 60 bucks. And beverages are almost $10. 

#2: HeeFun Apartment Hotel 

This one’s MORE budget-friendly but still close to the event venue. This hotel has a washing machine. Allowing YOU to enjoy the fair for days or weeks on limited clothing. 

It sits RIGHT ON TOP of a food plaza. So, your tummy will always have enough energy to walk through the fair! 

$3: Shangri-La Hotel 

This hotel offers over 700 rooms for solo travelers and families. Matched with high-speed Internet access all day long. It’s only 300 meters away from the Canton Fair. Making it another great energy-saving hotel. Perfect resting place after a long time of sourcing consumer goods. ‘

It also houses health products and facilities. Including a heated indoor pool, 24/7 gym and rooftop tennis courts. Medical devices are also available anytime for your MAXIMUM health assurance. 

Final Verdict: Stay at the HeeFun Apartment Hotel 

This hotel got a PERFECT BALANCE of budget and comfort. It’s very close to the fair. But it’s still an AFFORDABLE OPTION. In comparison to other hotels in this list. 

How to get the Chinese Visa for Canton Fair?

Getting a Chinese Visa for Canton Fair is not rocket science. It’s easy and only takes several steps. 

But before you dive into the steps below… 

Know if your country has a visa-free policy from China

Most Western countries allow their citizens to TRAVEL to China visa-free. However, the huge global share of countries requires visas. So, check the list of countries your passport allows you to enter visa-free. And follow the steps below if China isn’t part of your list.

Steps to get a Chinese Visa for the Canton Fair:

Step 1: Prepare your documents

Let’s say you’re applying for a business (M) visa. My most-recommended visa type for fair. 

Its required documents are as follows:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Passport photo 
• An invitation form from the Canton Fair

Note: Some people apply for a tourist visa only. You won’t need to show Canton Fair’s invitation form in this case. 

After preparing all of these papers… 

Step 2: Visit a Chinese consulate or embassy

These offices must PROCESS your documents. It’s not possible to apply for a Chinese Visa online. 

“What if there’s no Chinese consulate or embassy near me? 

Just email your documents to the office’s address. 

Step 3: Pay the visa fee

The amount DEPENDS on your country or consulate/embassy. Check your chosen office’s website or ask them in person to figure out your total fee. 

Step 4: Collect your visa

After waiting for days or weeks. Simply collect your visa in person or by mail. 

Tips you should know when going to Canton Fair

I’ve seen THOUSANDS of people visit Canton Fair unprepared. Costing them hundreds of wasted bucks and HOURS of wasted time. 

I want you to avoid these scenarios. So, keep these 3 tips in mind when going to this China import and export fair

Tip 1: Pre-register before the fair

Registering for the fair beforehand is FREE. However, signing up during the actual event costs $20. So, signing up for the Canton Fair before D-Day is always BETTER money-wise! 

You should also bring:

• One photo of your passport
• Your badge Canton Fair badge registration (paper copy).

After all, you’ll spend an additional $5 to print these out at the event. Plus, extra waiting time. 

Tip 2: Know the products you want before the fair 

From hardware tools and chemical products to household electrical appliances. This China import and export fair literally houses almost every product category. 

So, visiting each one is BORDERLINE IMPOSSIBLE. Unless you got some superhero gifts hidden at your shoe sole. 

Research the products YOU need beforehand. This way, it’ll be much easier and more convenient to FOCUS on the goods that matter to your business. 

Tip 3: Compile a set of questions for your suppliers 

The BEST way to compare suppliers is to KNOW how their services differ. So, prepare at least 10 questions you MUST KNOW from the manufacturer. 

Some examples are:

• Do you require MOQ for your products?
• Do you drop ship products? 
• How long is the lead time usually? 
• Do you ship to (country and city’s name)? 
• What are the product specifications? 

FAQs about Canton Fair

What’s Next

Canton Fair is one of the MOST notable events in the international trading calendar. Luckily, you now know everything to SUCCESSFULLY source products in this event. 

If you need help exporting your China import and export fair goods… 

Contact LeelineSourcing. We make sure your products are in their BEST state. Then, ship them straight to your doorstep for the BEST rates.