Canton Fair : A Buyer’s Guide That Actually Helps

What Exactly Is the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair (officially the China Import and Export Fair) is held twice a year in Guangzhou — Spring and Autumn. It’s massive: 25,000+ exhibitors, millions of products, and three different phases spread across weeks.

Why it matters:

• It’s where you can shake hands with real manufacturers (not just chat with a sales rep online).
• You can see and touch samples right away instead of waiting weeks.
• It’s a one-stop shop for spotting trends and negotiating pricing.

Official info & registration: Canton Fair Website

How Do I Register and Get a Visa?

This is one of the top questions we see. Here’s the short version:

• Register online first through the official Buyer Service page.
• You’ll need your passport details and company info. Upload a business card — they really do check.
• For many countries, you’ll also need an invitation letter from the fair to apply for a business visa. You can request it directly during registration.

When you arrive in Guangzhou, bring your passport and confirmation. The registration desks at the Pazhou Complex are open, but the queues are long.  If you can: Sign up to pick up your badge at designated hotel listed on the official site instead — way faster.

The Three Phases (and Why They Matter)

Don’t just show up at the wrong time. The fair is split into three phases, and each covers different products. Broadly speaking:

• Phase 1: Electronics, lighting, machinery, tools, building materials.
• Phase 2: Household goods, gifts, décor, furniture.
• Phase 3: Textiles, clothing, shoes, food, medical, office supplies.

Check the official exhibitor list & schedule to see where your product falls. Trust us, wandering into Phase 1 when you need apparel is a brutal waste of a day.

How to Prepare (Before You Step Into That Maze)

This is where first-timers often trip up. My suggestions:

• Do your homework. Use the online exhibitor list to shortlist suppliers. Go in knowing who you must see.
• Contact suppliers ahead of time. Send a quick “See you at Booth X” email. Saves you from cold introductions.
• Get your questions ready. Don’t just ask for a price list. Think: certifications, MOQs, lead times, payment terms, quality control.
• Book hotels early. Rooms near the Pazhou Complex sell out fast and prices jump.

And — wear good shoes. You’ll definitely be blowing past the daily recommended step count of 10K.

Tips for Surviving the Fair

• Plan your route. Use the hall maps, mark your priority booths, and don’t try to cover everything in one day.
• Bring snacks and water. Food lines are long, and overpriced.
• Write everything down. After 50 booths, all pens look the same. Take notes and photos.
• Use translation help. Many booths speak English, but not all. Apps or a local translator can save a deal.
• Don’t skip breaks. A quick coffee in Hall B is worth more than squeezing in one extra booth when you’re half-dead.

How to Tell If a Supplier Is Legit

Not every shiny booth equals a reliable partner. Watch for:

• Business licenses and certifications. ISO, CE, whatever applies to your product.
• Export history. Ask which countries they already sell to.
• Samples. Always check quality on the spot.
• Factory visits. If you’re serious, schedule one. It says a lot more than brochures do.

Some suppliers are trading companies, some are direct manufacturers. Neither is “bad,” but know what you’re dealing with. Traders can offer variety; factories usually offer better control.

What Does It Cost to Attend?

• Flights & visa: depends where you’re flying in from.
• Hotels: closer = pricier. If you’re okay commuting, you can save.
• Meals: budget more than street food; Canton Fair weeks drive prices up.
• Samples: many are free, but if you want them shipped, you’ll pay.

On top of that, think about local transport and payments:

• The fair connects directly to Metro Line 8, Pazhou Station, which drops you right at the exhibition center. If your hotel is near Line 8, commuting is painless.
• Taxis in China are relatively affordable compared to most major cities, and there are always plenty near the fairgrounds.
• For daily convenience, set up Alipay (or WeChat Pay) before you arrive. It works for almost everything — metro, buses, taxis, meals inside the fair, even coffee. You’ll save time and avoid fumbling with cash.

All told, costs add up, but compared to the price of making sourcing mistakes online, the trip is still cheap insurance.

Is It Worth Going?

In our view: yes. Even with all the online sourcing tools today, the Canton Fair still wins on three fronts:

1. Trust. You can look someone in the eye and know if they’re serious.
2. Speed. Samples in hand in minutes, not weeks.
3. Discovery. You’ll stumble across products you’d never find browsing Alibaba.

That said, if you’re only placing tiny trial orders, maybe it’s not worth the flight. But if you’re building long-term supply chains, there’s no substitute.

Quick FAQ

Here are some common questions when going to Canton Fair.

Do I really need an invitation letter?

If your country requires a business visa, yes. Otherwise, you can still attend with a valid badge.

Is it a tourist visa or a business visa?

Tourist visas sometimes work, but officially, the fair recommends a business visa. Play it safe.

How many days should I plan?

At least 3–4 full days per phase you care about. More if you plan factory visits around Guangzhou.

Can I register on site?

Yes, but the line is painful. Register online first and pick up your badge at the hotel counters or at the fair site.

Final Word

The Canton Fair isn’t perfect — it’s crowded, exhausting, and sometimes chaotic. But if you’re in procurement, it’s still one of the smartest investments of your year. Go prepared, stay organized, and you’ll walk away with not just suppliers but ideas that can shape your business.

And if you’re sourcing seriously? Bring a sourcing agent or partner who knows the ropes. It makes a world of difference.

See you in Guangzhou!