Welcome to your comprehensive roadmap for attending the 138th Canton Fair—the world’s largest trade exhibition and your gateway to China’s manufacturing excellence. Whether you’re sourcing office furniture, commercial solutions, or hospitality products, this guide will ensure your first Canton Fair experience is productive, efficient, and successful.
Understanding the Canton Fair: What First-Time Visitors Must Know
The China Import and Export Fair, universally known as the Canton Fair, has connected global buyers with Chinese manufacturers for over six decades. Held twice annually in Guangzhou, this massive trade event spans three distinct phases, welcomes 200,000+ international buyers, and showcases 60,000+ exhibition booths across 1.18 million square meters of exhibition space.
Why the Canton Fair Matters for Your Business:
The fair provides unparalleled direct access to manufacturers, eliminating trading company intermediaries and enabling cost-effective sourcing. You’ll discover emerging product innovations, negotiate directly with factory representatives, verify supplier capabilities through face-to-face interactions, and establish relationships supporting long-term business growth. For first-time attendees, the fair offers concentrated supplier evaluation impossible to achieve through months of independent research.
138th Canton Fair Schedule & Product Categories
Phase Distribution for Strategic Planning:
Phase 1: April 15-19, 2025
Focus: Electronics, machinery, vehicles, hardware, tools, building materials
Ideal for: Technology buyers, industrial procurement, construction suppliers
Phase 2: April 23-27, 2025 (PRIMARY PHASE FOR FURNITURE BUYERS)
Focus: Consumer goods, gifts, home décor, ceramics, kitchenware, garden products, furniture
Ideal for: Home goods importers, hospitality buyers, office furniture procurement, interior designers
Phase 3: May 1-5, 2025
Focus: Textiles, apparel, footwear, luggage, office supplies, leisure products, food, medical devices
Ideal for: Fashion buyers, textile importers, office supply distributors
For furniture and commercial space solutions, Phase 2 is your essential target. Office furniture, hotel furniture, contract furniture, and commercial seating manufacturers concentrate their exhibitions during this phase.
Venue Location & Navigation
Exhibition Complex Address:
China Import and Export Fair Complex
No. 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District
Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
Complex Layout Understanding:
The venue comprises three connected zones—Area A, Area B, and Area C—spanning 1.18 million square meters. Each area contains multiple halls numbered sequentially. Furniture exhibitions typically occupy Halls 9.1-11.3 in Area B and Area C.
Essential Navigation Tips:
- Download the official Canton Fair mobile app before arrival
- Screenshot hall maps highlighting your target exhibitor locations
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll cover 10-15 kilometers daily
- Bring portable phone chargers; you’ll use mapping and translation apps extensively
- Allow 20-30 minutes for transit between different areas
Registration & Badge Collection: Step-by-Step Process
Pre-Arrival Registration (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED):
Complete online registration at the official Canton Fair website 2-4 weeks before the event. You’ll need:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
- Business license or company registration certificate
- Corporate email address
- Business card showing your company and position
Badge Collection Options:
- Airport Registration Counter (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)
- Advantage: Collect badge immediately upon landing
- Location: Arrival Hall, International Terminal
- Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Designated Hotel Counters (40+ participating hotels)
- Advantage: Convenient if staying at participating properties
- Available: Evening before fair opening through fair duration
- Exhibition Complex Registration Hall
- Advantage: No pre-registration required (but longer wait times)
- Location: Entrance of Area A
- Expect 30-90 minute queues during peak morning hours
Badge Validity: Your Canton Fair buyer badge remains valid for all future editions—keep it secure for future use.
Transportation: Getting to the Fair Efficiently
From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport:
Metro (Most Reliable – 60 minutes):
- Board Airport Express Line 3 at Airport South Station
- Transfer at Tiyu Xilu Station to Line 1 (Direction: Xilang)
- Transfer at Gongyuanqian Station to Line 2 (Direction: Guangzhou South)
- Transfer at Changgang Station to Line 8
- Alight at Pazhou Station (Area B/C) or Xingang East Station (Area A)
Taxi (Fastest – 40 minutes, ¥150-200):
Direct taxi to “Canton Fair Complex – Pazhou” (广交会展馆-琶洲). Show drivers the Chinese characters to avoid confusion. Morning rush hours (8-9 AM) may extend travel time to 70 minutes.
From Guangzhou Railway Stations:
Guangzhou South Railway Station (High-speed rail hub):
- Metro Line 2 (Jiahe Wanggang direction) to Changgang
- Transfer to Line 8, alight at Pazhou or Xingang East
- Total journey: 45 minutes
Guangzhou East Railway Station:
- Metro Line 3 (Panyu Square direction) to Kecun
- Transfer to Line 8, alight at Pazhou or Xingang East
- Total journey: 35 minutes
Daily Fair Commute Strategies:
Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid exhibition hall congestion and secure productive morning meetings. Most serious buyers arrive 8:30-9:00 AM when exhibitors are fresh and attentive. Afternoons (2-4 PM) experience lower traffic if you prefer quieter evaluation environments. Fridays see reduced attendance as the fair concludes.
Essential Items to Bring
Documentation:
- Passport (carry original; leave in hotel safe when not traveling)
- Multiple business cards (200+ recommended; Chinese-English bilingual cards ideal)
- Company brochures or catalogs (if representing retail/distribution)
- Buyer registration confirmation (digital and printed copies)
Technology:
- Smartphone with translation app (WeChat, Google Translate)
- Portable battery pack (20,000+ mAh capacity recommended)
- International adapter for charging (Type A/I plugs used in China)
- Digital camera or high-quality smartphone for product photography
Practical Items:
- Comfortable walking shoes (absolutely essential)
- Lightweight backpack or messenger bag for materials
- Reusable water bottle (refill stations available throughout venue)
- Notepad and pens for quick notes
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
First-Timer Navigation Strategy
Day 1 – Reconnaissance Mission:
Your first day should emphasize broad exploration over immediate commitments. Walk target exhibition halls systematically, photographing promising booths and collecting basic information. Note booth numbers and exhibitor names without engaging in lengthy discussions. This overview enables informed supplier comparison before making selection decisions.
Evaluation Priorities:
Observe booth presentation quality—professional displays indicate established operations. Check product sample variety and quality presentation. Assess English communication capabilities of booth staff. Request basic catalogs and price lists for later detailed review. Avoid making purchasing commitments on Day 1.
Day 2-3 – Focused Engagement:
Return to shortlisted suppliers with specific questions and detailed requirement discussions. Request factory visit opportunities for serious prospects. Negotiate preliminary terms including pricing, MOQs, payment terms, and delivery schedules. Collect comprehensive samples when possible.
Day 4 – Follow-Up and Discovery:
Revisit top candidates for final clarifications. Explore additional halls discovering suppliers missed during initial reconnaissance. Attend any scheduled factory visits in the Guangzhou area. Consolidate business cards and organize collected materials for post-fair follow-up.
Cultural Considerations & Business Etiquette
Relationship Building (Guanxi):
Chinese business culture emphasizes relationship development before transactional discussions. Invest time in personal conversation; ask about company history, manufacturing capabilities, and export experience. Accept offered tea or refreshments—declining can appear disrespectful. Business often begins with casual conversation before commercial details.
Negotiation Approaches:
Chinese suppliers expect negotiation but respond poorly to aggressive tactics. Express interest in long-term relationships rather than one-time purchases. Avoid excessive price pressure that may compromise quality. Emphasize potential for growing business volume as relationships develop. Respect face-saving communication—avoid direct confrontation or public criticism.
Business Card Exchange:
Present and receive business cards with both hands as a sign of respect. Take a moment to read received cards before placing them in a card holder (never pocket immediately). Never write on someone’s business card in their presence. Bring cards with Chinese translations on the reverse when possible.
Accommodation Recommendations for First-Timers
Hotels Near Exhibition Complex (10-15 minutes):
These properties offer convenient access, though premium pricing during fair periods. Expect ¥800-2000/night during the fair (300-500% above normal rates). Book 4-6 weeks in advance for best availability.
Recommended Hotel Zone:
- Pazhou area (walking distance to Area B/C)
- Haizhu District near Metro Line 8 stations
- Canton Fair-designated hotels with registration counters
Budget Alternative:
Consider hotels along Metro Line 8 corridor (Kecun, Chigang, Zhongda stations) offering ¥400-800/night rates with 20-25 minute metro commutes.
Health, Safety & Practical Tips
Health Preparations:
China requires no specific vaccinations for most international visitors. Bring prescription medications in original containers with doctor’s notes. Guangzhou’s spring climate (April-May) features 20-28°C temperatures with occasional rain—pack light layers and compact umbrellas.
Food & Dining:
Exhibition complex contains numerous restaurants, cafeterias, and international food chains. Expect ¥50-100 per meal within the venue. Surrounding Pazhou area offers diverse restaurants at ¥30-80 per meal. Download Dianping app (Chinese Yelp) for restaurant recommendations and reviews.
Money & Payments:
ATMs throughout the complex accept international cards (check fee structures). Many exhibitors accept USD or EUR for deposits. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate China but require Chinese bank accounts or complex tourist setup. Carry sufficient cash (Chinese Yuan) for daily expenses.
Internet Access:
Free WiFi available throughout exhibition complex. VPN recommended for accessing Google, Facebook, and Western email services (China’s internet restrictions block many foreign sites). Purchase local SIM card at airport for reliable mobile data (¥100-150 for 10GB, 7-day validity).
Post-Fair Follow-Up Strategy
Immediate Actions (Within 48 Hours):
Email all promising suppliers confirming meeting discussions and next steps. Request formal quotations incorporating discussed specifications and commercial terms. Organize business cards into categorized groups (high priority, potential, declined).
Quality Verification:
Request factory visit opportunities for serious prospects (within 1-2 weeks post-fair). Engage third-party inspection services for production verification. Evaluate received samples thoroughly before placing orders.
Relationship Maintenance:
Maintain regular communication even when not actively purchasing. Chinese suppliers prioritize long-term relationships over one-time transactions. Respond promptly to supplier inquiries and sample submissions.
Your First Canton Fair Success Checklist
Four Weeks Before:
- Complete online registration
- Book accommodation
- Arrange visa (if required)
- Research target exhibitors using online directory
- Prepare business cards and company materials
One Week Before:
- Download Canton Fair app and translation apps
- Screenshot important maps and directions
- Confirm hotel reservations
- Prepare detailed requirement specifications
- Pack all essential items listed above
During Fair:
- Collect badge efficiently
- Execute reconnaissance strategy Day 1
- Focus on shortlisted suppliers Days 2-3
- Request factory visit opportunities
- Photograph products and collect comprehensive materials
- Maintain organized notes for each potential supplier
Post-Fair:
- Follow up with all prospects within 48 hours
- Request formal quotations
- Schedule factory visits for serious prospects
- Evaluate samples and proposals systematically
- Make informed supplier selections
Final Words of Encouragement
Your first Canton Fair will feel overwhelming—this is normal. The exhibition’s sheer scale, language barriers, and cultural differences create natural challenges. However, thousands of first-time buyers successfully navigate these complexities annually, establishing supplier relationships that transform their businesses.
Approach the fair strategically rather than attempting comprehensive coverage. Focus on your specific product categories and target requirements. Quality supplier relationships matter far more than booth quantity visited. Take notes, stay organized, and remember that the Canton Fair represents relationship beginnings rather than one-time transactions.
Welcome to the Canton Fair community—your journey into global sourcing excellence begins here!
