Introduction

Canton Fair, full name China Import and Export Commodities Fair, is a large-scale and time-honored international trade event organized by China in Guangzhou. The Canton Fair is held twice a year, in spring and fall, and attracts companies and buyers from all over the world.

The main goal of the Canton Fair is to promote domestic and international trade cooperation and economic development. It provides an efficient platform for suppliers and buyers to come into contact with each other, negotiate cooperation, and establish long-term stable business relationships.

The historical development of the Canton Fair

The history of the China Import and Export Fair can be traced back to 1957. It is one of the earliest and largest comprehensive international trade exhibitions in China. The first Canton Fair was held in Guangzhou on April 25, with 122 exhibitors from 13 countries.

Later, the Canton Fair carried out a series of reforms and innovative measures to improve the quality and efficiency of the exhibition. Reforms include increasing the number of buyers, optimizing booth layout, and improving service quality.

The history of the Canton Fair has witnessed the rapid development of China's economic reform and the vigorous development of foreign trade since its reform and opening up. Through years of accumulation and improvement, the Canton Fair has become an important platform connecting Chinese enterprises and the global market, attracting exhibitors and buyers from all over the world, and promoting international trade cooperation and exchanges.

Why the Canton Fair is the largest trade fair in the world？

There are two sessions at the Canton Fair every year. Each session has about 15,500 booths and an exhibition area of 1.95 million square meters. It is one of the largest trade exhibitions in the world. Exhibitors come from all over the world, and the products and services on display cover almost all industries. This makes the Canton Fair a platform that concentrates supply and demand and makes the best use of materials.

And it attracts a large number of international buyers and suppliers to participate in the exhibition, making the Canton Fair highly internationalized. By participating in the Canton Fair, companies can establish connections with buyers and suppliers from all over the world, expand overseas markets, and explore new business opportunities.

The significance of the 2023 Canton Fair

Due to the outbreak of the epidemic, the 127th Canton Fair in the spring of 2020, originally planned to be held in April, was postponed and eventually canceled. Autumn exhibitions have also been affected to varying degrees, including reducing the size of the exhibition or taking the form of online exhibitions.

Due to travel restrictions and epidemic prevention and control measures, many overseas exhibitors and buyers are unable to participate in the Canton Fair. To cope with the challenges brought by the epidemic, the Canton Fair has actively promoted digital transformation and carried out online exhibitions and procurement activities. Through virtual exhibitions, online negotiations, and video conferences, exhibitors and buyers can communicate and discuss cooperation online.

This year is the third year of the epidemic, and the Canton Fair can finally meet everyone through offline meetings. As of now, the 134th Canton Fair is scheduled to open on October 15, 2023, and end in early November.

Both customers and business people can gain huge benefits by participating in the Canton Fair. Here are 6 reasons why you should attend the 134th Canton Fair.

Dates and exhibitor categories of the 134th Canton Fair

• The first phase: October 15-19, 2023

The first phase: electronic consumer goods and information products, household appliances, lighting products, general machinery and mechanical basic parts, power and electrical equipment, processing machinery and equipment, engineering machinery, agricultural machinery, electronic and electrical products, hardware, and tools.

• Second phase: October 23-27, 2023

The second phase: daily ceramics, household products, kitchenware, weaving and rattan crafts, garden supplies, home decorations, holiday supplies, gifts and premiums, glass crafts, craft ceramics, watches and clocks, glasses, construction and decorative materials, bathroom ware Equipment, furniture.

• The third phase: October 31-November 4, 2023

The third phase: home textiles, textile raw materials and fabrics, carpets and tapestries, fur, leather, down and products, clothing decorations and accessories, men's and women's clothing, underwear, sportswear, and casual wear, food, sports and travel leisure products, luggage, medicine and health care products and medical equipment, pet products, bathroom products, personal care appliances, office stationery, toys, children's clothing, maternity and infant products.

Some steps you need to prepare before attending the Canton Fair

How to get a Chinese visa？

China currently accepts all previously issued visas as long as they are still valid as of 2023. But if you have never been to China before and have not applied for a visa, according to China's current visa regulations, Canton Fair exhibitors must apply for a business visa.

The following are the conditions for a business visa:
（1）Passport: Hold a valid passport, which is usually valid for at least 6 months.
（2）Visa application form: Fill out the visa application form completely and accurately, and submit a recent 2-inch half-length, full-face, bareheaded photo.
（3）Invitation letter: Provide an invitation letter to the Canton Fair, including detailed business activity arrangements, inviting unit information, and your personal information.
（4）Company documents: Submit documents from the employer company or business partner, such as copies of business licenses, business registration certificates, tax registration certificates, etc.
（5）Personal information: Provide your personal information, including resume, job certificate, work contract, etc.
After your visa is approved, please remember to bring your passport and visa when you go to China to visit the Canton Fair.

How to register and sign up to participate in the Canton Fair？

Overseas buyers of the Canton Fair must apply for a "Purchaser Certificate" when entering the venue to visit and negotiate.

To make it smoother and more convenient for you to enter the museum and participate in the conference, it is recommended that overseas buyers "pre-register (pre-application for certificates) and apply for certificates remotely in advance"! It is recommended that you apply for a buyer's certificate at remote check-in points such as the airport, hotel, or Hong Kong office before arriving at the Canton Fair exhibition hall, or pre-register in advance to apply for a buyer's certificate and obtain a receipt! Avoid waiting in long queues at the exhibition hall to apply for a permit!

In addition, new and replacement purchaser certificates are free of charge. If you lose or forget to bring the purchaser certificate, you need to pay a service fee of RMB 200 per certificate.

Make arrangements for hotels participating in the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is held at the Pazhou Convention and Exhibition Center. There are many hotels to choose from nearby, ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels. Due to the large number of attendees, be sure to book your hotel well in advance of the show to ensure you have suitable accommodation.

Here are some luxury hotel recommendations:
（1）Langham Place Guangzhou 
Hotel phone: +86-20-89163388
The hotel is only a 2-minute walk from the Canton Fair Complex. It has stylish and luxurious guest rooms and suites, ranging in size from 42 square meters to 260 square meters. The stylish and spacious guest rooms are fully equipped. 

To meet the health and wellness needs of guests, the hotel has excellent and complete fitness and leisure facilities, including a spa center, fitness room, indoor heated swimming pool, etc. Room prices start at approximately $254 per night.

（2）Guangzhou Poly InterContinental Hotel
Hotel phone: +86-20-89228888
Guangzhou Poly InterContinental Hotel is about 2.5 kilometers away from the China Import and Export Fair Complex, making travel convenient. The hotel has spacious rooms with river or city views, 5 restaurants and bars, an indoor heated swimming pool, and an outdoor poolside platform with views of the Pearl River. Room prices start at approximately $340 per night.

（3）Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou
Hotel phone: +86-20-89178888
The hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the Canton Fair Complex. It is located on Pazhou Island in Haizhu District and in the center of the city's new business district. It takes about half an hour to drive to Chimelong Paradise, a large theme amusement park. Room rates start at $188 per night.

（4）Hilton Grand Vacations Guangzhou
Hotel phone: +86-20-28332888
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Guangzhou is located in the heart of the Central Business District, about 3 kilometers from the exhibition center, and features comfortable guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. The hotel also has a lobby tea lounge, casual dining, fresh seafood, local delicacies, etc. Room rates start at $192 per night.

Here is a more economical option：
（1）Guangzhou St. Lazarus International Apartment
This apartment is located about 1.5 kilometers from Canton Fairgrounds, and prices start at $61 per night.

（2）South Shore Apartments
This apartment is located about 3 kilometers from Canton Fairgrounds, and prices start at $35 per night.

（3）Park Hotel
This hotel is located about 4 kilometers from Canton Fairgrounds, and prices start at 71 USD per night.

（4）Flag High Hotel
This hotel is located approximately 4 kilometers from Canton Fairgrounds, and prices start at $62 per night.

（5）East Gate Apartment
This apartment is located about 3.4 kilometers from Canton Fairgrounds, and prices start at $53 per night.

These hotels may fluctuate in price according to the specific arrangements of the Canton Fair, and it is best to check the prices on the official website before you choose a hotel. These hotels may fluctuate in price according to the specific arrangements of the Canton Fair, and it is best to check the prices on the official website before you choose a hotel. It is best to book two or three weeks before you come to the Canton Fair, otherwise, the rooms may be sold out because they are more sought after.

What should I bring to the Canton Fair？

（1）Business cards and contact information: Prepare a sufficient number of business cards and make sure they contain your name, title, company name, and contact information.

（2）Purchase List and Statement of Requirements: Bring your purchase list and a detailed description of your product requirements to communicate your specific needs and requirements to the supplier.

（3）Tablet: to record important information, view suppliers' product literature, or communicate online.

（4）Budget and Payment Methods: Bring your budget plan and defined payment methods to make accurate decisions during negotiations and closing.

（5）Comfortable Shoes and Appropriate Clothing: The Canton Fair is usually a long walk to booths and business negotiations, so it is very important to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.

（6）Chargers and adapters: Make sure you bring the necessary chargers and adapters for your cell phone, laptop, and other devices to prevent battery drain.

（7）Personal belongings: In addition to items needed for business, please also remember to bring personal items needed for daily life, such as water bottles, snacks, medications, etc.

Transportation routes to Canton Fair

By Taxi: Taxi is a convenient and economical way to get to Pazhou Exhibition Center. Cabs are conveniently located in Guangzhou and you can tell the cab driver to take you to the Canton Fair "Canton Fair" or the Guangzhou "Pazhou Complex".

By Metro: Pazhou Exhibition Center is close to several metro stations, use your phone app to check the metro line from the airport you landed at to the Canton Fair.

By Shuttle: The Canton Fair offers free shuttles to and from many locations in Guangzhou, including major hotels and transportation hubs.

By Limousine: For a more comfortable and convenient option, you can rent a local limousine to use as a convenient means of transportation to and from the Fair during these days.

Calculate the exact distance from your hotel to the Canton Fair, you can leave earlier, because traffic jams may occur during the Canton Fair.

Learn about the 134th Canton Fair Official App

Use the Official Canton Fair App: The Canton Fair has an official app that you can use to find exhibitors and product booths. The app carefully verifies each source to ensure your shopping is safe and easy. Managing your product questions and purchase requests is easy with this app.

Be sure to download the app and familiarize yourself with its features before you leave.

How to maximize your Canton Fair experience？

Conduct preliminary research on exhibitors and products of interest

Before the Canton Fair, take some time to conduct preliminary research on exhibitors and products. Browse the official Canton Fair website, exhibitor directory, product catalogs, and other resources to learn more about exhibitors and their product features in each industry. This will help you identify the suppliers and products you are interested in and interact and negotiate with them in a more targeted manner during the fair.

Networking strategy and connecting with suppliers

Utilize tools such as the internet and social media to connect with suppliers you are interested in. Follow their official websites and social media accounts to learn about their latest products and information. Express your interest in cooperation to them in advance via email or online chat tools and make an appointment to meet at the Canton Fair. This will establish a connection in advance and lay the foundation for negotiation and cooperation during the fair.

Attend seminars, forums, and workshops to gain industry insights

Canton Fair usually organizes a variety of seminars, forums, and workshops where industry experts and leaders are invited to share their insights and experiences. Attending these events can help you gain insights into current industry trends, market movements, and cutting-edge technologies. At the same time, networking and discussing with other attendees expands your industry knowledge and builds a wider business network.

Make full use of the negotiation opportunities and close the deal

Canton Fair is a platform that gathers global suppliers and provides buyers with abundant purchasing opportunities. When negotiating with suppliers, it is important to make full use of the opportunities to learn about product characteristics, prices, delivery conditions, and other information. Present clear requirements and negotiate on cooperation details to reach a mutually beneficial transaction agreement. At the same time, remember to maintain fairness, transparency, and integrity in the negotiation process to ensure that both sides reach a win-win cooperative relationship.

It is important to keep an open mind during the Canton Fair and to have more exchanges and conversations with different suppliers. In addition to the objects of your initial research, it is possible to discover other potential partners and products. Take the initiative to talk to exhibitors during the fair, ask questions, get detailed information, and take notes on the products and suppliers you are interested in. This will help you to better evaluate and compare different options and make informed decisions in subsequent cooperation negotiations.

5 Benefits of participating in the Canton Fair

Diverse suppliers and products: Canton Fair is a large trade show that attracts suppliers from all over the world, and you can find a large number of suppliers from different countries and industries in one place. This provides you with a wealth of choices and allows you to easily compare the products, prices, and quality of different suppliers.

Explore new markets and trends: Canton Fair brings together professionals from a wide range of industries, from whom you can get the latest information on market dynamics, new technologies, and trends. This helps you understand the cutting edge of the industry, explore new market opportunities, and adapt to the fast-changing business environment.

Expand your business network: Canton Fair is an ideal platform to network with professionals in the industry. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to interact face-to-face with suppliers, buyers, industry experts, and potential partners. By expanding your business network, you can build partnerships, share experiences and resources, and discover new partners.

Find new products and innovative solutions: Canton Fair is a platform to showcase the latest products and innovative solutions. You can personally observe, test, and evaluate various products to understand their functions, quality, and applicability. This helps you discover new products or technologies to meet market demands and provide innovative solutions.

Business Negotiation and Transaction Opportunities: Canton Fair provides a platform for buyers and suppliers to directly conduct business negotiations and conclude transactions. You can communicate with suppliers face-to-face and have in-depth discussions on prices, delivery terms, cooperation details, and so on. This strengthens the cooperative relationship between both parties and ultimately leads to mutually beneficial business deals.

Explore local attractions and beautiful things to do after the meeting

Canton Fair is undoubtedly a very good platform, you can bring your family members with you when you come to attend Canton Fair, because after the meeting, Guangzhou is no less than a very beautiful city.

Here are some suggestions:

• Visit the Canton Tower

As one of the iconic landmarks in Guangzhou, the Canton Tower offers stunning views of the city. You can take a ride to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic vistas of Guangzhou's skyline.

• Explore Yuexiu Park

Located in the heart of the city, Yuexiu Park is the largest park in Guangzhou. It features beautiful gardens, historical landmarks like the Five Rams Statue, and a lake where you can rent paddleboats.

• Shop at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

This bustling pedestrian street is a shopaholic's paradise. You can find a wide variety of shops, boutiques, and traditional Chinese restaurants offering local delicacies.

• Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Known for its exquisite architecture and intricate wood carvings, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is now a folk art museum. It showcases traditional Cantonese crafts, including ceramics, paintings, and embroidery.

• Explore Shamian Island

Take a stroll along the tree-lined streets of Shamian Island, which was formerly a concession area during colonial times. The island's European-style buildings, lush gardens, and waterfront promenade provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

• Enjoy Dim Sum

Guangzhou is renowned for its delicious dim sum. Head to one of the local restaurants or teahouses and savor an array of steamed dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized delights.

• Visit the Guangdong Museum

If you're interested in history and culture, the Guangdong Museum is worth a visit. It showcases a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the rich heritage of the Guangdong region.

• Lychee Bay

Lai Chi Wan (i.e. Lai Chi Wan Chung) has typical Lingnan water town characteristics, full of rich Guangzhou Xiguan style. Xiguan was the name given to the area outside the west gate of Guangzhou during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was famous for its "Xiguan Big Houses" and "Lychee Bay" with "a bay of green water and two banks of lychee red" in the old days.

You can either stroll around or take a Lychee Bay cruise. Especially at night, the lights on both sides of the river are beautiful. Inside, there are small bridges and flowing water, a flavor of Jiangnan water town. On both sides of the river are ancient buildings full of Xiguan characteristics. There is a lot of food here, and many snacks are old.

• Guangzhou Wholesale Market

Guangzhou is one of the largest wholesale markets in China and has many famous wholesale markets. Clothing suppliers and brands from all over the country are gathered here, providing a rich selection of fashion, ready-to-wear, and fabric accessories.

What to do after the Canton Fair？

Organize and organize information: organize and archive various types of information collected during the Canton Fair, including exhibitor business cards, product catalogs, cooperation intentions, etc. Classify and archive this information for future reference and follow-up use.

Follow up on negotiation results: Follow up promptly based on negotiations and cooperation intentions with suppliers. Maintain communication with interested suppliers and further discuss cooperation details, prices, delivery conditions, etc. If necessary, video conferences or on-site inspections can be arranged to deeply understand and confirm the other party's strength and product quality.

Confirm orders and cooperation: Based on the negotiation results, discuss with suppliers to confirm order and cooperation details. Clarify important matters such as product specifications, quantity, price, delivery time, etc., and sign relevant contracts or agreements. Make sure both parties are clear about the specific terms and responsibilities of the partnership.

Establish supply chain management: Establish a supply chain management mechanism with suppliers, including more regular communication, production progress tracking, quality inspection, etc. Ensure timely understanding of product production and delivery status and supply chain management to deliver customer orders on time.

Prepare for the next exhibition: If necessary, start preparing for the next Canton Fair. Evaluate the effects and results of this exhibition, summarize experiences and lessons learned, and formulate goals and strategies for the next exhibition.

Conclusion

Import and export businessmen from more than 200 countries and regions around the world attended the exhibition and visited the booths of 25,000 exhibitors from all over China and overseas. 

This is a "must-visit" trade show for almost every businessman sourcing from China. If you already import from China and are looking for new Chinese suppliers or just want to start your import business, then this is the best show to attend.

I hope you can gain something from this guide and find your favorite partners at the Canton Fair. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.