How to Attend the Canton Fair 2025: Ultimate Guide for Buyers

Source from axtongl.com

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What is Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a comprehensive international trading event with the longest history. The fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, during the spring and autumn seasons, usually during April/May and October/November.

It is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the government of Guangdong Province, and organized by China Foreign Trade Centre.

Source from cantonfair.org

Where is China Canton Fair Held?

Source from cantonfair.net

China Canton Fair is held in Canton fair complex, also known as Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, is located on Pazhou Island in the Guangzhou.

It covers a total construction area of 1,100,000 square meters with the indoor exhibition area of 338,000 square meters and the outdoor exhibition area of 43,600 square meters. The complex is divided into three main sections: the exhibition halls, the convention center, and the business center.

Address: 380, Yuejiang Zhong Lu Road. Hai Zhu. Guangzhou City, China.

When is Canton Fair 2024?

Canton Fair 2024 is divided into spring session and autumn session, check out the following table to learn more:

3 Phases of Canton Fair China

The Canton Fair is divided into three phases, with each phase focusing on different industries.

Canton Fair Phase 1 (Spring and Autumn sessions):

• Consumer electronics and information products
• Electronic and electrical products
• Household electrical appliances
• Lighting equipment
• Industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing
• Vehicles and Spare parts
• Hardware and tools
• Building Materials
• Chemical Products
• Energy Resources

Canton Fair Phase 2 (Spring and Autumn sessions):

• Sanitary and bathroom equipment
• Furniture
• Household items
• Decoration materials
• Gifts
• Festival products
• Home decorations
• Gardening products
• Outdoor spa facilities

Canton Fair Phase 3 (Spring and Autumn sessions):

• Home textiles
• Men's, women's, and children’s clothingPersonal care appliances
• Bathroom products
• Office supplies
• Sports and tourism leisure products
• Medicines, medical devices and health products
• Pet products

How to Attend the Canton Fair?

To attend the China Canton Fair, you need the following:

• Invitation from the Canton Fair (or Chinese company)
• Chinese visa
• Registration and Buyer badge

The fair's invitation can help you get both the visa and the badge.

How to Register and Get a Buyer Badge for Canton Fair?

The procedures for applying for a buyer badge may differ based on whether you're first-time buyer or regular buyer. Here is a registration proccess chart:

Source from cantonfair.net

First-time Buyer

Registering at the fair will cost you 200 RMB or about 30 USD. Registering in advance will save you this service fee.

Additionally, note that when you register online in advance, you receive an official invitation letter. This invitation is helpful when applying for a business visa to enter China for the Canton Fair.

• 1. The first step is to visit the official website of Canton Fair and click on the "Buyers" section
• 2. Click on the "Register" button and fill in the required details like your name, email address, contact number, and company information.
• 3. After registration, you will receive a verification email. Click on the link provided in the email to verify your account.
• 4. Once your account is verified, log in to your account and click on the "Apply for Buyer Badge" option. Fill in the required details and submit the application.
• 5. Get your Buyer badge. The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for multiple sessions and lasts for several years.

For more information, please check out the related article for more detailed procedures.

Regular Buyer

For regular buyers, the procedure is very easy:

• 1. Go to the website of the Canton Fair and sign in using your current account.
• 2. Check whether your account details are current. If necessary, request a new invitation letter or revise the one you have.
• 3. Access the Canton Fair directly using your badge. Once you have it, it's valid for future sessions, so make sure to keep it secure.

However, if you misplace or lose your badge, a replacement will cost 200 RMB (approximately $30 USD). You'll also need to adhere to the standard process to get a Buyer’s badge, either at the Canton Fair Complex or at the specified Registration Offices in hotels.

How to Apply for the Canton Fair Invitation?

As previously stated, possessing an invitation letter is crucial. This letter allows international buyers to:

• 1. Apply for a Chinese visa(the final decision rests with the Chinese Embassy in your home country).
• 2. Obtain a unique badge that grants free access to the Canton Fair via the Registration Express Channel.

To accquire the invitation letter, you need to:

• By BEST (Buyer E-Service Tool)
• By contacting Canton Fair Call Centre, China Foreign Trade Centre
• By contacting the Economic & Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Embassy (The Economic & Commercial Section of the Consulate General) of P.R. China in your region
• By contacting Overseas cooperative organizations of China Foreign Trade Centre
• By contacting Canton Fair Hong Kong Representative Office - (852)28771318

For more info, check the ariticle for more specific detial!

How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Canton Fair 2024?

The expenses of attending the Canton Fair can vary based on your mode of travel, hotel choices, and registration methods.

Usually, online registration for the Canton Fair is free. However, if you opt for on-site registration at the fair, you will be charged a fee of 200 RMB or around 30 USD.

Travel cost include flight tickets, local transportation, and accomodation during your time at the Canton Fair. These expenses can vary based on your locations and the type of hotels you select, with prices ranging from 20 USD to several hundred dollars per night. Moreover, costs can vary based on the season.

In conclusion, it is difficult to provide a precise eastimte of the cost to attend the Canton Fair due to these varying factors. Nevertheless, we advise that you arrange your travel, accomodations, and registration ahead of time to ensure a smooth business trip.

✨If you're curious about how to stay connected in China, learn more about SIM card, eSIM, and pocket Wi-Fi

Canton Fair Transportation Guide

Transportation from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Canton Fair

1. Taxi

The most convenient option is to take a taxi directly from the airport to the Canton Fair. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and costs around 120-150 RMB.

2. Metro

Guangzhou's metro system is also a viable option. From the airport, you can take Line 3 to Kecun Station, then transfer to Line 8 and get off at Pazhou Station, which is close to the Canton Fair. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 7 RMB.

3. Airport Express Bus

The Airport Express Bus Line 10 can take you directly to the Canton Fair complex. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs around 25 RMB.

4. Private Car Service

For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, you can book a private car service. The cost varies depending on the car type and service provider, but it usually ranges from 200-300 RMB.

Transportation from Hong Kong to Canton Fair

1. Direct Flight

The quickest way to travel from Hong Kong to Canton Fair is by direct flight. The average travel time from Hong Kong airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is about 1 hour. The average cost is around 1000-1500 CNY.

2. Train

The high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou South Railway Station takes about 1-2 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or metro to the Canton Fair. The average cost for the train ticket is around 200-300 CNY.

3. Bus

There are direct buses from Hong Kong to Guangzhou which take about 3-4 hours. The average cost is around 100-200 CNY.

4. Ferry

You can also take a ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The journey takes about 2 hours. The average cost is around 200-300 CNY.

✨If you're curious about China high-speed trains, check the following article to learn more:

Where to stay at Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair is located at the Pazhou Exhibition Center. There are many hotels nearby, offering a range of choices from budget-friendly to high-end options.

To get your Buyer’s Badge easily, check the official Canton Fair website for a list of confirmed hotels with Overseas Buyers’ Registration Offices.

1. The Westin Pazhou: This hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and a restaurant. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair complex.

2. Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a health club, outdoor tennis court, full-service spa, and several restaurants. It's located just a kilometer away from the Canton Fair.

3. Langham Place Guangzhou: This hotel offers a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several dining options. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several restaurants. It's located just a few minutes drive from the Canton Fair.

5. Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou: This hotel features a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and several dining options. It's located just a short drive from the Canton Fair.

6. eStay Residence: The hotel is situated on the south bank of the Pearl River within easy reach of the Pazhou exhibition center. This Guangzhou hotel rooms are spacious, with bay-windows showing off the Guangzhou skylines, and are equipped with all the standard amenities.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several restaurants. It's located just a few kilometers away from the Canton Fair.

8. Aloft Guangzhou University Park: This hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, and a restaurant. It's located a short drive from the Canton Fair.

9. Quzhi Hippoly World Trade Apartment: The hotel provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair complex.

10. Yicheng Holiday Apartment: The hotel provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. It also offers a pleasant stay in Guangzhou for those traveling for business or leisure. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair complex.