A comprehensive analysis of the 137th Canton Fair and a guide for overseas buyers

  Many foreign customers have heard of the 137th Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) , but still have many questions: “What exactly is the Canton Fair? How can I participate? How do I get to the venue? Where should I stay?” If you have similar confusion, then this article will provide you with a comprehensive Canton Fair exhibition guide to help you easily plan your itinerary, efficiently connect with high-quality suppliers, and smoothly start your China procurement journey!

* The information in this guide comes from the Internet, including the name of the Canton Fair , its establishment date, address , accommodation and transportation recommendations , etc.

Table of contents

1. Overview of the Canton Fair and the Value of Exhibiting
2. Exhibition Process
3. Canton Fair Transportation and Accommodation Guide
4. Convenient services for foreign customers
5. Combining online and offline exhibitions
6. Canton Fair Purchasing Guide for New Buyers
7. Practical weather guide and clothing suggestions

1、Overview of the Canton Fair and the Value of Exhibiting

Ⅰ. Canton Fair Introduction

The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, was founded in the spring of 1957 and is held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn. It is co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and hosted by the China Foreign Trade Center. It is China’s largest and most comprehensive international trade fair with the longest history, the most complete range of goods, the largest number of participating buyers with the widest distribution of countries and regions, the best transaction results and the best reputation.

    The 137th Canton Fair is scheduled to open on April 15, 2025

Phase 1: April 15-19, 2025;
Phase II: April 23-27, 2025;
Phase 3: May 1-5, 2025;
Extension period: April 20-22, April 28-30, 2025.
The online platform service period is half a year (March 16, 2025 to September 15, 2025).

Ⅱ. Exhibition Value

The 137th Canton Fair will continue to be divided into three phases. The first phase focuses on “advanced manufacturing”. Products will highlight new quality productivity and showcase the latest achievements in new energy, intelligent connected vehicles and other fields. A large number of high-end and intelligent products will be unveiled at the exhibition. The second and third phases will focus on “quality home” and “good life”. Products will highlight design innovation, green and low-carbon, and meet the personalized and customized needs of buyers. During the exhibition, more than 20 conferences and forums will be held, focusing on trade digitalization, key market analysis, industry innovation and development and other topics, providing exhibitors with economic and trade information and industry exchanges.

Exhibitors can reach more potential customers and partners through the Canton Fair, thereby expanding business channels and increasing sales opportunities. Secondly, the Canton Fair provides a stage for displaying corporate image and products, which helps to enhance the brand value and influence of enterprises. In addition, by communicating with experts and scholars in the same industry, enterprises can understand the latest industry dynamics and technological trends, providing strong support for the future development of enterprises.

2、Exhibition Process

Ⅰ. Exhibition conditions​

Ⅰ. Exhibitors must be companies legally registered in countries or regions outside mainland China in accordance with applicable laws, and must provide a copy of the company registration certificate (with company seal) or other valid certification documents.

Ⅱ. If the exhibitors submit relevant materials when registering and the conference confirms in writing, the exhibitors’ head office/subsidiary/joint venture partner/representative office and other companies that have a substantive legal relationship with the exhibitors may jointly participate in the exhibition, and must provide relevant certification documents and authorization materials.

Ⅳ. Exhibits must fall within the scope of the “Scope of Exhibits for the Canton Fair Import Exhibition”.

Ⅱ. Exhibition Process

1、Submit relevant qualification materials

Contact the organizer to submit qualification materials, including: a copy of the company registration certificate (business license), company and product introduction, overseas brand or trademark registration certificate, certificate of origin/overseas brand registration certificate/overseas brand affiliation certificate/exhibition authorization letter and other materials.

2、Submit application materials

After confirming the exhibition qualifications with the organizer or conference partner, sign and submit the application form, exhibition terms and conditions, and online exhibition responsibility letter with the company seal.

3、Payment

Exhibitors shall pay the full amount on time according to the Payment Notice issued by the organizer. The full payment of the enterprise is deemed to have finally obtained the qualification to participate in the exhibition, and the paid fees will not be refunded in principle.

4、Offline Exhibition

Ⅰ. EasyPass System Application
Submit online booth application through the EasyPass system. Companies participating in the exhibition for the first time need to register an EasyPass account.                                                  Ⅱ. Handle the transportation of exhibits
Contact the exhibit carrier recommended by the organizer to arrange for the transportation of exhibits.
Ⅲ. Visa
After obtaining the booth, download the exhibition invitation letter through the EasyPass system and go through the relevant visa procedures with the exhibition invitation letter.
Ⅳ. Set up
If the booth you book is a raw space booth, please contact the exhibition construction unit that has passed the Canton Fair special exhibition qualification certification to confirm the booth design plan.
The standard booths will be built by the organizer. If you need special modification, please contact the main contractor （cfedcip@cfedc.net） to apply for modification.                                 Ⅴ. Application for badges
Exhibitors can activate or apply for badges online through the EasyPass system. Three free badges can be applied for every 9 square meters of booth space. The time and location for on-site badge collection will be notified separately.

5、Online Exhibition

Ⅰ. Log in to the Canton Fair official website and upload your company and exhibit information.

Ⅱ. Visit The Help Center and familiarize yourself with the various functions of the Canton Fair online exhibition platform.

Ⅲ. After the event, log in to the online platform regularly to receive information and orders from buyers.

3、Canton Fair Transportation and Accommodation Guide

Ⅰ. Location of the Canton Fair Complex

Venue: No. 380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Guangzhou, China (No. 380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China)

Ⅱ. Recommended transportation

• By plane : Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main entry point, with direct airport buses available during the show .
• Metro : Take Guangzhou Metro Line 8 to Pazhou Station , exit from Xingangdong Station for Area A , exit from Pazhou Station for Area B and exit from Pazhou Station C for Area C. The entire journey takes about 1 hour.
• Taxi/Online taxi : You can use DiDi or traditional taxis. There is a special drop-off point at the Canton Fair. The fare is about RMB 150-160 and it takes about 1 hour.
• Official Shuttle Bus : During the Canton Fair, free shuttle buses are provided in the city and recommended hotels .

Ⅲ. Accommodation recommendations

Recommended accommodation booking apps:

Trip.com ( International version of Ctrip )
Agoda
Booking.com
Airbnb

Accommodation recommendations:

High-end hotel (near the exhibition hall) :

• Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou – high-end business experience, close to the exhibition hall.
• InterContinental Guangzhou – suitable for high-level business negotiations.

Cost-effective hotel :

• Hampton by Hilton Guangzhou Zhujiang New Town – convenient transportation, suitable for business travelers.
• Guangzhou Lavande Hotel – economical and comfortable environment.

Featured Accommodation :

• A boutique B&B in Taikoo Wharf/Tianhe District, experience local culture and modern urban life.

Accommodation suggestions:

Ⅰ. It is recommended to book at least 1-2 months in advance , as hotel rooms are in short supply during the Canton Fair.

Ⅱ. Choose a hotel close to the exhibition hall or along the subway line , such as Tianhe District, Zhujiang New Town or Pazhou.

Ⅲ. Pay attention to whether the hotel provides a shuttle bus exclusively for the Canton Fair . Some hotels will provide free shuttle service.

Ⅳ. Additional items

Ⅰ. Business Cards: Quickly Establish Professional Connections

At the Canton Fair, you will meet many Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers. Business cards are the most convenient and professional way to share your business information and are suitable for establishing long-term cooperative relationships.

Ⅱ. Notepad and pen: record key information

During the exhibition, you may need to write down key information such as manufacturer information, product specifications, quotations, etc.

Ⅲ. Comfortable shoes: walking around the exhibition hall without stress

The Canton Fair complex is vast, and walking is the main way to get around.

Ⅳ. Portable charger or power bank: Keep your device online

Carry a portable charger or power bank to ensure your devices are always charged

Ⅴ. Translation Apps: Barrier-free communication across languages

If you are not familiar with Chinese, it is recommended to download a translation application (such as Google Translate, iTranslate, Baidu Translate, etc.).

Ⅵ. Product information or samples: clearly express your needs

You can bring product pictures or physical samples to help suppliers understand your needs.

Ⅶ. Other suggestions :

* Pay attention to the weather forecast : adjust your clothing according to the weather conditions in Guangzhou and choose suitable clothing to avoid affecting your trip due to inappropriate clothing.

* Understand Chinese business culture : Mastering basic greetings and business etiquette can give suppliers a better impression of you and promote smooth negotiations.

* Ask key questions : Ask about the supplier’s quality standards, production capacity, delivery cycle , etc. to verify their professionalism and reliability and avoid subsequent transaction risks.

* Pay attention to different exhibition period arrangements : The Canton Fair is divided into multiple exhibition periods, and different exhibition periods display different categories of products. Make sure your visit time matches your purchasing needs.

4、Convenient services for foreign customers

Ⅰ. Visa suppor

Ⅰ. The Canton Fair can provide an official invitation letter (Invitation Letter for Business Visa) for applying for a Chinese M business visa .

How to apply:

* Apply online through the Canton Fair official website (https://www.cantonfair.org.cn)

* When applying, you need to provide passport information, company information, purpose of exhibition , etc.

* After approval, the invitation letter can be downloaded online or mailed

* Invitation letters are applicable to visa applications at Chinese embassies and consulates abroad , greatly improving the approval rate.

Ⅱ. Visa on Arrival Policy

* Business visitors from some countries may be able to apply for a visa on arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport . Please consult the local Chinese embassy or consulate in advance.

Ⅱ. Language support: barrier-free cross-language communication

Ⅰ.  Multilingual services at the exhibition site

* Officially supported languages : English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Korean, etc.

* Multi-language guidance & exhibition guide : The exhibition hall provides multi-language signs, exhibition maps and guide brochures to help international buyers quickly find their target exhibition areas.

* Customer service and translation service : The exhibition hall has an international buyer service center, which provides free language consultation and business translation recommendation .

Ⅱ. Professional business translation service (paid)

The Canton Fair’s cooperative translation agencies provide professional business translations , which can be booked in advance:

* Travel translation : suitable for business negotiations and booth communication.

* Conference interpretation : Applicable to procurement matchmaking meetings, contract negotiations, etc.

* Document translation : contracts, product information, quotations and other documents can be translated.

5、Combining online and offline exhibitions

The online platform will be open for half a year (March 16, 2025 – September 15, 2025). The exhibition themes of the online platform and the offline exhibition are consistent, and all themes are displayed simultaneously.

Ⅰ. Online exhibition platform 

* Browse the exhibitor catalog and view product information

* Make appointments online and contact suppliers in advance

* Watch the live broadcast of the exhibition and learn about the latest products remotely

Ⅱ. Offline exhibition experience

* You can experience the latest products, negotiate face-to-face, and try out samples on site , which will give you a more intuitive understanding of the supplier’s strength.

* Provide conference room booking and business matching services to improve procurement efficiency.

6、Canton Fair Purchasing Guide for New Buyers

Step 1: Develop a purchasing strategy and plan your route

At a large exhibition like the Canton Fair, blindly visiting the exhibition may waste a lot of time. Therefore, before leaving, it is recommended to browse the distribution map of the various exhibition areas of the Canton Fair .

Step 2: Take photos of the product and create audio records

With the supplier’s permission, take photos of the samples with your mobile phone and record the photos . Imagine you need to compare 20 similar products . How do you identify them?

Step 3: Organize supplier information and follow up

During the exhibition, you will come into contact with a large number of suppliers. It is very important to collect and organize their business cards and product information . The following is the key information to record:

✅ Product number : Make sure the supplier provides the product number so that you can confirm the details later.
✅ Free on Board (FOB) and Shipping Port : Understand the supplier’s shipping location to facilitate the calculation of freight.
✅ Product description : Descriptions may vary from supplier to supplier, so accurate records will help you find similar products later.
✅ Product size : Size will directly affect shipping and logistics costs, so be sure to record it in detail.
✅ Customization and branding solutions : If you need personalized customization (such as LOGO printing, engraving, etc.), please consult the supplier for optional options.
✅ Product Packaging : Ask the supplier if they offer custom packaging services , as packaging is crucial for the retail market.
✅ Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) : Suppliers may have different MOQ requirements, which can be negotiated later.
✅ Delivery time and payment method : Confirm the production cycle and communicate the payment terms before paying the deposit.

Step 4: Record salesperson information to ensure follow-up communication

During the coordination process, the salesperson you contact may play a key role in subsequent communications. Record the salesperson’s name, position, and contact information to ensure smooth communication after returning home.

Step 5: Be sure to request samples before placing an order

Sample review is a key step in the purchasing process that cannot be ignored . Before placing an order, please be sure to take product samples to check whether the ingredients, quality and workmanship meet your requirements.

• With these tips, your purchasing journey at the Canton Fair will be smoother! Start with confidence, accurately connect with suppliers, and get one step closer to being a professional buyer!

7、Practical weather guide and clothing suggestions

Weather Forecast:

According to Guangzhou’s climate characteristics, Guangzhou has entered the rainy season from mid-April to early May, with frequent rainfall and possible rainstorms. In terms of temperature, the average daytime temperature is usually between 20℃ and 25℃, but the humidity is high and it may feel stuffy.

Dressing Guide:

*Lightweight, breathable clothing: Due to moderate temperatures and high humidity, it is recommended to choose lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing, such as short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, and long pants made of cotton or linen.

*Carry rain gear: Considering the frequent rainfall, it is recommended to carry a folding umbrella or a lightweight waterproof jacket with you to cope with sudden rainfall.

*Anti-slip shoes: The road surface is slippery on rainy days, so choose shoes with good anti-slip performance, such as waterproof sports shoes or flat shoes, to ensure walking safety.

*Dress in layers: Although the daytime temperature is high, the indoor air conditioning may be cool, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or cardigan so that you can add or remove clothes according to the temperature changes.

*Sun protection measures: Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays can still be strong. It is recommended to use sunscreen and wear a hat or sunglasses to protect your skin from UV rays.

• During the Canton Fair, you should pay attention to the local weather forecast and take measures to prevent rain, sun and keep warm to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience.