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Canton Fair: A Complete Guide in 2023

History of Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a bi-annual trade fair held in Guangzhou, China. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive trade fairs in the world, featuring thousands of exhibitors from various industries and countries.


The first Canton Fair was held in 1957 and was initially known as the Chinese Export Commodities Fair. The aim of the fair was to promote China’s export trade and boost its economy by connecting Chinese manufacturers with international buyers.


In the early years, the fair was only open to foreign buyers, but in 1964 it was opened up to Chinese companies as well. Since then, the fair has grown in size and scope, with more than 25,000 exhibitors from over 200 countries and regions attending each year.


Over the years, the Canton Fair has become a significant platform for international trade and has played an essential role in promoting China’s export-oriented economy. The fair has helped to introduce many Chinese companies to the international market and has facilitated numerous trade deals and partnerships.

Today, the Canton Fair continues to be an important event for businesses around the world, providing a platform for companies to showcase their products, meet potential customers and partners, and learn about the latest trends and developments in their industries.

The importance of Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the largest and most comprehensive trade fairs in the world. Its importance lies in its ability to connect Chinese manufacturers with international buyers and to facilitate trade deals and partnerships between businesses from around the world.

Promoting China’s export trade

The fair was initially established to promote China’s export trade and boost its economy. By connecting Chinese manufacturers with international buyers, the fair has helped to introduce many Chinese companies to the global market and has played an essential role in expanding China’s export-oriented economy.

Showcasing new products and technologies

The Canton Fair provides a platform for businesses to showcase their latest products and technologies. This allows companies to gain valuable exposure and feedback from potential customers and partners, and to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in their industries.

Facilitating trade deals and partnerships

The fair provides a forum for businesses to meet and connect with potential customers and partners from around the world. This helps to facilitate trade deals and partnerships between businesses and to promote international cooperation and exchange.

Supporting global economic growth

The Canton Fair is an important driver of global economic growth. By promoting trade and cooperation between businesses from different countries and regions, the fair helps to create new opportunities and drive economic development around the world.

Main Products Categories in Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, features a wide range of products from various industries. Here are some of the major product categories that are typically represented at the fair.

Electronics and home appliances

This category includes products such as televisions, computers, smartphones, refrigerators, washing machines, and other household appliances.

Building materials and hardware

This category includes products such as construction materials, plumbing fixtures, power tools, and other hardware and building supplies.

Textiles and garments

This category includes products such as clothing, shoes, bags, and other textile products.

Vehicles and machinery

This category includes products such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and various types of machinery.

Consumer goods

This category includes products such as toys, gifts, and home decor items.

Medical and healthcare products

This category includes products such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare equipment.

Food and agricultural products

This category includes products such as fresh and processed foods, beverages, and agricultural products.

These are just a few examples of the many product categories that are represented at the Canton Fair. The fair provides a platform for businesses from various industries to showcase their products, connect with potential customers and partners, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in their industries.

Where will Canton Fair Take Place

The Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou, China. Specifically, it is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, also known as the Pazhou Complex, which is located in the Haizhu District of Guangzhou.

The complex is situated near the Pearl River, and it has a total exhibition area of over 1.1 million square meters, making it one of the largest exhibition centers in Asia. The Canton Fair is held twice a year, in spring and autumn, and it attracts thousands of exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.

How to apply booth at Canton Fair

Booth assignments at the Canton Fair are typically handled by the fair’s organizing committee, which is responsible for managing the layout of the exhibition halls and allocating booth space to exhibitors.
Here’s a general overview of the process for assigning booths at the Canton Fair

Exhibitor registration

Businesses that wish to participate in the fair must first register as exhibitors and provide information about their products, company size, and other relevant details.

Booth allocation

Once registration is complete, the organizing committee will review the information provided by each exhibitor and determine the appropriate booth size and location based on factors such as the type of product being exhibited and the exhibitor’s level of experience.

Booth confirmation

Once the booth assignments have been made, the organizing committee will notify each exhibitor of their booth location and provide them with a confirmation letter. The exhibitor will then need to pay the booth fees and other associated costs to secure their space.

Booth set-up

On the day of the fair, exhibitors will be allowed to set up their booths and prepare their products for display.

It’s important to note that the booth allocation process can be highly competitive, as there are typically many businesses vying for limited booth space. To increase the chances of securing a desirable booth location, exhibitors should register early, provide detailed information about their products and company, and demonstrate a strong track record of success in their industry.

Toptrade Sourcing as the leading trading company will also attend the Canton Fair, our booth number is 14.3 H06-07. We do hope to have an opportunity to meet you in Canton. And of course, if there is anything we could do for you in applying Visa, airport pickup, or hotel reservation, please contact us freely. We will do it for you.

How to attend Canton Fair

The Canton fair is approaching now. If you are interested in attending the Canton Fair, here are the steps you can follow.

Register for an account on the Canton Fair website.

Get an invitation letter

First of all, apply for an invitation letter. You will need this letter to obtain a Chinese visa to enter China. You can apply for the invitation letter on the Canton Fair website. As I mentioned before, we at Toptrade sourcing company could help you with that. Just contact us freely.

Once you have obtained your invitation letter and visa, you can book your travel and accommodations. Guangzhou has many hotels and transportation options to choose from.


Register to attend the Canton Fair on the Canton Fair website. You will need to provide your personal and company information.

plan your visit by reviewing the schedule

Before attending the fair, plan your visit by reviewing the schedule and exhibitor list on the Canton Fair website. This will help you make the most of your time at the fair.


At the fair, be prepared to meet new suppliers and learn about new products. Bring a notebook and business cards to exchange with potential partners.

Attending the Canton Fair can be a great way to source new products and meet new suppliers. With proper planning, you can make the most of your visit and potentially grow your business.

Transportation suggestion to go to Canton fair

Guangzhou has several transportation options to get to the Canton Fair. Here are a few suggestions

Metro

Guangzhou has an extensive metro system, and Line 8 has a dedicated stop for the Canton Fair. Take Line 8 to Pazhou Station, and follow the signs to the fair.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Guangzhou and can be a convenient way to get to the fair. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak fair hours.

Bus

There are several bus routes that go to the Canton Fair complex. Check the Canton Fair website or local transportation maps for bus routes and schedules.

Shuttle Bus

The Canton Fair also provides free shuttle buses from several major hotels in Guangzhou to the fair. Check with your hotel to see if they offer this service.

Hotel Booking Suggestion Before Attending Canton Fair

Attending Canton Fair is busy working. So it had better arrange the things in advance. Hotel reservations will be an important part of it. If you’re planning to attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou and need to book a hotel, here are some steps you can follow.

Research hotels near the Canton Fair Complex

Research hotels near the Canton Fair Complex. The Canton Fair website provides a list of recommended hotels, but you can also use other online travel platforms to find options that suit your needs and budget.

Check for availability during the dates of the fair

Hotels near the Canton Fair tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as early as possible to ensure you get a room.
Compare prices and amenities. Look for hotels that offer free shuttle service to the fair, as this can save you time and transportation costs. Also, consider amenities such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, and proximity to local attractions.

Make a reservation

Once you have found a hotel that suits your needs, make a reservation online or by phone. Be sure to confirm the dates of your stay, the room type, and the total cost before making the reservation.

Consider travel insurance

It’s a good idea to consider purchasing travel insurance in case you need to cancel your reservation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Booking a hotel near the Canton Fair can be a bit challenging due to the high demand, so it’s important to plan ahead and book early to ensure availability and get the best possible rates. If you are the first time to attend Canton Fair and want to resave time and be more efficient, you could contact us to arrange things for you.

Three Phases of Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is divided into three phases, and each phase is further divided into different product categories. The booth distribution for each phase and product category is arranged as follows.

Phase 1

Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances
Lighting Equipment
Vehicles & Spare Parts
Machinery
Hardware & Tools
Energy + Resources
Chemical Products
Building Materials
International Pavilion

Phase 2

Consumer Goods
Gifts
Home Decorations
Textiles & Garments
Shoes
Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products
Food & Native Produce
International Pavilion

Phase 3

Textiles & Garments
Shoes
Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products
Medicines, Medical Devices and Health Products
Food & Native Produce
International Pavilion
The booths for each product category are distributed across different halls in the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The Canton Fair website provides a detailed map of the complex and the distribution of booths for each phase and product category. Toptrade sourcing will be in 2nd phase welcome to our booth.

The time assignments for each phase of the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is held twice a year, in the spring and autumn, and it is divided into three phases, each with a different focus. The time assignments for each phase of the Canton Fair are as follows.

Phase 1

Dates: April 15th – 19th (5 days)
Time: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (April 15th – 18th)
9:30 am – 5:00 pm (April 19th)
Focus: Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances, Lighting Equipment, Vehicles & Spare Parts, Machinery, Hardware & Tools, Energy + Resources, Chemical Products, and Building Materials.

Phase 2

Dates: April 23rd – 27th (5 days)
Time: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (April 23rd – 26th)
9:30 am – 5:00 pm (April 27th)
Focus: Consumer Goods, Gifts, Home Decorations, Textiles & Garments, Shoes, Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products, and Food & Native Produce.

Phase 3

Dates: May 1st – 5th (5 days)
Time: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (May 1st – 4th)
9:30 am – 5:00 pm (May 5th)
Focus: Textiles & Garments, Shoes, Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products, Medicines, Medical Devices and Health Products, and Food & Native Produce.
It’s important to note that the dates and times for each phase of the Canton Fair may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s best to check the official Canton Fair website for the most up-to-date information. And arrange things in advance.

How to Source Reliable Suppliers in Canton Fair

There are many suppliers at Canton Fair. Sourcing reliable suppliers at the Canton Fair can be challenging, but here are some tips that may help.

Do your research before the fair

Use online resources, such as Alibaba or Global Sources, to identify potential suppliers and research their products and reputation.

Attend the pre-fair conference

This is an opportunity to learn about the fair and the companies that will be exhibiting. It can also be a good opportunity to network and meet other buyers.

Visit the exhibition early

The Canton Fair can be overwhelming, and many suppliers may be busy later in the fair. Visiting early can give you more time to talk to suppliers and find the right products.

Plan your visit strategically

Make a list of the products you’re interested in and the suppliers you want to meet. Prioritize your time and focus on the most important products and suppliers.

Ask for references

If you’re interested in a supplier’s products, ask for references from other buyers who have worked with them before. This can give you an idea of their reputation and reliability.

Check for certifications

Look for suppliers who have the necessary certifications, such as ISO or CE, for their products. This can be a sign of quality and reliability.

Negotiate payment terms

Be clear about your payment terms and negotiate with suppliers. It’s important to establish a payment schedule that works for both parties.

So you could sourcing reliable suppliers at the Canton Fair requires careful planning and research. By doing your homework before the fair and networking with other buyers and suppliers, you can increase your chances of finding the right products and suppliers for your business.

How to Follow Up a Successful Business Relationship with the Suppliers

Review your notes and organize your contacts

After the fair, it’s important to review your notes and organize the contacts you’ve made. Keep track of the suppliers you’re interested in and any product information or pricing they’ve provided.

Follow up with the suppliers

Reach out to the suppliers you’re interested in and continue the conversation. Ask for additional information, clarify any questions you may have, and establish a timeline for the next steps.

Request samples

If you’re interested in a supplier’s products, request samples to evaluate the quality and suitability of the products for your business. Make sure to clarify any costs or shipping details before requesting the samples.

Negotiate terms and place orders

If you’re satisfied with the products and pricing, negotiate payment terms and place an order with the supplier. Make sure to clarify any delivery dates, payment schedules, or other details before finalizing the agreement.

Maintain communication

Once you’ve established a business relationship with a supplier, it’s important to maintain regular communication to ensure a smooth and successful partnership. Keep in touch with your supplier, provide feedback on their products, and be responsive to any questions or concerns they may have.

By following up with suppliers and maintaining open communication, you can establish strong business relationships and ensure a successful partnership after the Canton Fair.

Besides Canton Yiwu is also a Good Place to Find Reliable Suppliers

Yiwu is a city located in Zhejiang Province, China and is known for its wholesale markets, particularly the Yiwu International Trade City. The city is home to thousands of suppliers, making it a popular destination for business owners looking for reliable suppliers. Here are some tips to help you find reliable suppliers in Yiwu.
The Yiwu International Trade City is the world’s largest wholesale market and is home to over 75,000 shops. Visiting this market will allow you to meet suppliers in person, see their products, and negotiate prices. You can also find representatives of Yiwu suppliers in other wholesale markets in China, such as in Guangzhou or Shenzhen.

So after the Canton fair, if you want to explore more markets and find more suppliers in China, maybe you could go to Zhejiang province to visit Yiwu. And the transportation is very convenient from Canton to Yiwu. The most convenient way to travel from Canton to Yiwu is by air.

There are several flights that operate daily from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Yiwu Airport. The flight takes approximately 2 hours. You can also travel from Guangzhou to Yiwu by train. There are several trains that operate daily from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Yiwu Railway Station. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours.


And you could contact us. We also have an office in Yiwu. It is very close to Yiwu international market. What is more, if you need, we could arrange airport pickup, hotel reservation and market guide service.

Published by
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