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Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)
The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is renowned as "China's largest trade fair." It has been held twice a year, in the spring and autumn, in Guangzhou since the spring of 1957. The fair is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, and is managed by the China Foreign Trade Centre.
The Canton Fair is the largest international trade event in terms of scale, variety of exhibits, geographical distribution of overseas buyers, and transaction volume. In the new year, the 2026 Canton Fair will be held as scheduled. More than 25,000 exhibitors and approximately 200,000 buyers will gather at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. During or after the fair, we recommend you take some time to visit the Guangzhou LIUHUA Clothing Wholesale Market to add more enjoyment to your business trip.
Canton Fair Dates and Schedule
The Canton Fair is held twice a year, in the spring and autumn, specifically in April and October. During the exhibition period, the fair is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends.
The 3 phases of the Canton Fair
Phase 1
Household appliances, consumer electronics and information products, electronic and electrical products, lighting equipment, new energy, new materials and chemical products, hardware, tools, machining equipment, power and electrical equipment, general machinery and mechanical parts, industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, new energy vehicles and intelligent mobility, motorcycles, bicycles, automotive parts, vehicles.
Phase 2
Building and decorative materials, sanitary and bathroom equipment, furniture, kitchen and tableware, daily-use ceramics, household goods, clocks and optical instruments, gifts and promotional items, festive products, home decorations, art ceramics, glass art, gardening products, woven, rattan and wrought iron products, iron and stone ornaments, and outdoor spa facilities.
Phase 3
Personal care products, bathroom supplies, pharmaceuticals, health products and medical devices, pet supplies, maternity and baby products, toys, children's clothing, men's and women's clothing, sportswear and casual wear, underwear, fur, leather, down and related products, clothing accessories and fittings, home textiles, textile raw materials and fabrics, carpets and tapestries, footwear, office supplies, bags and luggage, sports and leisure products, food, rural revitalization.
Four preparatory steps before participating in the Canton Fair
The process for foreigners to participate in the Canton Fair mainly consists of four core steps: pre-registration, applying for an invitation letter, applying for a visa, and obtaining a buyer's badge. The following is a detailed guide based on the latest official information:
1. Pre-registration (Mandatory)
All new and existing overseas buyers must complete pre-registration in advance; this is a prerequisite for attending the event.
- Pre-registration method (choose one of three):
- Canton Fair official website buyer service system: Visit buyer.cantonfair.org.cn, register or log in to your account, and complete the registration process on the system's homepage.
- Canton Fair App: Scan the official QR code to download the app. After logging in to your "Personal Center," click on "Buyer's Badge" and select the exhibition period you will be attending.
- Email (for existing buyers only): If you receive a pre-registration email from the official email address (cantonfair@newsletter.cantonfair.org.cn or cantonfair@newsedm.cantonfair.org.cn), simply click the exhibition period button in the email to complete the process.
2. Applying for an Invitation Letter
The invitation letter is an important document for applying for a Chinese visa.
Application Method:
Existing Buyers: Log in to the buyer service system on the official website, click [Invitation Letter] - [My Invitation Letters] in the left-hand menu, then click [Apply for Invitation Letter] and confirm the information.
New Buyers: Log in to the buyer service system on the official website, first click [Canton Fair Documents] - [Overseas Buyer Certificate], complete the information and submit the application, and check the box for [Generate Invitation Letter simultaneously]. The number of invitation letter applications is limited, so please ensure the information is accurate.
Obtaining the Invitation Letter: After successful application, you can view, download, or print the invitation letter on the "My Invitation Letters" page.
3. Applying for a Chinese Visa
Choose the appropriate visa application method based on your personal circumstances:
- Regular method: Apply for an entry visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad with your Canton Fair invitation letter, passport, and other required documents.
- Port Visa (Visa on Arrival): For foreign businesspeople who do not have enough time to obtain a visa abroad, China provides temporary port visa services at designated ports in Guangzhou. You can apply directly at the following ports:
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Pazhou Port (for passengers from Hong Kong and Macau)
- Nansha Port
Please note that port visa policies may change depending on the situation. It is recommended to confirm the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad or the port border inspection department before traveling.
4. Obtaining a Canton Fair Buyer's Badge
The buyer's badge is the only credential for entering the exhibition hall, and it is free of charge.
- Required materials:
Original valid identification document (foreign passport, Hong Kong and Macau Residents' Entry and Exit Permit to Mainland China, Taiwan Residents' Entry and Exit Permit to Mainland China).
Business card.
Pre-registration receipt (generated by the system or app).
- Application locations (choose one):
Remote registration points (recommended, saves time): Upon arrival in Guangzhou, you can go to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou South Railway Station, Pazhou Hong Kong and Macau Passenger Terminal, or one of the 60 designated partner hotels to apply directly. Some hotels offer nighttime service.
Exhibition hall registration point: Located inside the China Import and Export Fair Complex.
- Application process:
Self-service application: Scan your identification document at the self-service registration machine. After system verification, the buyer's badge will be automatically printed.
Counter application: First, go to the document verification counter to have your information verified. After verification, go to the registration counter to print your badge.
Summary of the process: Complete pre-registration → Apply for and download the invitation letter → Apply for a Chinese visa (or choose a port visa) → Bring the required materials to a remote/exhibition hall registration point to collect your buyer's badge → Enter the exhibition with your badge.
What we can offer
Liuhuamall.com also provides the following services to make your visit to the Canton Fair easy and convenient:
2. Payment Collection and Settlement
5. Bank Account Opening for Foreigners
6. Translation Machine Rental
Canton Fair Address
China Import and Export Fair Complex (No. 382, Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China)
Transportation Guide
Taxi
Taxis are an important part of Guangzhou's public transportation system, offering convenience and speed. They can be hailed on the street and fares are metered.
Note: Taxis are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the designated taxi pick-up points on Exhibition Road in Zone A and the pick-up point on the east side of the exhibition hall in Zone C. Picking up or dropping off passengers on other roads is not permitted.
Metro
You can take Metro Line 8 to the Canton Fair Complex. From Xin'gang East Station (Exit A), you can reach Zone A of the Canton Fair Complex. From Pazhou Station (Exits A and B), you can reach Zone B of the Canton Fair Complex. From Pazhou Station (Exit C), walk 300 meters west to reach Zone C of the Canton Fair Complex.
Route: Airport North/South Station --- Pazhou Station
Line 3 (North Extension) Airport North Station (Terminal 2)/Airport South Station (Terminal 1) - Tiyu Xilu Station (transfer to Line 3) - Kecun Station (transfer to Line 8) - Xin'gang East Station (Canton Fair Complex Zone A)/Pazhou Station (Canton Fair Complex Zones B and C)
Route: From Train Stations to the Canton Fair Complex
From Guangzhou Railway Station: Take Metro Line 2 (towards Guangzhou South Station) to Changgang Station, transfer to Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei Station), and get off at Xin'gang East Station (Exit A for Zone A) or Pazhou Station (for Zones B or C).
From Guangzhou East Railway Station: Take Metro Line 3 (towards Panyu Square Station) to Kecun Station, transfer to Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei Station), and get off at Xin'gang East Station (Exit A for Zone A) or Pazhou Station (for Zones B or C).
From Guangzhou South Railway Station: Take Metro Line 2 (towards Jiahe Wanggang Station) to Changgang Station, transfer to Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei Station), and get off at Xin'gang East Station (for Zone A) or Pazhou Station (for Zones B and C).
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