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How to Attend Canton Fair A Complete Guide for Trading

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How to Attend Canton Fair: A Complete Guide for Global Businesses

Canton Fair (officially China Import and Export Fair) is the world’s largest and longest-running trade fair, held biannually in Guangzhou, China. Since 1957, it has connected 210+ countries/regions, 200,000+ global buyers, and 70,000+ Chinese exporters—making it a must-attend event for businesses looking to expand into the Chinese market, source high-quality "Made in China" products, or showcase their brands to Asian and global audiences.
Whether you’re a buyer seeking reliable suppliers, an exporter aiming to attract international clients, or a service provider (like logistics or trade consulting), this guide breaks down how to attend Canton Fair step-by-step, plus pro tips to turn your participation into tangible business results.
Need Support? For end-to-end assistance—from pre-fair registration to on-site logistics (e.g., product shipping, booth setup coordination)—contact BETTERluck Shipping (Guangzhou) Limited:

  • WeChat/WhatsApp: +86-188 9840 3007

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1. First: Understand Canton Fair Basics (Save Time Later!)

Before registering, clarify key details to align your attendance with business goals:
Aspect
Key Information
Why It Matters
Schedule
Held twice yearly:  - Spring Session: April 15–19, 23–27, 30–May 4  - Autumn Session: October 15–19, 23–27, 30–November 3  Each session has 3 phases (different industries per phase).
Avoid missing your target industry (e.g., Phase 1: Electronics/Machinery; Phase 2: Home Decor/Gifts; Phase 3: Textiles/Apparel).
Venue
China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex), Guangzhou  Address: 380 Yuejiang Middle Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
Plan travel (flights to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport) and accommodation (near Pazhou for convenience).
Attendee Types
1. Buyers: Global importers, retailers, distributors seeking Chinese suppliers.  2. Exhibitors: Chinese exporters (manufacturers, trading companies) showcasing products.  3. Visitors: Industry professionals, researchers, or service providers (logistics, finance).
Choose the right registration path (buyer vs. exhibitor) to avoid delays.
Core Industries
Electronics, machinery, home goods, furniture, textiles, toys, hardware, medical devices, 新能源 (new energy), and more.
Focus on phases/ halls that match your business (e.g., tech buyers → Phase 1, Hall 1–10).

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Attend Canton Fair (Buyers & Exhibitors)

A. For Global Buyers: How to Register & Attend

Buyer registration is free (Canton Fair waives fees for international buyers) and 100% online. Follow these 5 steps:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Gather these to verify your business identity (Canton Fair strictly checks to ensure genuine trade intent):

  • Scanned copy of your business license (or company registration certificate) in English (if non-English, provide a certified translation).

  • Scanned copy of your passport (or national ID for non-passport holders).

  • Company business card (with your name, title, company address, and contact info).

  • Proof of trade intent (optional but recommended: e.g., past import/export invoices, purchase orders).

Step 2: Register on the Official Canton Fair Website

  1. Visit the official Canton Fair buyer portal: Canton Fair Buyer Registration (only use this official site—avoid third-party platforms to prevent scams).

  1. Click "New Registration" and fill in your details:

    • Company info (name, industry, annual trade volume).

    • Personal info (name, position, email, phone number).

    • Upload the required documents (ensure files are clear and under 5MB).

  1. Submit your application and wait for approval (typically 3–5 business days). You’ll receive an email with your Buyer ID once approved.

Step 3: Apply for Your Entry Badge

  • After approval, log back into the portal and apply for your "Canton Fair Entry Badge" (required for entry).

  • Choose badge pickup:

    1. On-site pickup: Collect at Pazhou Complex’s Buyer Service Center (bring your passport and approval email).

    1. Overseas pickup: Pick up at Canton Fair overseas offices (e.g., Hong Kong, Dubai, Frankfurt) or via partner trade organizations (check the portal for locations).

Step 4: Plan Your Trip to Guangzhou

  • Flights: Book flights to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)—it’s 40 mins by metro/bus to Pazhou Complex.

  • Accommodation: Book hotels near Pazhou (e.g., Haizhu District) to save commute time. Many hotels offer "Canton Fair packages" with shuttle buses to the venue.

  • Visa: If required, apply for a Chinese M Visa (business visa) using your Canton Fair approval email and invitation letter (requested via the buyer portal).

Step 5: Attend the Fair & Connect with Suppliers

  • Bring your entry badge, passport, business cards, and a product checklist (to stay focused on your sourcing goals).

  • Use the Canton Fair official app (available on iOS/Android) to:

    • Search for exhibitors by industry/product (e.g., "Foshan furniture manufacturers").

    • Schedule meetings with suppliers in advance.

    • Navigate halls via interactive maps.

B. For Exhibitors (Chinese & International): How to Apply for a Booth

Exhibitors (primarily Chinese manufacturers/trading companies) need to apply for booths 3–6 months in advance. International exhibitors (from outside China) can apply via designated trade associations.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

  • Chinese exhibitors: Must have valid business licenses, export qualifications, and compliant products (meet China’s export standards and target market regulations).

  • International exhibitors: Must be registered in their home country, with a proven track record in trade, and products that complement Canton Fair’s focus (no counterfeits or low-quality goods).

Step 2: Apply via the Official Exhibitor Portal

  1. Visit the Canton Fair exhibitor portal: Canton Fair Exhibitor Application.

  1. Select the session (Spring/Autumn) and phase (match your industry).

  1. Fill in company details, upload documents (business license, product certifications like CE/ISO), and list products to showcase.

  1. Choose booth type:

    • Standard Booth (9㎡): Basic setup (walls, signage, tables, chairs) – ideal for small to medium businesses.

    • Raw Space (≥18㎡): Customizable (design your own booth) – for large brands or companies with unique display needs.

Step 3: Pay Fees & Confirm Booth

  • Booth fees vary by size, location, and phase (e.g., Standard Booth: ~¥15,000–¥25,000 per session; Raw Space: ~¥1,500–¥2,500 per ㎡).

  • Pay via the portal (bank transfer or online payment). Once paid, you’ll receive a "Booth Confirmation Letter" – keep this for on-site setup.

Step 4: Prepare for the Fair

  • Design your booth (if raw space) or confirm standard booth details (logo, signage) via the portal.

  • Ship products to the venue: Coordinate with a logistics provider (like BETTERluck Shipping) to ensure on-time delivery, customs clearance, and storage (if needed before the fair).

  • Train your team: Prepare product demos, English-speaking staff, and marketing materials (catalogs, samples, business cards).

3. Pro Tips to Maximize Your Canton Fair Success

Attending Canton Fair takes time and investment—use these strategies to boost ROI:

For Buyers:

  • Pre-Fair Research: Use the Canton Fair app to shortlist 20–30 exhibitors matching your needs. Send them an email 2 weeks in advance with product inquiries (e.g., "Do you offer OEM for electric appliances?") to schedule meetings.

  • On-Site Focus: Prioritize halls by industry (e.g., Hall 3–5 for electronics) to avoid wasting time. Ask for product samples and factory audit reports to verify supplier reliability.

  • Post-Fair Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email to suppliers within 48 hours (include specific product details discussed). Request quotes and samples, and negotiate terms (MOQ, payment, delivery time) promptly.

For Exhibitors:

  • Booth Design: Stand out with clear branding (large logos, product demos) and interactive elements (touchscreens for product catalogs, video loops of your factory). Avoid overcrowding samples—focus on your best-selling or new products.

  • Staff Training: Ensure staff can speak fluent English (or other target languages, like Spanish or Arabic) and answer technical questions (e.g., materials, certifications, lead times).

  • Capture Leads: Use a lead capture tool (tablet app or digital forms) to collect buyer info (name, company, email, needs) – avoid paper forms (slow and easy to lose). Follow up within 24 hours to keep buyers engaged.

4. Common Questions (FAQ)

  • Q1: Is Canton Fair open to the public?

A: No—only registered buyers, exhibitors, and industry professionals with valid badges can enter. The fair focuses on B2B trade, not retail.

  • Q2: Can I attend Canton Fair online?

A: Yes—Canton Fair offers an online platform (Canton Fair Online) for virtual meetings, product showcases, and order placement. However, in-person attendance remains more effective for building trust and inspecting samples.

  • Q3: What if I miss the registration deadline?

A: For buyers, late registration is possible (on-site at the Buyer Service Center) but may take longer (1–2 hours). For exhibitors, deadlines are strict—apply 3–6 months in advance to secure a booth.

  • Q4: How to handle logistics for product shipping?

A: Partner with a local logistics provider familiar with Canton Fair (like BETTERluck Shipping) to manage customs clearance, delivery to the venue, and post-fair shipping (if buyers order samples or bulk goods).

5. Ready to Attend Canton Fair? Start Now!

Canton Fair is your gateway to global trade—whether you’re sourcing products, expanding your brand, or building partnerships. The key to success is early planning:

  • For Buyers: Register 1 month before the session starts (to avoid rush fees) and research exhibitors in advance.

  • For Exhibitors: Apply for booths 6 months in advance (prime locations fill fast) and coordinate logistics early.

If you need help with registration support, product shipping, or on-site logistics, contact BETTERluck Shipping (Guangzhou) Limited today. Our team has 17+ years of experience supporting Canton Fair attendees—we’ll ensure your participation is smooth, efficient, and results-driven.
Contact Us:

  • WeChat/WhatsApp: +86-188 9840 3007

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