Bespoke Intelligence

 

Introduction

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair (中国进出口商品交易会), is one of the largest and most important trade fairs in the world. Held biannually in Guangzhou (广州), China, it attracts thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned business professional or a first-time visitor, attending this event can open doors to countless business opportunities and new connections.
 

First held in 1957, the Canton Fair (广交会) has become an essential platform for global commerce. It covers a broad range of industries, including electronics, home appliances, machinery, textiles, healthcare products, and more. The fair is divided into three phases, each focusing on different sectors, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the global market or source products directly from manufacturers.

 

Dates and Location

The Canton Fair is held twice a year in three phases: the Spring Session (April) and the Autumn Session (October). Each phase runs for approximately five days, with a total of three. The event takes place at the China Import and Export Fair Complex (中国进出口商品交易会展馆), the largest modern exhibition center in Asia. The venue is in Pazhou, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区琶洲).

 

• Phase 1: October 15–19, 2024  

1. Electronics & Appliance:   Household Electrical Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Information Products.

2. Manufacturing: Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Processing Machinery Equipment, Power  Machinery and Electric Power, General Machinery and Mechanical Basic Parts, Construction Machinery, Agricultural Machinery, New Materials and Chemical Products.

3. Vehicles & Two Wheels: New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility, Vehicles, Vehicle Spare Parts, Motorcycles, Bicycles.

4. Light & Electrical:  Lighting Equipment, Electronic and Electrical Products, New Energy Resources.

5. Hardware: Hardware & Tools.

 

 

• Phase 2: October 23–27, 2024

1.  Houseware:  General Ceramics, Kitchenware and Tableware, Household Items.

2.  Gift & Decorations:  Glass Art ware, Home Decorations, Gardening Products, Festival Products, Gifts and Premiums, Clocks, Watches and Optical Instruments, Art Ceramics, Weaving, Rattan and Iron Product.

3.  Building & Furniture:  Building and Decorative Materials, Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment, Furniture, Stone/Iron.       

4.  Decoration and Outdoor Spa Equipment

 

• Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2024

1. Toys & Children Baby and Maternity:  Toys, Children, Baby and Maternity Products, Kids' Wear.

2. Fashion:  Men and Women's Clothing, Underwear, Sports and Casual Wear, Furs, Leather, Downs and Related Products, Fashion Accessories and Fittings, Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics, Shoes, Cases and Bags.

3. Home Textiles:  Home Textiles, Carpets and Tapestries.

4. Stationery:  Office Supplies.

5. Health & Recreation:  Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices, Food, Sports, Travel and Recreation Products, Personal Care Products, Toiletries, Pet Products and Food.

6. Traditional Chinese Specialties

 

• Location ( For use with DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) or taxi):
  中国

          广东省 广州市
          海珠区 阅江中路382号

          中国进出口商品交易会展馆

 

Travel to the Canton Fair

Getting to Guangzhou for the Canton Fair is convenient, thanks to the city’s international airport and excellent transportation infrastructure. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场) offers direct flights from major cities worldwide. Once you arrive, you can either take a taxi, ride the metro/subway, online car services, or use the shuttle bus service to reach the exhibition center. A popular and largest online car service is called DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行).
 

For those traveling domestically, Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站) connects with many major Chinese cities via high-speed rail trains, offering a quick and comfortable travel option. However, the closest train station to the China Import and Export Fair Complex (中国进出口商品交易会展馆) would be the Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站). However, both railway stations connect to the local Guangzhou Metro (广州地铁).

 

Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站) is the closest to the complex and directly connects to Guangzhou Metro (广州地铁) Line 1 and Line 3. From here on Line 3, ride towards Panyu Square Station (番禺广场站) and it only takes one transfer at Kecun Station (客村站) onto Line 8 towards Wansheng Wei Station (万胜围). The first, Xingang Dong Station (新港东站), of the two metro stops serving the Canton Fair Complex, is three stops away from Kecun Station (客村站). The ride should take approximately 30 minutes.

(If you got on the wrong train which has its terminus at Line 3 - Tiyu Xilu Station (体育西路站), just get off there and find the right platform for the train heading towards Line 3 - Panyu Square Station (番禺广场站) and transfer at Kecun Station (客村站) onto Line 8 towards Wansheng Wei Station (万胜围) again.)

 

Guangzhou Metro (广州地铁) Line 8 - Xingang Dong Station (新港东站) and Pazhou Station (琶洲站) directly serves the Canton Fair Complex. The two stations are basically next to each other.

BEWARE: Rush hours in Guangzhou can be hectic and overcrowded. Plan your going and coming as needed to avoid the commuters heading out for the day and heading home for the evening.

There are other train stations in the city, so plan to check them out and see which is the most convenient. If you're brave enough, the city buses are also excellent alternatives!

 

Checking Procedures at the Venue

Before entering the Canton Fair, all visitors must complete a registration process. You can register online in advance or upon arrival at the venue by showing your invitation letter and passport. Once registered, you will receive a Canton Fair Entry Badge (广交会入场证), which is required for admission throughout the event.
 

             Badge Application For Overseas Buyers:
             https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/pages/716613786991415296

             Registration For New Buyers:
             https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/customPages/help#472698704986587136

On-site registration desks are located at three areas of the Canton Fair Complex. Be sure to allocate some time for this process, as queues can get long, especially during the first day of each phase.

Venue Address for Registration:

Area A & D, Gate 6
Area B, Gate 3
Area C, Gate 12
China Import and Export Fair Complex
380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District
Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
China

中国
广东省 广州市
海珠区 阅江中路380号
中国进出口商品交易会展馆
A 及 D区，6号门
B区，3号门
C区，12号门

 

IP or Trade Complaints or Disputes
If you have concerns, complaints, or disputes on an intellectual property or a trade at Canton Fair, please visit the official websites below for more information:

 

• Canton Fair - Intellectual Property or Trade Disputes

• Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration - Canton Fair Mediation

 

Lodging
Price Range: Lodging options near the fair range from US$ 50 to US$ 300 per night depending on the type of accommodation. Budget hostels and hotels typically charge between US$ 50 and US$ 100 per night, while luxury hotels may cost upwards of US$ 200 to US$ 300 or more per night.

 

Guangzhou boasts a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. It’s recommended to book your stay early because of the high demand during the fair. Several hotels are located near the exhibition center, such as:

 

• Langham Place, Guangzhou (广州朗豪酒店)

          Address: 中国 广东省 广州市 海珠区 新港东路638号

• Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou (广州香格里拉大酒店)

          Address: 中国 广东省 广州市 海珠区 会展东路1号

 

These hotels offer shuttle services directly to the venue. If you prefer staying in the city center for more sightseeing, the Four Seasons Hotel, Guangzhou (广州四季酒店) or the Westin Guangzhou (广州天誉威斯汀酒店) are excellent choices with easy access to public transport.

 

If you prefer to use a travel booking website, trip.com is great for the international traveler. Alternatively, ctrip.com is their website written in Simplified Chinese; Importantly, be sure to confirm the lodging chosen can cater to foreign passport holders, or even residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and the Taiwan regions.

 

Food
Price Range: Dining in Guangzhou can fit any budget. Street food and casual meals can cost around US$ 5 to US$ 10 per person, while mid-range restaurants offer meals for US$ 15 to US$ 30 per person. High-end dining in renowned Cantonese restaurants can cost upwards of US$ 50 or more per person.

 

Guangzhou is known for its rich culinary culture, and food enthusiasts will find plenty of local and international options around the city. The local cuisine is called Cantonese or Guangdong, or, yuecai (粤菜) and it reigns supreme here. Among many other food, dim sum (点心), roast goose (烧鹅), and wonton noodles (云吞面) are local favorites. For a memorable meal, head to:

 

• Panxi Restaurant (泮溪酒家)

          Address: 中国 广东省 广州 市荔湾区 龙津西路151号
          https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298555-d1052954-Reviews-PanXi_Restaurant-Guangzhou_Guangdong.html?m=19905 

• Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家)

          Address: 中国 广东省 广州市 荔湾区 文昌南路2号
          https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298555-d2177844-Reviews-Guangzhou_Restaurant-Guangzhou_Guangdong.html?m=19905

 

You can also find street food stalls across the city, offering cheap and tasty snacks.
 

If you’re at the fair and looking for a quick bite, the exhibition complex has several restaurants and cafes serving Chinese and Western dishes. Don’t forget to get an information booklet or directory map once inside.

 

Sightseeing in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a vibrant city with plenty to explore. If you have some spare time during your visit to the Canton Fair, here are a few must-see attractions:

 

• Canton Tower (广州塔) is one of the tallest towers in the world and offers panoramic views of the city.
  Address: 中国 广东省 广州 海珠区阅江西路222号 https://www.cantontower.com/en/sightseeing/Index/

• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠) is a beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty family ancestral temple and museum.
  Address: 中国 广东省 广州 荔湾区中山七路恩龙里34号https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/chen-ancestral-shrine.htm

• Shamian Island (沙面岛) is a charming district known for its colonial architecture and riverside views.
  Address: 中国 广东省 广州 荔湾区沙面街道https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/guangzhou/shamian-island.htm

• Yuexiu Park (越秀公园) is home to the iconic Five Rams Statue and peaceful green spaces.
  Address: 中国 广东省 广州 越秀区 解放北路988号 
  https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/guangzhou/yuexiu.htm

 

Top 10 things to do in Guangzhou: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/guangdong/guangzhou/top-10-things-to-do.htm

 

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Written by: Kevin Yuk, 07 October 2024