The China Import and Export Fair — better known as the Canton Fair — is held twice a year in Guangzhou and draws buyers from across the world. If it's your first visit, a bit of planning goes a long way. Here's what we tell our clients before they travel.

When It's Held

The fair runs in two sessions each year, in spring (April) and autumn (October), split across multiple phases covering different product categories over roughly three weeks each session. Check which phase matches the products you're sourcing before booking your dates.

Visa & Invitation Letters

Most overseas visitors attend on a business (M) visa, which usually needs an invitation letter. We can arrange this as part of our Canton Fair service, alongside your visa application through our China Visa desk.

Where to Stay

Hotels near the Pazhou complex (where the fair is held) and around central Guangzhou fill up fast during fair weeks, and prices climb the closer it gets. Booking 8–10 weeks ahead gives you far better options and rates than trying to find something the week before.

Getting Around the Fair

The complex is huge and split across multiple zones, so it helps to plan your route by category in advance rather than trying to see everything. Metro Line 8 runs directly to the Pazhou complex, and we arrange private transfers for clients who prefer not to navigate it themselves, especially useful after a long day of meetings.

Combining Business with Factory Visits

Many of our clients extend their trip with Factory Visits to suppliers outside the fair itself, or explore wholesale markets through our China Markets service. We coordinate interpreters, local transport and scheduling so meetings run smoothly across cities if needed.

Our Advice

Treat your first Canton Fair as a scouting trip as much as a buying trip — go in with a clear shortlist, but leave room to explore. Our Business Travel team can build the entire trip around your fair schedule, from visa to hotel to on-ground support.