Canton Fair: An Ultimate Guide to China Sourcing Fair

1. What is the Canton Fair: Background of the Canton Fair

2. Don’t Miss It: The 2025 Canton Fair Dates

3. Choose Your Time: Based on Canton Fair Phases

4. Three Steps to Participate in the Canton Fair

5. Finally: How to Reach the Canton Fair Venue

6. Important Notes

Conclusion

Are you looking to source the latest products from China?

Do you want to stay ahead of industry trends and discover innovations?

Are you interested in building long-term business relationships with reliable Chinese suppliers?

Are you seeking unique and differentiated products to expand your offerings?

If you answered yes, the 2025 Canton Fair is an event you cannot afford to miss! Stay ahead in the global market and connect with top manufacturers and suppliers at China’s premier international trade show.

What is the Canton Fair: Background of the Canton Fair

The full name of the Canton Fair is China Import and Export Fair.

As a comprehensive international trading event with the longest history, the largest scale, the most complete exhibit variety, the largest buyer attendance, the most diverse buyer origin, and the greatest business turnover in China, Canton Fair is hailed as China’s No.1 Fair and the barometer of China’s foreign trade.

Since its inception in 1957, the Canton Fair has been successfully held 135 times. 229 countries and regions have established trade relations here, and their cumulative export turnover exceeds US$1.5 trillion.

Don’t Miss It: The 2025 Canton Fair Dates

The 2025 Canton Fair will occur from April 15 to May 5, 2025. Every five days is a phase, each phase focusing on different product categories. To maximize your experience and ensure you meet the right suppliers, plan your visit based on the products you need.

Phase 1: April 15-19, 2025

Phase 2: April 23-27, 2025

Phase 3: May 1-5, 2025

Choose Your Time: Based on Canton Fair Phases

It is mentioned above that the types of products exhibited in each phase of the Canton Fair are completely different. The following are the specific types. You can determine which phase of the offline exhibition to participate in based on these.

Phase 1: April 15-19

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

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

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

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

Hardware: Hardware, Tools

International Pavilion

Phase 2: April 23-27

Houseware: General Ceramics, Kitchenware and Tableware, Household Items

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

Building & Furniture: Building and Decorative Materials, Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment, Furniture, Stone/Iron Decoration and Outdoor Spa Equipment

International Pavilion

Phase 3: May 1-5

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

Fashion: Men's 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

Home Textiles: Home Textiles, Carpets and Tapestries

Stationery: Office Supplies

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

Traditional Chinese Specialties

International Pavilion

Three Steps to Participate in the Canton Fair

These three phases cover the product categories you're likely looking for. International buyers wishing to attend the Canton Fair must complete three steps: pre-registration, applying for the overseas buyer certificate, and applying for an invitation letter. With an invitation letter, you can smoothly enter the Canton Fair.

Pre-registration

If you have attended the Canton Fair in previous years, you can pre-register via email (cantonfair@newsletter.canton.org.cn or cantonfair@newsedm.cantonfair.org.cn) or through the Buyer Service System on the Canton Fair official website.

If this is your first time attending the fair, you can pre-register through the Buyer Service System on the Canton Fair official website.

Here are the specific steps for pre-registration for the 136th session.

Overseas Buyer Badge Application and Invitation Application

Similarly, you can apply for both the overseas buyer badge application and invitation application through the Buyer Service System on the Canton Fair official website.

Finally: How to Reach the Canton Fair Venue

The Canton Fair Exhibition Center is located at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The most convenient way to get there is by flying into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, a modern hub with international flights to nearly every corner of the globe. Once you arrive at the airport, you have three transportation options to reach the Canton Fair venue (Pazhou Complex):

Subway: Take Line 3 (North Extension) from the airport (Airport South Station) to Tiyu Xilu Station, then transfer to Line 3 (Panyu Square direction). At Kecun Station, switch to Line 8, and alight at Pazhou Station (Exit A or B leads directly to the venue). This takes about 60 minutes and costs around 8 RMB.

Airport Shuttle Bus: Take the Airport Shuttle Bus Line 10 (Pazhou Exhibition Line) directly to the Canton Fair venue. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around 25 RMB.

Taxi: You can also take a taxi directly from the airport to the Pazhou Complex. The ride takes around 40 minutes and costs about 120 RMB.

Important Notes

If you decide to attend the Canton Fair, there are two important considerations you must be aware of. These tips will help you address common issues and ensure a successful experience at the fair.

1. Thorough Preparation and Efficient Participation

Register in advance to obtain your invitation letter and buyer's badge, apply for a visa, plan your trip, and book accommodation.

Clearly define your procurement needs, familiarize yourself with the exhibition layout, and bring bilingual business cards and necessary tools.

Plan your exhibition route efficiently. When negotiating with suppliers, pay attention to pricing, minimum order quantities, delivery times, and after-sales policies. Request samples if necessary to verify product quality.

2. Risk Management and Risk Control and Follow-up

Verify the credentials of suppliers and prioritize reputable companies. Pay attention to intellectual property protection and contract terms.

Organize supplier information effectively, plan transportation logistics, and follow up on time to build long-term cooperation relationships.

Conclusion

If you want to source the latest products from China, stay updated on industry trends, establish long-term relationships with suppliers, or look for unique and differentiated products, the 2025 Canton Fair is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss. Make sure to register early, apply for your invitation letter, obtain a visa, and plan your trip effectively to ensure you can build lasting partnerships with high-quality suppliers.

If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment. Alternatively, consider collaborating with EJET Procurement, a reliable sourcing agent in China, who can help you address all your procurement needs and ensure a smooth process.