The Canton Fair is a massive trade show held in Guangzhou, China. It attracts thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world.
It has been successfully held for 137 sessions and established trade relations with over 229 countries and regions worldwide. The accumulated export volume has amounted to about USD 1.5 trillion.
If you're planning to attend the 138th Canton Fair in 2025, preparation is key. First-time visitors can find the experience overwhelming without proper planning.
Luckily, based on EJET Procurement's 20 years of experience in participating in the Canton Fair and providing fair guided tour services, we provide this guide.
With these tips, your Canton Fair experience can be both productive and enjoyable. Let's get it!
Attending the Canton Fair for the first time can be daunting. It's vital to approach it methodically. Following a set of reliable tips can transform your experience.
Here are seven key tips for first-timers:
Prepare the Critical Documents
Create a Comprehensive Visit Plan Ahead
Leverage Technology Efficiently
Carry Helpful Items
Wear Suitable Shoes & Clothing
Prepare for on-site negotiations
Plan for After the Fair
With these strategies, you'll navigate the fair efficiently and effectively.
Note: If you don't know more about the Canton Fair, please read our basic guide before: How to Visit the Canton Fair in October 2025.
Having the correct documents is paramount. Without the correct documents, you may face delays. Before anything else, gather all necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth entry. This will save you time and stress upon arrival.
Key documents to bring include:
Valid Passport: Ensure it has at least six months' validity from your planned entry date into China.
Chinese Visa: The "M Visa" is necessary for attending trade shows.
Canton Fair Registration Details: Proof of registration is necessary to obtain your Buyer Badge.
Health Certificates: Depending on your country of origin and local regulations, they may be required.
Tip: Carry one physical and one digital. Double-check these documents and organize them for easy access.
Pre-registering online simplifies your Canton Fair visit. It saves time, avoids queues, and secures your entry. Visit the fair's official website and complete the registration process there.
Ensure to:
Fill out accurate personal details.
Select the phases you plan to attend.
Submit your registration early.
After confirmation, download your buyer badge.
If it's your first visit, you will still need to collect the physical badge at the venue, but pre-registration will make the process much faster.
Securing a Chinese visa is essential before attending the fair. Here's what you need to do:
Determine the visa type required for business purposes(M Visa).
Gather necessary documents like invitation letters and visa forms.
Schedule an appointment and submit at your local Chinese consulate.
It's best to start the application at least one month in advance to handle any unexpected delays. And use a professional visa agency if you're unfamiliar with the process.
The Canton Fair is one of the largest trade shows in the world, with thousands of exhibitors spread across multiple phases. Without a clear plan, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and miss important opportunities. Preparing in advance helps maximize your time, ensures you meet the right suppliers, and makes your visit more efficient and productive.
The Canton Fair covers more than 1.18 million square meters of exhibition space. Navigating such a massive venue can be challenging without preparation.
Getting familiar with the fair's layout can save time and reduce stress. The Canton Fair is vast, and knowing where to go helps you navigate efficiently.
Before attending:
Study the floor plan online.
Identify the locations of key exhibitors.
Mark important spots like rest areas and food courts.
A clear map in hand enhances your overall experience. EJET Procurement has already printed it. Contact us to get it for free.
Creating a detailed sourcing list is crucial for effective buying decisions. It helps streamline meetings and negotiations with potential suppliers.
Your list should include:
Desired product categories.
Quality specifications and standards.
Budgetary constraints and price targets.
Having this list helps focus your search and improve deal outcomes.
Guangzhou becomes extremely busy during the Canton Fair. Hotels near the Pazhou Complex fill up quickly, and transportation options may become limited.
Booking transport and accommodation well in advance is advised. Being prepared means avoiding last-minute hassles and inflated prices.
For a smooth stay:
Research hotels close to the fairground.
Check public transport options.
Of course, these simple tasks are the most suitable for the agency.
Even if you don't need China sourcing or Canton Fair guide services, EJET Procurement can still provide you with services such as airport transfers and hotel reservations.
Using technology at the Canton Fair can significantly improve your experience. Digital tools help you stay organized and informed throughout the event. By preparing the right apps and devices, you'll save time and maximize productivity throughout the event.
Your smartphone is your best assistant at the Canton Fair — if equipped with the right tools. Apps provide real-time solutions for communication, navigation, and scheduling.
Top 5 Apps to consider downloading:
Canton Fair Official App: Essential for exhibitor search, pre-registration, maps, and instant messaging with suppliers.
WeChat: The most widely used communication tool in China for chatting, file sharing, and exchanging business contacts.
Google Translate: Helps overcome language barriers with instant text, photo, and voice translation.
Didi (Chinese Uber): Convenient and reliable for booking rides between the fairgrounds, hotels, and factories.
Alipay: Makes payments, purchases, and even small transactions seamless since cash use is limited in China.
Staying powered on is crucial while attending such a large event. Power banks can keep your devices running smoothly.
With constant walking, note-taking, and supplier communication, a laptop or a pad is more convenient than your phone.
Packing the right items can make your Canton Fair experience smoother. Ensure you have everything you need to navigate the event efficiently.
With long days of walking, networking, and exploring hundreds of booths, preparedness reduces stress and enhances productivity.
Tip: Pack light but smart. Because you'll likely be carrying brochures, catalogs, and samples by the end of the day.
A lightweight suitcase or backpack can be invaluable at the Canton Fair. It allows you to carry essentials comfortably while leaving room for materials collected during the event.
Think about including:
Snacks for energy boosts.
Extra layers of clothing for temperature changes.
Space for collected brochures and samples.
A small, organized bag ensures you're ready for a full day.
Business cards are still the most important networking tool in China. At the Canton Fair, they act as your professional introduction and help suppliers remember you after the event.
When preparing business cards:
Bring enough for all days of the fair (200–300 cards are typical).
Keep them easily accessible in your backpack or a card holder.
Use a high-quality, professional design that includes English. If possible, a Chinese translation of key details. Effective networking can lead to valuable business opportunities.
Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing are essential for navigating the Canton Fair. With long days of walking across expansive exhibition halls and interacting with hundreds of exhibitors, proper attire can make a significant difference in both comfort and impression.
When considering attire, focus on:
Comfortable and supportive footwear to handle hours of walking and standing.
Layered clothing to adjust to varying temperatures inside the halls and outdoor areas.
Professional attire that aligns with business etiquette and presents a polished image.
Dressing appropriately helps maintain energy levels and presents a professional image, enhancing your confidence and effectiveness in interactions throughout the fair.
Direct negotiations at the Canton Fair are a critical opportunity to secure favorable deals and establish long-term relationships with suppliers.
By combining cultural understanding, professional translation, and strong negotiation skills, you can maximize your success during on-site meetings at the Canton Fair.
Understanding Chinese negotiation etiquette is essential for productive meetings. Recognizing cultural differences shows respect and builds trust. Avoid aggressive tactics.
Key etiquette points include:
Offering gifts as a gesture of goodwill.
Respectfully addressing individuals by their titles.
Avoiding confrontation and embracing patience.
Avoiding comments about sensitive issues related to China.
Being polite and courteous can enhance rapport and lead to more effective negotiations.
Language barriers can impede discussions at the fair. Serious misunderstandings can lead to poor cooperation. Hiring a translator can prevent miscommunication.
Consider these points:
Choose a translator familiar with trade terms.
Brief them on your business goals.
Ensure they understand your needs.
A skilled translator bridges language gaps, ensuring clear dialogues.
EJET's professional teams are qualified to be your helper, as China exhibition negotiation experts. We can not only help you with translation, but also guarantee a cost reduction of more than 15%.
In addition to etiquette, mastering direct negotiation skills is crucial. Precise communication drives better results. Clear, concise, and confident communication helps suppliers understand your needs.
To excel, focus on:
Articulating needs and expectations clearly.
Listening actively to the other perspective.
Being flexible to adjust strategies based on the conversation.
Such skills can help you navigate negotiations effectively, leading to successful outcomes at the fair.
Tip: Take notes during meetings, and review key points immediately afterward to avoid miscommunication and ensure follow-up actions.
The Canton Fair doesn't end when the exhibition halls close. Successful follow-up is key to converting contacts into fruitful business relationships. Staying proactive after the event can help you stand out from competitors and ensure long-term success.
Post-fair activities include:
Prompt Follow Up and Communication.
Factory Visits and Inspections.
Review Contracts Thoroughly.
Manage Global Freight.
Build Long-Term Partnerships.
By these efforts, you can maximize the results of your Canton Fair visit and turn connections into profitable business opportunities.
Timely communication is crucial after meeting potential partners. Reaching out promptly demonstrates your interest and professionalism. It also keeps the momentum going.
Some effective follow-up strategies are:
Send a thank-you email shortly after the fair.
Clarify any outstanding questions or requirements.
Schedule follow-up calls or meetings to advance negotiations.
Following up efficiently can enhance credibility and solidify initial impressions.
Visiting suppliers' factories helps verify their capabilities. It offers insights into production practices and quality standards. A visit can reassure you of their reliability before finalizing agreements.
Plan your visits to include:
Inspecting production lines.
Meeting with production managers.
Reviewing quality control measures.
Such in-depth checks ensure the suppliers meet your expectations and standards before entering into agreements.
Tip: Take photos, notes, and samples during visits to compare manufacturers.
Thorough contract review is crucial before finalizing deals. Careful contract review prevents misunderstandings and protects your business interests. Seeking professional legal advice can further safeguard your agreements.
In your review, focus on key points:
Payment terms and delivery schedules.
Penalties for non-compliance or delays.
Dispute resolution clauses and warranties.
A comprehensive review safeguards your business interests and fosters trustworthy relationships. Ensure all agreements are clearly documented in writing to avoid potential conflicts.
Efficient logistics management is crucial for importing products from China. Proper planning helps minimize costs, avoid delays, and ensure products arrive safely.
Consider these factors for effective freight management:
Arrange transportation in advance to prevent delays.
Choose the right shipping method (air, sea, or express) based on cost and urgency.
Monitoring customs regulations to prevent clearance issues.
Verify packaging and labeling standards to align with market requirements.
This is a field outside of retail or wholesale. Partner with a reliable freight forwarder or sourcing agent for streamlined operations.
Long-term partnerships yield greater value than short-term deals. Consistent engagement and mutual benefit are vital for lasting relationships. Foster connections through regular interaction.
To cultivate partnerships, consider:
Schedule periodic meetings or check-ins.
Share market insights and constructive feedback.
Demonstrate commitment to mutual growth through collaborative initiatives.
Tip: Strong partnerships often lead to better pricing, priority production, and exclusive product access.
The Canton Fair presents unparalleled opportunities for global trade and sourcing. With careful preparation, first-time visitors in 2025 can navigate the fair efficiently and maximize their business outcomes. From arranging documentation to planning post-fair activities, each step counts.
By following these tips, you can have a better experience visiting the Canton Fair. Of course, if you have more questions or want to consult services. Please contact us and get a free quote.
The Canton Fair, officially called the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest international trading event in the world. Founded in 1957 and held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, it has become the go-to destination for global sourcing and procurement.
Preparation involves securing a visa and pre-registering online. Plan your itinerary and decide on transportation and accommodation well in advance. Prioritize clear objectives for sourcing and networking to maximize your visit.
The fair is extensive, with each phase lasting five days and totaling three weeks. Allocate at least a few days per phase you plan to visit. This allows ample time to explore, network, and make informed business decisions.
Yes, attending the Canton Fair is highly valuable. It provides a platform for discovering new suppliers and products. Moreover, it offers direct communication opportunities with manufacturers and a chance to learn about industry trends.
The Canton Fair usually opens from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It's essential to check the official schedule for the exact timing. Arrive early to maximize your time and cover more ground efficiently.
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