An Ultimate Guide to Attending the Canton Fair

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

International trade is a way to expand your product line and increase your profit margin. You likely know the revered Canton Fair if you have done much research. It is the most prominent Chinese bi-annual trade fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.

Many traders from China and the world meet here to forge partnerships and buy from China factories directly. Buyers can expect a diverse range of products at affordable prices. The Canton Fair is a glorious trade fair, but there is more.

But before you think about attending a Canton Fair, ask yourself;

• Am I prepared to participate in this fair during the phase that suits my product interests? The next Canton Fair will happen between October 15 to November 4 this year.
• Have I started the process early enough to ensure a smooth trip? Registration involves obtaining a Chinese visa, creating an account on the website, etc.
• Does my business goal match with the opportunities offered at these trade fairs in China? This fair attracts various attendees.
• Have I researched the layout and planned my visit to cover the places most relevant to my business needs? The Canton Fair spans a vast area with many exhibitors.

Here, we will offer information on these questions about the Canton Fair. We will discuss everything you need to know about and prepare for the event.

Introducing the Canton Fair

Guangzhou is the main origin place of this mega event, which started in 1957. The fair began with the sale of primarily raw materials. However, finished custom products slowly occupied the stalls, making the fair a proper market.

The first fair featured about 13 countries. Now, it champions China’s international trade. It attracts thousands of exhibitors and millions of traders annually. It is crucial in driving China’s economy up. The trading activity at these fairs has been instrumental in showing China’s openness.

The Canton Fair generates about $1.2 trillion every time it is held. The China Foreign Trade Centre organizes the program annually. The Ministry of Commerce of China and the government of Guangdong hosted the event.

What is the Next Canton Fair in 2024 Happening?

The next Canton Fair this year marks the 136th that China has held since starting in 1957. The event happens bi-annually. The first fair of this year occurred in April.

The fair comes in three phases. Similarly, the next Canton Fair of 2024 is divided into three phases. Moreover, it goes from October 15 to November 4. 

The 136th Canton Fair will be held from Mid-October to Early-November:

• Phase 1: October 15th – 19th, 2024
• Phase 2: October 23rd – 27th, 2024
• Phase 3: October 31st – November 4th, 2024

The different phases have several products on sale. More than 16 product categories are on exhibit at each event. It helps to know each phase and what’s for sale. This way, you know what to import from China when you visit.  Here is a table that highlights each phase and their offerings. Ensure you check it before planning a sourcing process:

Detailed data source: Canton Fair Exhibit Categories

Where is the Canton Fair in 2024?

The Canton Fair 2024 is held at the China Import and Export Complex, or Canton Fair Complex in short. The venue is located at No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China (中国广州市海珠区阅江中路380号).

The Canton Fair Complex is approximately 45 km or 28 miles from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. There are several transportation options available to reach the complex.

Tip: Several Transportation Options to Get to the Canton Fair Site

1. How can I go to the Canton Fair by Metro:

• Find the nearest metro line: Determine the metro station closest to your starting point. Because Guangzhou’s subway network is very large, the short distance ensures that you can quickly find the correct subway.
• Go to Xingang East Station or Pazhou Station: If you are on Line 8, you can get off at Pazhou Station, which is next to the Canton Fair Complex. This is one of the most convenient stops to reach the trade fair. Alternatively, you can get off at Xingang East Station on Line 8, which is also close to the Canton Fair Complex.
• Depending on the exhibition hall area you visit, Area A will exit from Xingang East Station, Area B will exit from Pazhou Station, and Area C will exit from Pazhou Exit C.
• Follow the signs: After arriving at Xingang East Station or Pazhou Station, there will be clear signs guiding you to the Canton Fair Complex. During trade fairs, there are usually additional signs and guides to help you.
• Buy a subway card or a one-way ticket: If your plans require frequent subway use, consider buying the Yangcheng Pass, which can also be used on buses. Otherwise, you can buy a one-way ticket. Make sure you have enough balance on your card or enough change to purchase tickets.
• The total trip takes about 1 hour.

2. How can I get to the Canton Fair by taxi:

• It’s possible to take a direct taxi to the event.
• The cost is around CNY 150~160 and takes about 1 hour.

3. How can I get to the Canton Fair by Shuttle Bus:

• Shuttle buses are available but are more time-consuming, requiring around 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Use Shuttle line 10 to New Zhujiang Hotel, then change to bus No. 229 and stop at Pazhou.

How to Register for the Canton Fair in 2024?

This short overview has piqued your interest if you are a trader. There is so much to do in China product sourcing.

So, how do you navigate getting started with Canton Fair? Here is a stepwise guide you will need to take to get started:

Step 1: Get a Chinese Visa

• You can’t just wake up and book the next flight to China. You need a visa for international flights like this. Hence, the first step is to get a visa if you don’t have one. When requesting a visa, you need a Canton Fair invitation.

• You can apply for an invitation on the official website of the Canton Fair. More on that in the next step!

Step 2: Register yourself online

• Go to the Canton Fair website and create your account. This step requires you to enter clear details about yourself and your business. Remember, product sourcing involves so much paperwork.

• You will also need to upload essential documents. These often include your passport and business records.

Step 3: Specify schedule details

• When you are done registering online, you will get a confirmation email. You negotiate this confirmation with a buyer badge at the show’s registration. Visitors must display the pass at the entry and throughout the fair.

Step 4: Plan your visit

• Plan and prepare for the trip. It involves booking flights, accommodation, and transportation. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the information for a better visit. Once you do this, you are ready to find a manufacturer in China through the Canton Fair.

Who Should Attend the Canton Fair?

Do you make the list of people expected in the Canton Fair? Here is a list of people that should attend the next Canton Fair in October:

• People who hope to buy from China.
• To learn the new trends for specific types of products. It offers insights for your new business.
• Develop a long-term business relationship with big China suppliers. Also, you can get the contact information of them.
• Start their own business and look for differentiated products from China.

How to Prepare for the Canton Fair 2024?

“Factories May Be Leaving China, but Trade Ties Are Stronger Than They Seem”

New York Times.

When the 136th Canton Fair is about to arrive, all the preparations should be done to seize the opportunities brought by exhibiting around this event. Preparation should be done ahead ensuring that you have taken time to understand your needed products, researching potential suppliers, scheduling meetings beforehand as well as familiarizing yourself with the show layout.

Remember the classic “preparation is the key to success” applies to the event experience too. With Owlsourcing by your side, you can go ahead and grab this cool chance in international trade with boldness. Please, stay with us and follow the Canton Fair updates.

Five Hotels near Canton Fair Complex

Several hotels exist near Canton Fair, Guangzhou. Here are some popular hotels to check out on your visit when you arrive in China:

1) Shangri-La Guangzhou: This hotel is about an eight-minute walk from Canton Fair Complex. It is situated in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou close to the Canton Fair. Also, Shangri-La is an affordable five-star hotel.

2) The Westin Pazhou: It is nestled 0.6km from Canton Fair Complex. The hotel has gained remarkable accolades and affordable prices.

3) Langham Place Guangzhou: As mentioned, it is close to Canton Fair Complex. It is about a 5-minute ride from the location.

4) InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center: This four-star hotel has many side attractions. It is 2.2 km from Canton Fair Complex.

5) HeeFun Apartment Hotel GZ Poly World Trading Center: 0.8km from Canton Fair Complex.

What Should You Bring Alone with You to the 136th Canton Trade Fair?

While you may have registered and booked a hotel, you should note what to bring along. It is a simple list of things. Knowing the right things to bring can improve your experience at the Canton trade fair. Here are our recommendations:

1) Business cards:  You will manufacturers who operate on Chinese wholesale websites. So, the cards are the fastest and most professional way to share details. They are suitable for partnerships. Often, these cards brief the recipient of your business and contact information.

2) Notepad and Pen:  Information can move around during events such as these. You might want to note addresses, names, numbers, and specifications. So, these two essentials would always prove convenient.

3) Resilient Shoes:  This recommendation might seem irrelevant, but it is crucial. The Canton Fair’s location spreads over many kilometers. Walking is the primary means of transport around stalls. The right shoes would make walking bearable and better. 

4) Portable chargers or power banks: Mobile devices are crucial. Carry a portable charger or power bank to keep your phone charged when attending the Canton Fair.

5) Translation Apps: Unless you are fluent in Chinese, you will need a translation app. They are pivotal in ensuring a seamless conversation when you contact Chinese manufacturers.

You can also use your discretion to take along valuable things. These can be images of the products you hope to replicate or, if you prefer, the product itself. You can also bring designs for new product development.

I might have missed some recommendations. Research the weather forecast to determine your dress code and align it accordingly. You can decide to dress heavy or light to prevent excess sweating.

Ensure you also research Chinese culture and greetings. This gesture often makes the supplier warm towards you. It can direct your discussion to a favorable partnership.

Ask questions to offer insights into the supplier’s quality standards and business approach. It will help you verify the Chinese supplier’s legitimacy. Also, note the different phases to avoid missing them when your products are delayed.

Prepare your equipment step by step for participating in the Canton Fair

You could be a beginner seller on Amazon or a small enterprise that wishes to retail wholesale stuff from China. You are at the best wholesale place, and you must consider yourself a serious player!

Step 1: Do an eye-over on the Canton Fair distribution index map of all the categories of wholesale.

Choose the destination and prepare your route carefully.

You will regret your time utilized if you stroll around the exhibition blindly being being large event. Never forget about setting up a strategy on the sort of product you are looking for and the top things that you want.

Priority such as: Finding three toy manufacturers with BSCI audit certificates that make the stuffed animal toys The supplier shall provide us the SGS material report as well as the test results certificates from the lab or testing organization to make sure the components and materials meet the Europe standard, CLEARANCE, etc.

It is quite a lengthy process having so many attractive products which distract you and result in a waste of time. Instead, you are present here for a purpose. Thus, the main task which has to be fulfilled in the first instance is designing an effective plan.

Step 2: Take a picture of the goods.

You can take a sample photo with permission from the supplier and put the photo number on your smartphone camera before the photo (your smartphone camera usually has the photo number that helps to remember each sample)

Think about the situation; you are looking for 30 similar products. How else would you identify them after you have gone back to your office? A thorough note will give a guiding hand to search the precise information.

Step 3: Put the supplier’s name card in and additional detailed information on your notebook

This is to confirm you can trace all the information you have received at the China Fair after you get back to the office. Details are below.

1. Item Number: It will be easier for you to agree on specifics with the China supplier when they get the true item number.

2. FOB Price and Shipping Port: It is thus necessary to know the point of shipping. The information is important for your reference in the case of consolidation cargo and shipment has been paid for.

3. Product Description: A single product could have multiple descriptions. It is very important so that you can know what product description is supplied by the supplier. You will find this useful in obtaining more resources or information online. It’s the same as a shortcut.

4. Product Dimensions: As a marketer, you will need all the information that you can, so what you can do is list all the information that is deemed necessary, such as the product dimensions on your notebook

Product dimensions are very important since shipping charges on Amazon FBA are much different depending on the dimensions of the packaging and product. Also, you may email the supplier later on to get information with the chance to save your time at the tradeshow.

5. Private Label Solution: What you see at the tradeshow is the initial high-potential product in the wholesale market, but the ultimate goal is to make your product unique. What you have to learn from the supplier is how they can decorate the high-potential product.

For example, if you want an image or words on a ballpoint pen, then you can ask the supplier to show you different printing or engraving options, such as screen printing, pad printing, heat transferring, or Laser engraving. One of the advantages when attending the tradeshow is that you can see samples of the different methods on-site and make your choice about the final product.

6. Product Packaging: Packaging is always one of the top things large retailers consider when they design and prepare to launch new products. Why?

The end-users or consumers are willing to pay for fantastic packaging!

Ask the supplier for their opinions about the custom packaging solutions for a specific product. That information is critical when you design the packaging for your star products. You need to know the packaging options for your product and choose one of your favorite styles. For sure, different packaging solutions cost at a different level.

7. Product Packing Information: You can calculate international shipping costs based on accurate packing information for specific products.

Note: Here is an example.

You have ordered 3,000 ballpoint pens. The pens are packed in cartons of 500 pens. The cartons are 50 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm (0.1m³). The gross weight is 16 kg, and the net weight is 15 kg. Therefore, the total size of this ballpoint pen shipment is 6 x 0.1 = 0.6m³. The gross weight is 96 kg, and the net weight is 90 kg. You can then submit these numbers to your shipping agency for a quote. The freight forwarder or the air couriers only can quote the price based on these numbers.

8. Product Materials: You need to know what material was used for the specific product you found at the tradeshow. The content of the product affects the import tax, local compliance regulations, and more. For example, the China to US import tax for a cotton T-shirt is different from that for a polyester T-shirt. The most important thing is that you can touch and feel the different materials and make a decision about which one is the best option for your target market.

9. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): The supplier will send you the price based on the quantity of the purchase order, so evaluate your PO and check if you can meet the MOQ requested by the supplier. You can certainly negotiate with them if necessary.

10. Production Lead Time and Payment Terms: You will need to know the delivery time for your products and talk with the supplier about the payment terms before issuing a deposit.

Step 4: Make notes about the salesperson you met

You may work with him/her back at your office, and his/her service and attitude may affect the service you receive from the supplier.

Step 5: Always ask for samples before placing an order

Reviewing samples is a critical process. It’s when you can detect the defective points of the product. Ask for examples of the high-potential products before discussing an official PO with the suppliers. It can be an initial sample, pre-production sample (PP Sample), or master sample (final confirmed sample with customized effect). You can check another article about Buying Product Samples from China.

Tip: You may not need a separate camera anymore because smartphones all have one today.

With all these above tips, you may already have an idea of how to become a professional buyer.

Some other tips: You also need to consider the local language before deciding to attend. Using English in China is not the best option. You may consider contacting us as your translator. Even after the show, we can go to the factory where the product is made. Show you factory production photos and videos.

Read More,

• Import Electronics from China: A Frontier Guide
• Importing Clothing and Textiles from China
• Top Wholesale Markets and Factory Cities in Southern China
• How To Buy Wholesale From China?
• Amazon FBA Sourcing Agent in China

Final Thoughts!

Canton Fair has attracted this much attention because of its sheer grandeur. The Chinese trade fair is an official gathering of many traders and goods. The events are so big that they sometimes generate as much as $1.2 trillion when they happen.

As an opportunistic buyer, the trade fair is not something you should miss. The 136th event is inching closer; this guide aims to offer extensive coverage on how to navigate it. Stay tuned for more tips on navigating each phase with Owlsourcing! 

If you still need extra help, contact us at +86 13816126272 for more help. Any questions? Please email us at [email protected]! Our team promises to provide all the help you need.