For over six decades, the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) has been the first stop for any trader wanting direct access to Chinese supply chains without a middleman — and it's Guangzhou specifically, not Shanghai or Beijing, that hosts it. This guide is aimed at Gulf traders or importers considering attending for the first time.
When it's held
The fair runs twice yearly — a spring session and an autumn session — each split into three consecutive phases, with each phase covering a different product category: Phase 1 covers electronics, machinery, vehicles, energy, and hardware; Phase 2 covers home products, gifts, décor, furniture, and building materials; Phase 3 covers textiles, garments, shoes, bags, office supplies, food, and medical products. For the Autumn 2026 session specifically, the three phases run roughly between October 15 and November 4. Check the official site, cantonfair.org.cn, before traveling, since exact dates are adjusted annually.
Registering as a foreign buyer
Registration via the official website is free for overseas buyers, and you'll need a valid passport plus a business card or proof of commercial activity. After registering, you receive a Buyer Badge granting access to the halls for your registered phase. It's best to register at least two weeks before the event to avoid queues at the on-site registration counters.
Location and getting around
The fair is held at the enormous Canton Fair Complex in Haizhu district, one of the largest exhibition centers in the world. Metro Line 8 is the easiest way there: Xingangdong station for Area A, Pazhou station for Areas B and C. Avoid taxis during morning rush hours, since traffic around the complex during fair days is severe. The fair typically runs from 9:30am to 6pm.
After the fair: surrounding wholesale markets
Guangzhou is more than the Canton Fair — year-round wholesale markets surrounding it deserve an extra day, such as the Xiajiu clothing markets, wholesale complexes in Baiyun for shoes and bags, and jewelry markets in Yuexiu. These markets allow smaller purchase quantities and direct negotiation without prior registration, suiting anyone wanting to test the market before committing to large Canton Fair orders.
Practical tips for traders
Book your hotel near Pazhou or Xingangdong station months ahead — hotels fill up and prices double during fair days. Bring plenty of business cards printed in English, and consider hiring a local interpreter for a day or two if your deals are substantial; direct negotiation without a middleman offers a bigger margin but requires precision when communicating about quantities, specifications, and shipping.