I. Preparing for the Canton Fair
Step #1: Exhibition Details
The first step in preparing for the Canton Fair is to confirm the dates and location of the event. Here’s a list of the Canton Fair for each period, including the exhibition dates, product categories, and venue distribution:
Phase 1:
Exhibition Dates: April 15-19 & October 15-19
Product Categories: Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances, Lighting Equipment, Vehicles & Spare Parts, Machinery, Hardware & Tools, Energy Resources, Chemical Products, Building Materials
Exhibition Halls: A, B, C, D
Phase 2:
Exhibition Dates: April 23-27 & October 23-27
Product Categories: Consumer Goods, Gifts, and Home Decorations
Exhibition Halls: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I
Phase 3:
Exhibition Dates: May 1-5 & October 31-November 4
Product Categories: Textiles & Garments, Shoes, Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, Recreation Products, Medical Devices & Health Products, Food, International Pavilion
Exhibition Halls: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L
Note: The specific dates for each phase may vary slightly each year. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Another important aspect of preparing for the Canton Fair is to arrange your transportation and accommodation. Guangzhou is a busy city, and during the fair, it can be difficult to find accommodation that is both affordable and conveniently located. Therefore, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. Here are some recommendations for accommodation and dining options during the Canton Fair.
Step #2: Accommodation
(1) High-end:
● Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou
Address: No.1 Hui Zhan Dong Road, Hai Zhu District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 8917 8888
Transportation: Take Metro Line 8 from Pazhou Station to Liede Station, then transfer to Line 5 to Zhujiang New Town Station. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the station.
● Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe
Address: 215 Linhe Xi Heng Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 6683 8888
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 from Tianhe Sports Center Station to Kecun Station, then transfer to Line 8 to Pazhou Station. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the station.
● Westin Pazhou
Address: Area C, Canton Fair Complex, 681 Fengpu East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 8918 1818
Transportation: The hotel is located within the Canton Fair Complex and is a short walk from the fairgrounds.
(2) Budget-friendly:
● 7 Days Inn Guangzhou Canton Fair Pazhou Branch
Address: No. 56 Xin Gang East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 3433 3388
Transportation: The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Pazhou Station on Metro Line 8.
● Guangzhou Yulei Apartment
Address: No. 28, Changgang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 3411 5455
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 from Changgang Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then transfer to Line 7 to Datang Station. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the station.
Step #3: Dining
(1) High-end:
● Guangzhou Restaurant (Wuzhou Guest House Branch)
Address: No. 53, Shamian South Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 8188 6966
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 from Huangsha Station to Changshou Road Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the restaurant.
● Jade River (The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou)
Address: 3 Xing An Road, Pearl River New City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 3813 6688
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 from Zhujiang New Town Station to Tiyu Xilu Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the hotel.
● Tao Tao Ju
Address: 20 Dishipu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 8188 6188
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 from Changshou Road Station to Huangsha Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the restaurant.
(2) Budget-friendly:
● KFC (multiple locations)
Address: Various locations throughout Guangzhou
Phone: +86 4008 209 999
Transportation: Take the metro or bus to the nearest KFC location.
● Zhen Gong Fu (multiple locations)
Address: Various locations throughout Guangzhou
Phone: +86 20 3888 8333
Transportation: Take the metro or bus to the nearest Zhen Gong Fu location.
Before you arrive at the Canton Fair, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the layout of the fairgrounds and the location of the exhibitors you want to visit. This will help you to plan your visit and ensure that you don’t waste any time wandering around the fairgrounds. Additionally, you should make sure that you have all the necessary documents and information, such as your passport, visa, and business cards.
II. Attending the Canton Fair
When attending the Canton Fair, it’s important to have a clear plan of what you want to achieve. Do you want to source new products for your business, or are you looking to build relationships with new suppliers? Whatever your goals, it’s important to be focused and strategic in your approach.
As you walk around the fairgrounds, take note of the quality and pricing of the products on display. This will help you to make informed decisions when it comes to sourcing products for your business. Additionally, be sure to make contact with the exhibitors you are interested in, and ask them questions about their products and services.
Finally, it’s a good idea to attend any relevant forums or seminars that are taking place during the Canton Fair. These events provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the latest trends and developments in your industry, and to network with other professionals.
III. After Attending the Canton Fair
After attending the Canton Fair, it’s important to follow up with the exhibitors you are interested in. This will help you to build relationships and ensure that you are able to source the products you need for your business.
Certainly, you can also go sightseeing in Guangzhou. Here are some recommended places to relax and sightsee.
● Shamian Island
Address: Shamian Island, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Huangsha Station and exit at Exit D, then walk about 10 minutes to the island.
Shamian Island is a charming historic area in Guangzhou that was once a foreign concession. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront promenade, admire the colonial-era architecture, and enjoy the island’s tranquil atmosphere. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants in the area.
● Baiyun Mountain
Address: Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 3722 0818
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station, then transfer to Bus 24 or 240 to the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area.
Baiyun Mountain is a popular natural attraction in Guangzhou, offering scenic views of the city from its summit. Visitors can hike through the mountain’s lush forests and gardens, or take a cable car to the top. There are also various temples and pagodas to explore on the mountain.
● Canton Tower
Address: No. 222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 8933 6666
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower Station, then exit at Exit A and walk to the tower.
Canton Tower is an iconic landmark in Guangzhou, standing at over 600 meters tall. Visitors can ascend to the tower’s observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the city, or dine at one of the tower’s restaurants. There is also a thrilling “sky drop” ride for adrenaline-seekers.
● Guangzhou Opera House
Address: No. 1 Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Phone: +86 20 3839 2888
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Zhujiang New Town Station, then exit at Exit B1 and walk to the opera house.
The Guangzhou Opera House is a stunning piece of modern architecture in Guangzhou, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Visitors can admire the building’s unique curves and angles, and attend performances by world-class musicians and artists.
IV. Conclusion
To sum up, visiting the Canton Fair can be a truly enriching experience for both business and leisure travelers. By taking advantage of our guide, you can maximize your time and get the most out of your visit to this amazing exhibition. Remember to prepare well, plan your itinerary, and enjoy the many food and cultural experiences that the city has to offer. We hope that our guide has been helpful and wish you a productive and enjoyable visit to the Canton Fair.
