Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is China’s biggest, best-known sourcing fair. It is held twice a year in Guangzhou (Canton), attracting over 200,000 visitors from over 200 countries and regions per session. In our complete guide to the Canton Fair, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the trade show.

A complete guide to the Canton Fair
Where is the Canton Fair held?
Canton Fair (广交会 in Chinese) is held in the China Import and Export Fair (Pazhou) Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province in South China. The complex is one of the biggest in Asia and accommodates over 60,000 booths.

Canton Fair address: Pazhou Complex, Yuejiangzhong Road 382, Haizhu, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

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Canton Fair dates and phases
Canton Fair is split into two sessions, spring and fall. Each Canton Fair is divided into three separate phases (six phases a year in total). Each phase lasts several days and is dedicated to different industries. Before you set out to China to attend the Canton Fair, find out which phase is best for you.

Canton Fair Phase 1
Canton Fair Phase 1 takes place on April 15-19 and October 15-19. It focuses on:

electronics & household electrical appliances
vehicles & spare parts
machinery
hardware & tools
chemical products

new energy resources.

Invitation for visa application
Most foreigners have to get a visa to enter China. As an overseas buyer, you must get an invitation for your visa. Apply for an invitation via:

Buyer e-service tool (BEST)
Canton Fair Call Centre, CFTC
Canton Fair Hong Kong Representative Office
The Economic & Commercial Office of the Embassy (Consulate General) of the PRC in your country
Chinese foreign trade enterprise you cooperate with
CFTC’s Global Cooperative Partners.
How to get a visa for the Canton Fair?
To apply for a Chinese visa, contact your country’s Embassy (Consulate General) of the PRC. Next, register for the Canton Fair and a badge if you do not have one from previous sessions.

How to get a Canton Fair badge?
To enter the Canton Fair, you must have an ID badge.

Online application
To apply for the Buyer Badge, visit the Buyer e-service tool, choose “Login” or “Overseas buyer registration,” and apply for the Badge.

A first Canton Fair Overseas Buyer Badge is free of charge and valid for multiple sessions. Pre-application saves you time and hassle during the Canton Fair.

Pre-registration for a Canton Fair session
Pre-registration service is available at appointed hotels and in the Canton Fair Complex’s Buyers’ Registration Office.

Complete the pre-registration
Submit the required documents
Get pre-registration code
Show the code on-site
Get your Buyer Badge
How to get to the Canton Fair? From Baiyun International Airport
The Canton Fair complex is located in the southern part of Guangzhou, with easy access from Baiyun International Airport by taxi and metro (subway). If you arrive by car or shuttle bus, bear in mind that the area around the complex is quite congested. If your hotel has easy access to the local metro, we advise using it.

By bus to the Canton Complex
Guangzhou Airport Express offers a special direct shuttle bus service between Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and the Canton Fair Complex. The bus departs every 30 minutes, and the duration is about 1 hour.

By metro to the Canton Fair
Get on line 3 (North extended line) at Jichang Nan Station to Tiyu Xi Station.
Transfer to line 3 at Tiyu Xi Station to Kecun Station.
Transfer to line 8 at Kecun Station towards Washengwei to Xingang Dong Station (Area A of Canton Fair Complex) or Pazhou Station (Area B & C of Canton Fair Complex). Get off at the Pazhou Station via exits A, B, or C, or Xingang Dong via exit A.
By taxi to Pazhou Complex
Book a driver or tell the taxi driver, “Canton Fair,” “Pazhou,” or “广交会” in Chinese. It takes about 1 hour by taxi from the airport to the complex.

China Canton Fair Map
It is easy to get around once you enter the Pazhou Exhibition Complex. There are plenty of shuttle buses, English-speaking staff to help you out, and information points. Having a map of the complex on hand is a good idea.