The 115 Edition of the Canton Fair will soon be held in Guangzhou (Canton). It will be the perfect occasion to establish valuable trade relationships, but – as always in China – some preparation is required.
Canton Fair online registration
Online registration is possible via BEST system – Canton Fair’s online self-service platform, especially for overseas buyers (it includes companies registered in Hongkong and Taiwan). After online registration, the visitor will receive an invitation, which will be necessary while applying for the Chinese visa. Online registration is not obligatory but can save a lot of time.
In order to enter the trade show area, you should have an IC card. If the visitor went through the process of online registration, he might receive the card for free. The card from previous trade shows remains valid. If someone wants to obtain a new card (for example, because the previous one was lost), it can be done in several hotels around Guangzhou or in the Canton Fair Hong Kong office. Additional information is presented here.
Time and Place
The trade show takes place between 15th April and 5th May and is divided into the following phases:
PHASE ONE: APRIL 15-19 | |||||||
Electronics, household electrical appliances | Household Electrical Appliances | Machinery | Small Machinery | ||||
Consumer Electronics | Large Machinery and Equipment | ||||||
Computers | |||||||
Construction Machinery | |||||||
Electronic and Electrical Products | |||||||
Lighting Equipment | Lighting Equipment
| Hardware and Tools | Tools | ||||
Vehicles and Spare Parts | Bikes | Building Materials | Building and Decorative Materials | ||||
Motorcycles | |||||||
Vehicles | Chemical Products | Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment | |||||
Spare Parts | |||||||
PHASE TWO: APRIL 23-27 | |||||||
Consumer Goods | Kitchenware & Tableware | Home Decorations | Art Ceramics | ||||
General Ceramics | Glass Artware | ||||||
Household Items | Weaving, Rattan and Iron Products | ||||||
Personal Care products | Furniture | ||||||
Toiletries | Gardening Products | ||||||
Stone/Iron Decoration, Outdoor Spa Equipment | |||||||
Gifts | Clocks, Watches and Optical Instruments |
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| Toys |
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| Gifts and Premiums |
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PHASE THREE: MAY 1-5 | |||||||
Textiles & Garments | Men and Women Clothing | Shoes | Shoes | ||||
| Underwear | Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, Recreation Products | Office Supplies | ||||
| Kids Wear |
| Cases and Bags | ||||
| Fashion Accessories and Fittings |
| Sports, Travel and Recreation Products | ||||
| Leather, Fur, Feathers and alike | Medicines, Medical Devices and Health Products | Medical Devices, Disposables and Dressings | ||||
Medicines | |||||||
Home Textiles | |||||||
Textile Raw Materials & Fabrics | |||||||
Carpets & Tapestries | |||||||
The number of registered exhibitors may reach 20 000; the detailed list is presented here. Just as in previous years, Canton Fair takes place at Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, located in the Pazhou district.
Official hotels list
Like every year, the trade shows have designated a number of official hotels; the list is available here. We should remember that choosing an official hotel has advantages and disadvantages. It may be more expensive than other hotels, but shuttle transport to the trade show area will be provided.
Due to the big interest, we should consider making a reservation right now.
Additional Information
Overseas visitors should have a valid visa before entering China. The current visa policy has been described here. To sum up, every visitor to Canton Fair should apply for an M visa (the application form shall include an official invitation, available via online registration). We should also remember that our passport has to be valid for at least 6 months after arrival in China.