Canton Fair in is the biggest, best-known sourcing fair in China, also known as the China Import and Export Fair. Held twice a year in Guangzhou (Canton), it attracts more than 500,000 visitors to both the spring and autumn fairs.
Importers from more than 200 countries and regions from all over the world attend to visit more than 22,000 exhibitors from all over China and overseas. It’s the “must visit” trade show for almost every importer from China. So if you already import from China and are looking for new Chinese suppliers or just want to start your import business, it’s the best fair to attend.
In our complete Canton Fair Guide, we’ll try to answer the most frequently asked questions about the trade show.
1. Exhibition Date and Phases of the Canton Fair
Each Canton Fair is divided into 3 different phases, which each last 5 days. It’s important to realize that you will find different exhibitors during each phase. So it’s very important to choose the proper phase so you can find suppliers from your industry, instead of choosing the wrong phase and wasting more than 20 days in Guangzhou. Be sure to prepare for the Canton Fair in advance. The whole complex is huge, and it’s almost impossible to visit every part of the fair during the 5 days. Also, remember to familiarize yourself with Chinese business etiquette.
Canton Fair Phase 1 April 15-19,2015
| Exhibition Category | Exhibition Section | Exhibitor Number |
| Electronics & Household Appliances | Household Electrical Appliances | 1181 |
| Consumer Electronics and Information Products | 748 | |
| Electronic and Electrical Products | 619 | |
| Lighting Equipment | Lighting Equipment | 601 |
| Vehicle & Spare Parts | Bicycles | 114 |
| Motorcycles | 286 | |
| Vehicles | 75 | |
| Vehicle Spare Parts | 934 | |
| Machinery | Power and Electrical Equipment | 221 |
| General Machinery, Small Processing Machinery | 734 | |
| Industrial Spare Parts | 734 | |
| Large Machinery and Equipment | 433 | |
| Construction and Agricutural Machinery | 293 | |
| Hardware & Tools | Hardware | 1030 |
| Tools | 1240 | |
| Building Materials | Building and Decorative Materials | 1239 |
| Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment | 597 | |
| Chemical Products | Chemical Products | 324 |
| Energy | New Energy | 81 |
Canton Fair Phase 2: April 23-27,2015
| Exhibition Category | Exhibition Section | Exhibitor Number |
| Consumer Goods | Kichenware & Tableware | 1164 |
| General Ceramics | 692 | |
| Household Items | 1372 | |
| Personal Care Products | 120 | |
| Toiletries | 101 | |
| Pet Products and Food | 117 | |
| Gifts | Clocks, Watches and Optical Instruments | 132 |
| Toys | 648 | |
| Gifts and Premiums | 1121 | |
| Festival Products | 415 | |
| Home Decorations | Art Ceramics | 344 |
| Glass Artware | 361 | |
| Weaving, Rattan and Iron Products | 203 | |
| Home Decorations | 696 | |
| Gardening Products | 552 | |
| Furniture | 916 | |
| Stone/Iron Decoration & Outdoor Spa Equipment | 74 |
Canton Fair Phase 3: May 1-5, 2015
| Exhibition Category | Exhibition Section | Exhibitor Number |
| Textiles & Garments | Men and Women’s Clothing | 1250 |
| Underwear | 217 | |
| Sports and Casual Wear | 340 | |
| Kid’s Wear | 215 | |
| Fashion Accessories and Fittings | 557 | |
| Furs, Leather, Downs &Related products | 81 | |
| Home Textiles | 1423 | |
| Textile Raw Materials & Fabrics | 741 | |
| Carpets & Tapestries | 104 | |
| Shoes | Shoes | 1134 |
| Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, Recreation Products | Office Supplies | 835 |
| Cases and Bags | 992 | |
| Sports, Tracel and Recreation Products | 721 | |
| Food | Food | 718 |
| Medicines, Health and Medical Devices | Medicines, Health and Medical Devices | 516 |
As you can see, there are suppliers from almost every industry. It might be confusing to find the right phase to attend, but we recommend you assign your products to an industry. The exhibitor categories at the Canton Fair are very general, so you will find various products.
Once you enter the Pazhou Exhibition Complex, it’s easy to get around. There are plenty of shuttle buses, English-speaking staff to help out, and information points. But it’s good to have a map of the complex.
3. Canton Fair opening hours
It’s important to remember that the trade fair has different opening hours on different days. Also, we do recommend registering at the fair in advance. You will avoid long lines for registration and save up to 2–3 hours. For details, please read our China Canton Fair Registration Guide
4. China Canton Fair Map
The whole 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 whole area around the complex is quite congested. If your hotel has easy access to the local Metro, we do advice using it. The Guangzhou Metro line 8 passes the Canton Fair. Just get off at the Xingang Dong Station (Exit A) or any exit at the Pazhou Station. The whole complex is divided into 3 sections, A, B, and C. More information about direct transport connections you can find on the official China Import & Export Fair Please view the Canton map.
