The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a big deal in Guangzhou, China, happening twice a year. It’s massive, drawing in exhibitors and buyers from around the globe.

The 2024 edition is gearing up to be a game-changer for businesses looking to expand, connect, and find top-notch products. In this guide, we’ll uncover why the Canton Fair is a go-to for sourcing and import-export pros. Stick around for tips on navigating the fair and prepping like a pro.

Canton Fair At A Glance

Originating in 1957, the Canton Fair was conceived to counter international blockades and boost China’s foreign exchange reserves. Over time, it has evolved to showcase China’s diverse economic landscape, transitioning from traditional products to a wide array of modern industries.

Managed by the China Foreign Trade Centre, the fair spans three phases over almost a month, each dedicated to distinct product categories. This setup ensures various offerings, from electronics, machinery, and textiles to home decor, gifts, and consumer goods, appealing to a broad spectrum of attendees.

Canton Fair Dates for 2024

The fair happens twice a year, in spring and in autumn. The upcoming edition of the Canton Fair in 2024 is scheduled as follows

136th Canton Fair:

  • Phase 1: October 15th-19th, 2024 – 9:30-18:00
  • Phase 2: October 23rd-27th, 2024 – 9:30-18:00
  • Phase 3: October 31st-November 4th, 2024 – 9:30-18:00

Canton Fair Exhibition Sections

With three distinct phases, attendees can explore a wide array of products, from innovative gadgets to traditional handicrafts. Ensure you go to the right phase.

Here’s a breakdown of the phases.

  • The first phase is dedicated to electronics and lighting.
  • The second phase focuses on consumer goods.
  • The third phase focuses on clothing

Phase 1: Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances, Lighting Equipment, Vehicles & Spare Parts, Machinery, Hardware & Tools, Energy + Resources, Chemical Products, Building Materials, International Pavilion.

Phase 2: Consumer Goods, Gifts, Home Decorations.

Phase 3: Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, Recreation Products, Medical Devices and Health Products, Food, Shoes, Textiles & Garments, International Pavilion.

Preparing for the Canton Fair

Visa Considerations

The China Visa application must be submitted in person at the Chinese Embassy or your assigned Consulate. You do not have to show up yourself, and many expediting companies will help you get your Visa, both submit and pick up your passport from the consulate, and return it to you so that you never need to leave home.

How long will it take to get a Visa after my application? If you have submitted all documents required, it normally takes 4 business days (it varies case by case). If you have a special or emergency, you may request express (3 business days) or rush service (next day) for an additional fee.

When applying for a visa you need to provide the following: Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 pieces of blank visa page. Please note: If you have dual or multiple nationality, you will need to provide all valid original passports. If you have an original passport that has expired before, please provide it as well.

We advise that you use an expeditor. If you are an American, the online application, COVA, is here: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US

Choose your country if it is not the US.

We highly recommend that you do NOT use the Chrome browser. Edge, Firefox, etc. will all work more smoothly.

Please note: The following countries have VISA-FREE entry to China: Citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland are among the European countries allowed to enter China without a visa until the end of next year. Polish citizens joined the list on 1 July German citizens can enter China visa-free for stays up to 15 days for business and tourism until December 31, 2025.

Official passports and temporary documents are excluded from this rule.

WeChat

Download and use WeChat. You want to project the impression of being a serious businessperson. That means using WeChat in China. Not WhatsApp or Telegram. WeChat is the most ubiquitous platform in China.

As soon as you use it, they will take you more seriously, which means they will be more agreeable to lower prices. Also, some other services that WeChat provides:

  • Money transfers.
  • Bank-to-bank card transfers.
  • Ordering food delivery, pay for restaurant booking.
  • Charity donations.
  • Share Bike Hiring – Scan and Go.
  • Groceries, general shopping and Online Retail, Food, Restaurants, Bill sharing.

Install VPN.

If it’s your first time in China, you might be surprised to find that popular services like Google, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked. This happens because the Chinese government enforces strict internet controls to manage the flow of information and maintain stability.

Getting a VPN before your trip will let you use these sites while you’re in China. For a good VPN, we recommend: https://wannaflix.net/. The Holafly eSIM from Hong Kong is useful because you don’t need a VPN to use the internet. If you do need a VPN, Astrill is a good option to access blocked websites.

Packing

When deciding what to wear at the Canton Fair, prioritize comfort. Given the extensive walking and humid climate of Guangzhou, fancy shoes and formal suits may not be ideal. Suppliers understand this and won’t judge if you opt for a more relaxed attire. However, it’s advisable to steer clear of overly casual outfits. Consider comfortable pants (avoid jeans) paired with a simple polo shirt. Choose professional-looking yet comfortable shoes to complete your attire.

Health Declaration

Before you board your plane, you will have to fill out a health declaration form. Take a screenshot so that you can show it upon entry. https://htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn/…/healthDe…/declare.html

The declaration is good for only 24 hours. If your flight arrives more than 24 after the time you originally applied you will have to visit the site again when you arrive in China and take another screenshot before you enter immigration and Customs. You will need a Health Declaration when leaving China too.

Money & Payment Methods

Take RMB with you when you enter China. Also, note that most payments are now done with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Credit cards aren’t used much in China, except at big hotels. Most places prefer cash, but Alipay is the best option for quick and easy payments. Visitors from other countries should download and set up the Alipay app before arriving to make payments hassle-free during their trip.

Entry forms

You will need to fill out an entry form and present it to Immigration. The airline will give you entry forms before you land. Bring a pen with you onto the plane and keep it handy so that you can fill out the form before landing. This will get you through immigration faster.

Transportation services

Hotels often provide free shuttles to the fair, enhancing convenience for attendees. Once you are in Guangzhou, there are three main ways to reach the Canton Fair:

  • Direct shuttle service: It takes you directly from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the fair venue. The shuttle services run through all three phases of the trade fair between 1 pm to 6 pm. You will find a new shuttle every 30 minutes. There are also shuttle buses available from major hotels to the fair venue.
  • Metro: You can take Line 8 either from the Pazhou Station via exits A, B, or C or from the Xingang Dong Station via exit A.
  • Taxi: You can also directly get a taxi to the venue using ride-hailing apps like DiDi. Taxis prefer that you pay in WePay or AliPay. So if you have WePay or AliPay, then use that to pay for the taxi. If not, you will need to confirm that they accept cash before you start the ride. (Often, they will not take credit cards.)

The taxi driver will not speak English. Therefore, to confirm that they take cash you should print out the following phrase in Chinese and hold it up for the driver to read.

你们接受现金吗

It means: Do you accept cash?

Because the driver does not speak English you will have to do the same thing for your hotel address. Go online, get the hotel address in Chinese, and print it out for the driver to read.

Once you arrive at your hotel, the front desk will probably have a Taxi Card for you that has the hotel name and address written in Chinese. Take a stack of these. They will always be useful. Even better, take a photo of the Taxi Card too.

SIM cards

There are SIM card vendors at the airport. However, there will also be SIM card vendors at the Canton Fair, so do not stress about getting a Chinese SIM card before you get a taxi to your hotel. E-sim, for example, https://www.airalo.com/ with e-sim Facebook, Google and Netflix already work.

Map

The complex is huge, plus they have added a new section since COVID-19, so people who have not attended the Fair since 2019 may be surprised that it has grown.

Download the latest floor plan of the Canton Fair.

Download the Canton Fair app

The app is a valuable resource for attendees, providing a comprehensive guide to the fair. It includes detailed information about exhibitors, products, and events. Moreover, you can utilize the app to organize your schedule of events and exhibitions according to your preferences.

Canton Fair Workbook

The Canton Fair Workbook is available on Amazon. It has fill-in-the-blank templates for Product Requirements Documents, Product Specs, for having conversations with Suppliers, and factory visits. It will help make communication easier since you won’t have to remember what questions to ask amid the distractions of the Canton Fair.

https://www.amazon.com/Canton…/dp/1092138986/ref=sr_1_3…

Cost and Registration

Attending the Canton Fair is free upon pre-registration, although lost badges incur replacement costs. The badge is a lifetime pass, showcasing attendees’ long-standing engagement with this prestigious event.

Visa, Invitation, and Badge Collection:

  • Visa: Start your visa application process at least two months before the fair. Start this process early by approaching the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy.
  • Invitation: It can either be obtained from an exhibitor or directly from the Canton Fair through the E-invitation application.
  • Registration and Badge: Pre-register online to avoid long queues. You’ll receive a confirmation that you’ll be present to retrieve your entry badge.

Language Considerations:

English is widely spoken at the fair, but learning basic Mandarin phrases can enhance interactions outside the event.

Explore Translation Services: While many booths at the Canton Fair offer English-speaking representatives, having your own translator can streamline communication. Consider partnering with a professional translation service agency or booking the fair’s on-site translators in advance, as they are often in high demand. Early booking ensures smooth communication during your visit.

Accommodation

Book the hotel well ahead of the fair dates to ensure you have the best accommodation. Take advantage of websites like Trip.com and Agoda that offer a wide range of options.

It might be wise to book a hotel that has an Overseas Buyers’ Registration Office, where you can easily get your Buyer’s Badge. So before your visit, check the official Canton Fair website for a list of confirmed hotels for the specific fair session you plan to attend.

Your Hotel, Your Room, and Water. Your hotel will require your passport and credit card to check in.

Do not drink tap water. Your room should come with some bottles of water. Use these to drink.

Hotel Prices: In general, hotel room rates in China are relatively low. However, during the Canton Fair, hotel rates skyrocket, maybe 8 to 10 times higher than normal.

Food and Refreshments

There are numerous cafes and food stalls within the fairgrounds. However, carrying a water bottle and some snacks can be a lifesaver during long days.

Toilets

There are two types of toilets in China. Sit-down toilets and hole-in-the-floor toilets. (Squat toilets).

The bathroom in your hotel room will be a traditional Western sit-down toilet. Use it. When you get to some locations in China, including restaurants and factories, the toilet will be a ‘hole-in-the-floor’.

Most toilets at the Canton Fair have been converted to western sit-down toilets.

However, whenever you are faced with hole-in-the-floor toilets and want a western toilet, look for the handicapped stall. Most of those will be Western-style.

  • If you are using a hole-in-the-floor toilet, the toilet paper goes into the basket, not the toilet.
  • Bring tissues with you.
  • In some places, you can tip an attendant to give you a tissue.

Security pat-downs

Get used to security pat-downs. They will occur at many places including airports, train stations, and at the entrance to the Canton Fair.

WePay and AliPay

Life is easier if you have WePay or AliPay. Here are some instructions for installing AliPay.

https://wise.com/us/blog/alipay-for-foreigners

Professional Etiquette/Business Cards

In China, Business Cards (called name cards) are part of business protocol. Exchanging name cards is a vital aspect of networking and building relationships in Chinese business culture. Bring plenty of business cards with all your contact information, including, phone number, email address, and WeChat ID. Use this opportunity to build your network of suppliers.

Pro-tip: When attending the Canton Fair, you’ll accumulate numerous catalogues and samples from suppliers. Carrying these items can become cumbersome, especially with extensive walking. Therefore, choosing a wheeled carry-on suitcase is the most practical solution for transporting your catalogue collection.

Prepare your questions

Prepare a list of questions to ask suppliers

  • Where is your factory located? Which facilities do you own?
  • What are the most popular products?
  • What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
  • What are the current delivery time frames?
  • Which countries do you export to?
  • What are the preferred payment methods?
  • Can I get exclusivity on a specific product or product range?
  • Can I get products in a specific colour or size?

Here are a few product-related questions to consider:

  • Is exclusivity an option for this product or range?
  • Could you share the detailed specifications and features of the product?
  • Can I request specific colors or sizes, and what would be the pricing?
  • What’s the minimum order quantity for first-time buyers?
  • How are the products packed, including dimensions and quantity per package?
  • Are there any certifications available for these products?/li>
  • What’s the monthly production capacity for these items?
  • How fast is shipping to my country typically?

Invest in a portable charger

This is to keep your phone fully charged for all the product pictures you’ll be taking. It’s a lifesaver, considering how scarce power outlets can be at the fairgrounds.

What to Know about the Chinese culture

  • Chinese people smoke. A lot.
  • Chinese people use WePay for everything. Many shops do not take cash.
  • Some Chinese hotel rooms do not have exterior windows. Be aware of this before you reserve your room.
  • China in general is very safe. If you have an emergency, however, dial 110. (Not 911)
  • Forks are generally available in case you are not proficient with chopsticks.
  • When you order water in a restaurant, it will arrive warm. Be cautious ordering ice since some places may make ice with tap water. You shouldn’t have any problem with safe ice at hotels.
  • There are a lot of food options at the Canton Fair including McDonald’s and Starbucks. There are also Halal options.

Post Fair Strategy

  • Follow-Up Quickly: Reach out to the contacts you made at the fair promptly. This shows professionalism and keeps your discussions fresh in their minds.
  • Organize Your Leads: Categorize your leads based on priority or interest level. This helps in prioritizing follow-up actions and nurturing relationships effectively.
  • Send Thank-You Notes: A personalized thank-you note or email goes a long way in showing appreciation and maintaining a positive connection with potential partners or clients.
  • Review Your Notes: Reflect on the conversations and insights gained during the fair. Use this information to tailor your approach in further communications.
  • Evaluate Your Goals: Assess whether you achieved the goals you set for the fair. Identify areas of improvement and adjust your strategies accordingly for future events.
  • Stay Engaged on Social Media: Share your experiences from the fair on social media platforms. Engage with attendees, exhibitors, and potential partners to continue building relationships.
  • Plan Follow-Up Meetings: Schedule follow-up meetings or calls with key contacts to discuss potential collaborations or partnerships further.
  • Track Your Progress: Monitor the progress of leads generated from the fair. Keep track of conversions, deals closed, and any feedback received to gauge the fair’s overall success for your business.

Planning to attend the canton fair? Why Choose Amazing in China for your Canton Fair Sourcing Trip?

If you’re asking what sets our China trip apart, it’s our blend of professional expertise and personalized attention. The prospect of taking a China sourcing trip can evoke a mix of anxiety and exhilaration. With years of experience facilitating successful visits for sellers, we’re here to ensure your journey is worry-free. We encourage you to consider ours.

To join the trip, please visit: https://www.amazingathome.com/china/ to learn more and book your spot for the October trip.

Our TakeAway

The Canton Fair 2024 is not just a sourcing fair; it’s a gateway to new opportunities, collaborations, and growth for businesses worldwide. Your journey to China for business holds immense potential. By understanding the visa process, cultural norms, local practices, and essential tools, you’re better equipped to make the most out of your trip. Whether you’re attending the Canton Fair or engaging in business meetings, your preparedness will set you up for success.