How to Navigate the Canton Fair & Meet Sourcing Agents?
The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest and longest-running trade show in China. For global businesses, especially first-time importers or product developers, it’s a must-attend event to discover new suppliers, evaluate product quality in person, and build lasting partnerships in China.
Whether you’re a sourcing veteran or a first-time attendee, here’s a practical guide to help you prepare for the Canton Fair — including how to meet sourcing agents like Supplyia who can assist with post-fair logistics, consolidation, and product inspection.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Canton Fair
Held twice a year in Guangzhou, the Canton Fair is divided into three distinct phases, each focusing on different product categories. Since its inception in 1957, the fair has attracted over 10 million international buyers, becoming a central hub for global sourcing.
2025 Dates
- Spring Session: April 15 – May 5, 2025
- Autumn Session: October 15 – November 4, 2025
Opening Hours
Daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm
Location
Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
Many international visitors fly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, while others choose to land in Hong Kong, then travel by high-speed train or flight to Guangzhou. The city offers excellent metro and shuttle bus connectivity to the fairgrounds.
How to Apply for Entry to the Canton Fair
1. Register and Apply for an E-Invitation
To attend, international buyers need an invitation letter to apply for a Chinese business visa. You can register through the Canton Fair’s Buyer E-Service Tool, adding personal and business details including passport information.
2. Receive the Invitation Letter
After submitting, expect to receive the e-invitation by email within a few days to a week. You can then apply for a multi-entry business visa through the Chinese Embassy, COVA online portal, or via a travel agency.
Visa Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Photocopy of passport information page
- Passport-sized photo
- Canton Fair invitation letter
- Completed visa application form
3. Get Your Buyer Badge
Once you have your visa, you’ll need to obtain a buyer badge (entry card) to access the fair. You can pre-register online or queue at the on-site registration desks in Guangzhou.
Note: On-site registration costs RMB200. Save time by registering early.
Overview of the Canton Fair’s 3 Phases
Each session is divided into three product phases, spanning everything from heavy machinery to clothing, home décor, and electronics.
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Equipment | Kitchen & Tableware | Apparel & Textiles |
| Consumer Electronics | Home Decorations & Ceramics | Footwear & Bags |
| Lighting & Machinery | Furniture | Medical Products & Toys |
| Smart Vehicles & Automation | Gifts & Festival Items | Office Supplies & Food |
Plan your visit according to the phase that matches your sourcing interests.
5 Tips to Conquer the Canton Fair
1. Create a Game Plan
With over 1.1 million square meters of exhibition space, it’s essential to organize your visit in advance:
- Shortlist the categories and suppliers you want to visit
- Map out their booth locations by phase and hall
- Schedule meetings and allocate time for exploring
Questions to ask suppliers:
- What are your MOQs and lead times?
- What’s your production capacity?
- Do you offer product customization or exclusivity?
- Which markets do you already export to?
2. Consider Getting a Translator
Although many booths have English-speaking staff, complex negotiations benefit from professional interpreters. You can:
- Hire an on-site translator via the Canton Fair website
- Use translation apps like Baidu Translate or Google Translate (requires VPN in China)
3. Download Useful Apps
- Alipay – for cashless payments, hotel bookings, and transport
- WeChat – for communicating with suppliers
- Baidu Maps / Amap – navigation within Guangzhou
- VPN – if you need access to apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, or Google Translate
4. Stack Up Your Business Cards
Bring plenty of business cards including your name, email, phone, and WeChat ID. Exchanging cards is a professional and cultural norm — receive them with two hands as a sign of respect.
5. Simplify Payments with a World Account
After establishing relationships at the fair, you’ll need a reliable way to pay suppliers quickly and securely. Using a service like World Account allows you to:
- Make fast, traceable payments
- Open currency accounts in CNH, HKD, USD, etc.
- Lock in exchange rates
- Eliminate hidden fees
How to Meet Sourcing Agents at the Canton Fair?
Attending the Canton Fair can be exciting — but also overwhelming. If you’re short on time, unsure about supplier reliability, or plan to buy from multiple vendors, working with a sourcing agent can make a huge difference.
Why Use a Sourcing Agent?
Sourcing agents act as your on-the-ground partner in China. They can:
- Verify supplier legitimacy
- Negotiate prices and terms on your behalf
- Collect and consolidate goods from different vendors
- Perform quality inspections
- Manage shipping and export documentation
Where to Find Sourcing Agents During the Fair
- Visit booths of third-party service providers (some have their own stands)
- Ask trusted suppliers for agent referrals
- Network in buyer lounges or forums
- Look for multilingual staff near registration zones or hotel lobbies
Pro Tip: Look for sourcing agents who have long-term presence in China and can provide client testimonials or case studies.
Example: Work with Supplyia After the Fair
Supplyia is a reputable sourcing company based in Yiwu, China, offering comprehensive services for international buyers after the Canton Fair. If you find several products or want to test samples before bulk orders, Supplyia can help you:
- Follow up with selected suppliers
- Consolidate samples or goods from different vendors
- Inspect products before shipment
- Store, repackage, or assemble items in their own warehouse
- Ship worldwide at competitive rates
- Make combined payments on your behalf to simplify financial management
This is especially useful for small and medium businesses, dropshippers, or those not ready to set up a full-time team in China.
Final Words: Make the Most of Your Canton Fair Visit
The Canton Fair is more than just a trade show — it’s your gateway into the heart of China’s manufacturing industry. Whether you’re here to explore trends, place your first orders, or build a long-term sourcing strategy, preparation is key.
For those who want extra support navigating the fair and handling post-show logistics, partnering with a sourcing agent like Supplyia can reduce risks and boost efficiency.
