The China Import and Export Fair — known internationally as the Canton Fair — runs twice a year in Guangzhou: in April and October. With over 25,000 exhibitors across three phases, it is the largest trade fair in the world. For Australian businesses sourcing from China, it is the single most efficient way to build a shortlist of verified suppliers before committing to factory visits.
This guide covers how to plan a Canton Fair visit, which phase to attend, how to combine it with on-ground factory tours, and what to do after the fair.
What Is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair is a government-hosted trade exhibition held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou (Pazhou). It began in 1957 and has run continuously twice yearly, making it one of the longest-running trade events in the world.
Unlike private trade shows, the Canton Fair covers the full breadth of Chinese manufacturing: electronics, furniture, textiles, machinery, consumer goods, and everything in between.
Why Australian businesses use it: access to factories that do not market heavily online, face-to-face first contact with decision-makers, price benchmarking across dozens of suppliers for the same product, and discovery of new product categories.
Canton Fair Phase Guide
The fair runs across three phases, each covering different product categories.
| Phase | Typical Dates | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Mid April / October | Electronics, household appliances, machinery, hardware, building materials |
| Phase 2 | Late April / October | Consumer goods, gifts, furniture, home decor, luggage |
| Phase 3 | Early May / November | Textiles, footwear, bags, medicines, sportswear, office supplies |
For Australian businesses: sourcing electronics or smart home products — Phase 1. Sourcing furniture, home goods, or packaging — Phase 2. Sourcing apparel, footwear, or sportswear — Phase 3.
Book your hotel in Pazhou (near the fair grounds) during the fair period. Hotels across Guangzhou fill quickly and prices surge.
How to Prepare Before the Fair
Step 1: Register for Free. Australian businesses can register for the Canton Fair at no cost. Use the official registration portal (cantonfair.org.cn) and select "Overseas buyer" registration. Bring your QR code confirmation to the fair entrance.
Step 2: Research Exhibitor Lists Before You Arrive. The official Canton Fair website publishes exhibitor lists 2-3 weeks before each fair. Download the exhibitor catalogue and identify which booths you want to visit before you arrive.
What to look for: direct manufacturer booths (avoid "trading company" unless they have a specific manufacturing relationship), ISO certifications displayed, export destination information, and product range that matches your sourcing needs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Sourcing Brief. Bring a one-page sourcing brief in English and Mandarin. This should include products you are looking to source, estimated order volumes, quality specifications or reference samples, target pricing, and delivery timeline expectations.
Do not hand your brief to every supplier you meet. Share it selectively with your top choices — it is a negotiation tool, not a general advertisement.
Day-by-Day Fair Strategy
Day 1: Orientation and Supplier Identification. Download the Canton Fair app — it has a floor plan and exhibitor search function. Walk the halls relevant to your product category. Collect business cards and take photos of booth numbers. Do not commit to anything on Day 1 — observe, compare, shortlist.
Days 2-3: Focused Supplier Meetings. Return to your shortlisted booths for deeper conversation. Ask specific questions: export history, minimum order quantities, sample fees, tooling costs. Request catalogues and price lists. Ask for the supplier's WeChat or email for follow-up.
Key questions to ask every supplier: "What is your minimum order quantity for this product?" "Do you manufacture this yourself or use a partner factory?" "Have you exported to Australia before?" "Can I visit your factory after the fair?"
That last question is critical. Suppliers who confidently invite factory visits are typically genuine manufacturers. Suppliers who deflect should be noted as requiring verification before any commitment.
Days 4-5: Factory Visits (Combined Trip). If your schedule allows, combine your Canton Fair visit with on-ground factory visits in the Pearl River Delta. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan are all within 2 hours of the fair grounds.
After the Fair: The Critical Follow-Up Phase
The most common mistake buyers make after the Canton Fair is collecting dozens of contacts and then doing nothing with them.
Week 1 After the Fair: Sort your contacts by product category and supplier quality. Send WeChat messages or emails to your top 10 suppliers. Request formal quotations based on the specs discussed at the fair.
Weeks 2-4: Evaluate quotes against each other. Schedule video calls with top 3 choices. Request samples. If a supplier looks strong, schedule an on-ground visit for your next China trip.
Be suspicious of suppliers who dramatically reduce their prices after the fair to secure your order. This often means they quoted high at the fair to leave room for negotiation, or they are a trading company without manufacturing capability.
FAQ
When does the Canton Fair run in 2026? The 2026 spring Canton Fair (139th session) runs approximately mid-April to early May 2026 in Guangzhou. The autumn fair runs approximately mid-October to early November 2026. Exact dates are published on cantonfair.org.cn approximately 6 weeks before each session.
Do I need a visa to attend the Canton Fair? Australian citizens need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China. The standard business visa (M or F category) is appropriate for attending trade fairs and factory visits. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Is the Canton Fair free to attend? Yes, overseas buyers can register for free at the official Canton Fair website. On-site registration with a valid passport is also available but involves queues. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Can I combine the Canton Fair with factory visits? Absolutely — and it is the recommended approach. Guangzhou is central to the Pearl River Delta manufacturing region. Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan are all accessible within 1-2 hours by car or high-speed train from Pazhou.
Winning Adventure Global coordinates Canton Fair packages combined with factory visits — pre-fair supplier research, on-ground accompaniment, and post-fair follow-up included.
Planning to attend the Canton Fair? Get in touch to discuss your visit.