Canton Fair 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Guangzhou

The Canton Fair 2025 positions itself as the largest and most important commercial event in the world, bringing together over 25,000 exhibitors and attracting more than 246,000 international buyers from 215 countries and regions. Without a doubt, this massive event, officially known as the most important fair for importing from China, represents a unique opportunity for businesspeople and professionals looking to expand their commercial horizons.

Since its creation in 1957, the Canton Fair has evolved to become a benchmark for international trade. For those planning to attend, it is important to know that this event is held twice a year: in spring (April-May) and in autumn (October-November). Specifically, the autumn 2025 edition (138th edition) is scheduled to take place from October 15th to November 4th. Furthermore, the fair is held at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, the largest exhibition center in Asia with over 1.18 million square meters of exhibition space.

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What is the Canton Fair and why is it so important?

Officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, the Canton Fair represents the oldest and most significant commercial event on the global trade calendar. Furthermore, it is considered the largest international exhibition in the world, attracting buyers from over 210 countries and regions.

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Brief history and evolution of the event

The history of the Canton Fair dates back to the spring of 1957, when it was established in Guangzhou in response to a critical need: to alleviate the international blockade and secure foreign currency for China. During its beginnings, most of the products exhibited were raw materials. However, over time, the proportion of manufactured goods increased significantly, rising from 20% in 1957 to 85.6% in 1995.

Throughout its more than 65 years of history, the event has undergone various transformations, including changes in its name. Initially known as the "Chinese Export Products Fair," it has also been called the "Chinese Export Commodities Fair" and the "China Import and Export Fair." Nevertheless, the name "Canton Fair" became popular internationally due to the historical English name of Guangzhou: "Canton."

Currently, each session of the fair occupies an area of 1.19 million square meters, with approximately 25,000 exhibitors and nearly 200,000 foreign buyers participating in each edition. This growth reflects China's economic transformation, from an agrarian society to becoming the world's manufacturing powerhouse and, now, a leader in innovation and technology.

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Importance for international trade

The Canton International Fair 2025 continues to be a fundamental pillar for global trade for multiple reasons. Primarily, it functions as a barometer of Chinese foreign trade and a crucial bridge connecting Chinese manufacturers with international markets.

For decades, this event has strengthened economic cooperation between China and other countries. For example, in 1973, the fair represented approximately 50% of China's national foreign trade, evidencing its central role in the country's economy. By 2019, in its 126th edition, the cumulative export volume had reached the impressive figure of 1.41 trillion dollars, having received 9 million foreign buyers.

Likewise, the fair facilitates the exchange of technology, ideas, and culture between China and various countries. During periods of international isolation, it provided a valuable channel for foreign exchange and international engagement when few alternatives existed.

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Differences between the spring and autumn editions

The Canton Fair 2025 dates include two annual editions, each with particular characteristics. The spring session (April-May) generally attracts global buyers looking for innovation and premium suppliers, including multinational corporations and niche market distributors. This edition tends to be larger, with a more intense focus on electronics, home appliances, and machinery.

On the other hand, the autumn edition (October-November) mainly attracts price-sensitive buyers and wholesalers focused on bulk purchases for holiday seasons like Christmas. It offers more competitive prices and flexible minimum order quantities (MOQ), which is attractive for small and medium-sized businesses.

Each edition of the China Canton Fair 2025 is divided into three five-day phases, focusing on different product categories. For the Spring Session 2025: Phase 1 (April 15-19) focuses on industrial machinery, electronics, and vehicles; Phase 2 (April 23-27) on consumer goods; and Phase 3 (May 1-5) on textiles, clothing, and medical products. The Autumn Session follows a similar structure, but with a greater emphasis on domestic Chinese manufactured products for export.

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Dates, phases, and location of the Canton Fair 2025

To organize my next visit to the Canton Fair 2025, I need to know precisely when and where this important commercial event will be held. Fortunately, the dates and location have already been officially confirmed.

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Canton Fair 2025 official dates

The autumn 2025 edition of the Canton Fair (138th edition) will be held in three distinct phases:

Phase 1: From October 15 to 19, 2025 (Wednesday to Sunday)

Phase 2: From October 23 to 27, 2025 (Thursday to Monday)

Phase 3: From October 31 to November 4, 2025 (Friday to Tuesday)

The opening hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day during the three phases. Between each phase, there is a period for booth dismantling and preparation that occurs from October 20 to 22 and from October 28 to 30, 2025.

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Location: Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou

The Canton International Fair 2025 will be held, as is tradition, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, commonly known as the Pazhou Complex. This impressive venue is located on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou.

The exact address is: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China. In Chinese: 中国广州市海珠区阅江中路380号.

This complex is not only the largest exhibition center in Asia, but possibly the largest convention center in the world with a total area of 1,100,000 square meters. It has 338,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and 43,600 square meters for outdoor exhibitions.

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Phases and sectors for each stage of the event

Each phase of the China Canton Fair 2025 is dedicated to different product categories:

Phase 1 (October 15-19) - Focused on industrial products and electronics:

Home appliances and electrical appliances

Consumer electronics and computer products

New energy vehicles and smart mobility

Construction and agricultural machinery

Hardware and tools

Chemicals and new materials

Phase 2 (October 23-27) - Centered on daily consumer goods:

General ceramics and household items

Kitchen utensils and tableware

Building materials and decoration

Furniture and bathroom equipment

Festive products, gifts, and home decoration

Glass crafts and artistic ceramics

Phase 3 (October 31-November 4) - Specialized in textiles, clothing, and health:

Home textiles, carpets, and tapestries

Men's, women's, and children's clothing

Footwear, bags, and fashion accessories

Baby and maternity products

Toys and office supplies

Medicines, health products, and medical devices

Personal care products

The complex is divided into three main zones (A, B, and C), each hosting different product categories during each phase. This strategic distribution makes it easier for buyers to find exactly what they are looking for without getting lost in the immense fairgrounds.

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Sectors and featured products at the Canton International Fair 2025

The diversity of products at the Canton Fair 2025 is simply astounding, with thousands of categories strategically distributed throughout its three phases. Each one is carefully organized to facilitate navigation through this immense commercial event.

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Phase 1: Technology, machinery, and vehicles

The first phase of the Canton Fair is mainly dedicated to industrial and electronic products. Here you will find consumer electronics and computer products, including audiovisual devices, communication equipment, and computer peripherals. Furthermore, this phase highlights home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.

Another fundamental pillar of this phase is new energy vehicles and smart mobility, along with motorcycles, bicycles, and their respective spare parts. The machinery sector is equally impressive, covering construction, agricultural, and industrial automation equipment. Finally, the tool, chemical, and building materials pavilions complete this industry-oriented section.

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Phase 2: Home, decoration, and gifts

The second phase of the Canton International Fair 2025 focuses on household items and decoration. The featured products include general ceramics, kitchen utensils, and tableware for domestic and hotel use. In the realm of decoration, you will find glass crafts, home decorations, gardening products, and a wide range of furniture for different spaces.

This phase is particularly relevant for buyers of gifts and promotional items, offering festive products, watches, glasses, and accessories. It also includes building materials and decoration, along with sanitary and bathroom equipment.

Phase 3: Fashion, health, and consumption

The final phase of the China Canton Fair 2025 is the most diverse, focused on fast-moving consumer goods. The textile sector dominates with clothing for men, women, and children, including sportswear, underwear, and fashion accessories. You will also find footwear, bags, and suitcases made from various materials and styles.

This phase also includes medical and health products, medical devices, food, office supplies, and personal care products. Toys, baby products, and sports items complete this end-consumer oriented section.

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Zones A, B, and C: how they are organized

The fair complex is distributed into three main zones to facilitate navigation:

Zone A primarily houses electronics, home appliances, and machinery during Phase 1, while in Phase 2 it transforms to display household products and tableware. In Phase 3, this zone mainly exhibits clothing and footwear.

Zone B is dedicated to tools and vehicles in Phase 1, sanitary equipment and building materials in Phase 2, and personal care and office products in Phase 3.

Finally, Zone C features electronics and lighting products in Phase 1, glass items and decoration in Phase 2, and home textiles during Phase 3.

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How to register and attend the China Canton Fair 2025

To participate in the Canton Fair 2025, prior registration is essential. The process includes several steps that I must complete in advance to guarantee my access without setbacks.

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Requirements to obtain the buyer badge

The buyer badge is the only official document that allows entry to the Canton Fair. To obtain it, I need to present:

Valid original passport (with at least 6 months validity)

A recent 5x4 cm photograph with a white background

Business card with company information

Proof of pre-registration (if I registered in advance)

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Online pre-registration process

Pre-registration for the Canton International Fair 2025 is highly recommended and I can do it through the official Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST):

Visit the official fair website and access the "Buyer" section

Create an account by providing my personal and business data

Verify my account through the confirmation email

Request my buyer badge on the platform

Once my application is approved, I can download and print the pre-registration receipt to present when picking up my badge.

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Invitation letter and business visa

To attend the China Canton Fair 2025 from abroad, I need:

Request an official invitation letter (E-invitation) through the BEST platform

Use this invitation to apply for my business visa (type M) at the Chinese embassy or consulate

Start this process at least one month before the trip to avoid setbacks

The invitation letter is issued free of charge and is essential for the visa application.

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Costs and validity of the badge

Some important aspects about the badge:

It is valid for multiple sessions of the Canton Fair

Online pre-registration is free

On-site registration without pre-registration costs 100 RMB (approximately 14 USD)

Replacement for loss has a cost of 200 RMB

When a new badge is issued, the previous one is automatically deactivated

I must keep my badge carefully, as it serves for future editions of the fair and greatly facilitates my participation in subsequent events.

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Key tips to make the most of your visit

Preparing adequately before visiting the Canton Fair 2025 will make the difference between an overwhelming experience and a productive visit.

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Plan your route with the venue map

First of all, download the official Canton Fair app and the fairground map. The complex is huge and has been expanded since COVID-19. Study the distribution of zones A, B, and C according to the products that interest you. The easiest way to get there is by Metro Line 8, getting off at Xingangdong station (for Zones A and B) or Pazhou station (for all zones).

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Wear comfortable clothes and bring business cards

During the Canton International Fair 2025 you will walk between 15,000 and 20,000 steps daily. Opt for comfortable shoes and professional but not excessively formal clothing, avoiding suits and elegant footwear due to Guangzhou's humid climate. Furthermore, bring a wheeled suitcase to transport catalogs and samples, along with plenty of business cards that include all your contact information.

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Negotiate directly with manufacturers

When speaking with suppliers, avoid generic questions. Instead, ask about minimum quantities, delivery times, certifications, exclusivity, and customization options. Verify if they are direct manufacturers by asking "Is this your factory or do you represent it?".

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Attend seminars and workshops

The China Canton Fair 2025 offers numerous seminars with experts sharing trends and market information. These events provide valuable knowledge and inspiration for your business.

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Avoid scams and verify suppliers

Finally, verify the legitimacy of suppliers by observing the organization of their booth, product consistency, and transparency in their answers. Check their business licenses and consider factory visits after the fair. Remember to follow up with your contacts within 72 hours afterward.

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Conclusion

The Canton Fair 2025 represents, without a doubt, a unique opportunity for those of us looking to expand our commercial horizons or find new suppliers in China. This gigantic commercial event offers direct access to thousands of Chinese manufacturers under one roof, something impossible to achieve by other means.

After analyzing all the information presented, it is clear that the success of our visit will depend mainly on meticulous planning. Attending the correct dates according to our particular interests is fundamental, whether it's the first phase for technology and machinery, the second for household items, or the third for textiles and consumer products.

Certainly, the pre-registration process, obtaining the corresponding visa, and the invitation letter must be initiated well in advance. These documents constitute indispensable requirements for accessing the fairgrounds.

The Pazhou Complex, with its impressive size, can seem overwhelming at first. Therefore, familiarizing ourselves with its layout before arriving will help us optimize our time during the visit. Likewise, preparing business cards, comfortable clothing, and specific negotiation strategies will make the difference between a profitable visit and a frustrating experience.

The Canton Fair has evolved over more than 65 years to become the barometer of Chinese foreign trade. Currently, this event not only connects buyers with manufacturers, but also reflects global trends and the direction of international trade.

Although preparing to attend the fair requires time and effort, the potential benefits for our business are enormous. The opportunity to establish direct commercial relationships with manufacturers, discover innovative products, and negotiate competitive prices amply justifies the investment.

Finally, let's remember that the Canton Fair is much more than a commercial event - it represents a window into China's manufacturing and innovative capacity. Through a well-planned visit to the Canton Fair 2025, we can positively transform our business and open doors to previously unimaginable commercial opportunities.

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