The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) stands out as one of the most significant events in global trade. First held in the spring of 1957, the fair is hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government and organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC). Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, in the city of Guangzhou, the fair not only serves as the largest showcase for China’s foreign trade but also as an indispensable platform for global commerce.

The Canton Fair is a cornerstone of not only Chinese trade but also global commerce. Thanks to CFTC’s professional organizational strength and its wide product range, this fair is at the heart of global trade. Hosting millions of business connections annually, the Canton Fair showcases China’s robust position in international trade while offering unlimited opportunities to participants and buyers.

CFTC’s Role for the Canton Fair

The China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC), a state-owned institution under the Ministry of Commerce of China, organizes the Canton Fair alongside other large-scale international trade fairs for various industries. CFTC not only organizes fairs but also manages exhibition complexes and operates in areas such as hospitality, logistics, exhibition construction, and advertising. Among CFTC’s other notable fairs are the China International Furniture Fair and the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition.

Through CFTC’s organizational expertise, professionalism, and experience, the Canton Fair has evolved into not just a trade event but also a platform for innovation and collaboration opportunities. Over the years, CFTC has been listed among China’s Top 500 Service Companies and Guangdong Province’s Top 100 Service Companies.

The Importance of the Canton Fair

Known as “China’s Number One Fair,” the Canton Fair also reflects China’s foreign trade policy. To date, it has been held 136 times, establishing trade relations with 229 countries and regions worldwide and generating a total export volume of approximately $1.5 trillion USD. The fair has hosted over 10 million foreign buyers, making it a unique platform that strengthens China’s foreign trade connections.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has also highlighted the significance of the Canton Fair, emphasizing its role in facilitating international trade and describing it as undertaking “a new historic mission.”

The Future of the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair prioritizes innovation and digitalization as part of its strategy to solidify China’s leadership in global trade. In the future, the fair aims to integrate both physical and digital channels to create a more inclusive structure. Within this framework, it will continue to operate under the “dual circulation model” to make international trade more sustainable and efficient.

Canton Fair 2025 Events and Products to Be Exhibited in The Phases

The fair consists of three different phases, with each phase showcasing different product categories. The dates and products exhibited in the 137th Canton Fair in 2025 are as follows:

Phase 1: April 15-19, 2025

The products to be showcased in this phase are technology-focused, including renewable energy and automotive products. The full list is as follows:

Electronics & Appliance: Household Electrical Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Information Products
Manufacturing: Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Processing Machinery Equipment, Power Machinery and Electric Power, General Machinery and Mechanical Basic Parts, Construction Machinery, Agricultural Machinery, New Materials and Chemical Products
Vehicles & Two Wheels: New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility, Vehicles, Vehicle Spare Parts, Motorcycles, Bicycles
Light & Electrical: Lighting Equipment, Electronic and Electrical Products, New Energy Resources
Hardware: Hardware, Tools

Phase 2: April 23-27, 2025

The products to be showcased in this phase are focused on the decoration, gift, and furniture industries. The full list is as follows:

Houseware: General Ceramics, Kitchenware and Tableware, Household Items
Gift & Decorations: Glass Artware, Home Decorations, Gardening Products, Festival Products, Gifts and Premiums, Clocks, Watches and Optical Instruments, Art Ceramics, Weaving, Rattan and Iron Products
Building & Furniture: Building and Decorative Materials, Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment, Furniture, Stone/Iron Decoration and Outdoor Spa Equipment

Phase 3: May 1-5, 2025

The products to be showcased in this phase are focused on the fashion, health, and stationery industries. The full list is as follows:

Traditional Chinese Specialties
Toys & Children Baby and Maternity: Toys, Children, Baby and Maternity Products, Kids’ Wear
Fashion: Men and Women’s Clothing, Underwear, Sports and Casual Wear, Furs, Leather, Downs and Package Programs at Hotels Close to the Fairs, Fashion Accessories and Fittings, Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics, Shoes, Cases and Bags
Home Textiles: Home Textiles, Carpets and Tapestries
Stationery: Office Supplies
Health & Recreation: Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices, Food, Sports, Travel and Recreation Products, Personal Care Products, Toiletries, Pet Products and Food

Technology Integration at the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair has taken significant steps toward digitalization, going beyond being merely a physical event. Through the Online Fair format, buyers and sellers can connect digitally 24/7. This allowed the 136th Canton Fair to reach over 450,000 buyers via digital platforms.

The Canton Fair Call Center provides multilingual support in five languages to assist participants with fair-related information. Moreover, the Canton Fair Complex Partnership Program enables brands to promote themselves using the fair’s prestigious platform.

General Features of China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC)

Located in Guangzhou, China, the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) is a unique complex that hosts world-class trade and business events. It stands out not only for its physical infrastructure but also for its modern technology and environmentally friendly design.

CFTC organizes the Canton Fair, along with national and international trade events and exhibitions, conferences, business meetings, promotions, and other corporate events. It offers comprehensive services to both exhibitors and visitors, playing a major role in the success of the Canton Fair.

Exhibition Complex (Canton Fair Complex - Pazhou Complex)

Total Area: 1,185,000 m²
Indoor Exhibition Area: 850,000 m²
Outdoor Exhibition Area: 100,000 m²

Indoor Halls

16 large exhibition halls.
Modern, modular design suitable for various types of events.
Spacious entrance areas, elevator, and escalator systems in each hall.
Air conditioning and ventilation systems ensure a comfortable exhibition environment.

Outdoor Exhibition Areas

Spanning 100,000 m².
Ideal for showcasing heavy machinery, automotive, and large equipment.

Meeting Rooms

Over 30 small and large meeting rooms in total.
Each room is soundproofed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Offers video conferencing systems with large screens and online connectivity support.

Conference Hall

Capacity for up to 10,000 attendees.
Suitable for congresses, seminars, and special events.

Advanced Technology Infrastructure

Digital guide systems for participants and visitors.
Advanced Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Equipped with solar panels and energy-saving systems.
Water recycling systems.
Digital exhibition support for hybrid events.
Dedicated studios for online meetings and presentations.

Restaurants and Rest Areas

Various restaurants capable of serving up to 5,000 people simultaneously.
Options from Chinese, Western, and other world cuisines.
Modern lobby and lounge areas.
Cafeterias and outdoor rest areas.

Exclusive Services

Special reception areas and personal assistant services.
Consultancy for customs processes and translation teams providing language support.

Products Exhibited at the Canton Fair

The fair offers a wide range of products in 13 major categories and 55 exhibition sections. The main product categories include:

Electronics & Appliance
Manufacturing
Vehicles & Two Wheels
Light & Electrical
Hardware & Tools
Housewares
Gifts & Decorations
Building & Furniture
Toys & Children Baby and Maternity
Fashion
Home Textiles
Stationery
Health & Recreation
International Pavilion

China Foreign Trade Centre Offices

Various offices involved in the Canton Fair organization perform different roles to ensure a professional experience for visitors and participants:

Foreign Affairs Office: Organizes international delegations and welcomes foreign visitors.
Press Center: Handles media communication and publishing services.
Security Office: Ensures security and regulates traffic at the venue.
Certificate Service Center: Issues passes and documentation for participants.
Hygiene Office: Maintains health and hygiene standards during the fair.

Pre-Fair Services at the Canton Fair

The pre-fair services ensure that businesses maximize their experience and seize international business opportunities. These services enhance the success of participants through:

Consultation and Preparation Process

Companies must register accurately and completely to participate in the Canton Fair. Organizers and partner firms guide participants through the registration process.
Appropriate guidance is provided for selecting categories (e.g., electronics, fashion, or health products).
Necessary documents (company details, product catalogs, etc.) are prepared.
Professional promotional materials are created to effectively showcase products to potential buyers, including catalogs, brochures, and digital media.

Marketing and Promotion Services

Company details are featured on the fair’s official website and catalogs.
Broad customer outreach is achieved via social media platforms and email marketing.
Short promotional videos or images of products are sent to fair participants in advance.
Consumer demands and trends in the Chinese market are analyzed.
Competitor analysis is conducted, offering recommendations to give businesses an edge.

Logistics and Transportation Services

Organizing international shipping and customs clearance for products.
Consulting on compliance with customs regulations.
Professional teams handle the design, construction, and decoration of booths, creating impressive displays for participants.
Optimization of product display methods.
Integration of technological solutions (e.g., interactive screens or digital catalogs).

Accommodation and Transportation Services

Affordable accommodation options near the fair venue in Guangzhou.
Airport transfers and city transportation services are organized for easy access to the venue.
Exclusive options such as chauffeur-driven vehicles or high-speed train tickets.
Reservations at luxury hotels and private meeting rooms.

Training and Preparation Seminars

Techniques for effective communication with potential customers.
Training on technological platforms used at the fair (e.g., online catalog systems).
Insights on cultural differences and business practices with Chinese buyers.
Guidance on navigating virtual fair platforms and presenting products digitally.
Training on online meeting tools and customer interaction methods.

Legal and Commercial Support

Drafting purchase and sales agreements.
Consulting on intellectual property protection.
Providing information on customs duties and import quotas.
Introducing export credits and incentive programs.

One-on-One Buyer and Seller Matching

Tailored matching of buyers and sellers according to business sector goals.
Pre-fair online meetings to foster introductions.
Opportunities for collaboration with leading firms in the industry through private events.

Canton Fair by the Numbers and Past Years

The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair), first held in 1957, has grown into one of the world’s largest trade fairs, influencing global trade with its scope, participant numbers, and trade volume. This growth continues with the increasing digitalization and China’s expanding role in international trade.

1957 - Early Years

First Fair Date: April 1957
Participating Countries: 19
Number of Buyers: Approximately 1,200
Exhibited Products: Over 10,000
Total Trade Volume: USD 86 million

1980s - Era of Modernization

1980 Number of Buyers: Over 20,000
Participating Countries: Nearly 100
Total Trade Volume: Exceeded USD 2 billion
Expanded trade network for electronics, textiles, and agricultural products.

2000s - Digitalization and Growth

Number of Buyers: Over 200,000
Exhibited Products: Over 150,000
Trade Volume: USD 36.39 billion
Venue Area: Expanded from 170,000 m² in 1986 to 620,000 m² in 2006 (with the opening of Pazhou Complex).

2020s - Present Day

Physical Venue Area: 1,185,000 m² (one of the largest exhibition areas globally)
Participating Companies: Over 25,000 Chinese and foreign firms
Average Buyers: Over 200,000 (physical)
Trade Volume: Approximately USD 70 billion per fair in 2023
Product Range: Over 2.1 million product categories
At the 2024 event, over 30,000 participants and 253,000 foreign buyers from around the globe came together.

Online and Hybrid Era

First fully online fair held in 2020.
Participation from over 220 countries and regions.
Registered Participants on the Digital Platform: 26,000 companies, over 10 million visitors.
Online Buyers: 5.4 million international visitors.
Total Meetings: 1.8 million online meetings.

From 1957 to Present - Participating Countries and Companies

1957: 19 countries
2023: 220 countries and regions
2000: 3,000 companies
2023: Over 10,000 international companies

Trade Volume

1957: USD 86 million
1980s: USD 2 billion
2007: USD 36.39 billion
2023: USD 70 billion (per fair period)

How to Reach the Canton Fair

Located in Guangzhou, China, the Canton Fair offers convenient access for participants from around the world. Its modern infrastructure provides multiple transportation options for a seamless experience.

By Air

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the closest international airport to the fair venue, approximately 40 km away (45-60 minutes by car). Transportation options from the airport to the fair include:

Taxi: Around 120-150 CNY.
Airport Shuttle Bus: Special fair shuttle buses are available.
Metro: Transfer from Line 3 to Pazhou Station on Line 8.

By Train

Guangzhou South Railway Station: The main stop for China High-Speed Rail, about 18 km from the fair venue (30 minutes by car). Metro connection to Pazhou Station on Line 7.

Guangzhou East Railway Station: Serves regional and city trains, about 13 km away. Metro connection via Lines 3 and 8.

By Metro

Pazhou Station on Metro Line 8 provides direct access to the Canton Fair venue. The metro is one of the fastest and most cost-effective transportation methods in Guangzhou, connecting easily to the fair from any part of the city.

By Bus

Special shuttle buses operate from Guangzhou city center and the airport to the fair venue.

Regular public bus routes such as Lines 229, 239, and 262 also serve the Pazhou area. Additionally, exclusive bus services are arranged for participants and visitors during the Canton Fair.

By Taxi or Private Vehicle

Traveling from Guangzhou city center to the fairground by taxi takes approximately 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Many companies in the city offer private vehicle rentals with a driver.

Private Shuttle Services

The organizers of the Canton Fair provide free shuttle services from designated hotels to the fairground. It is recommended to register in advance to use these services.

By Bicycle or Walking

The fairground is connected to Guangzhou’s modern and eco-friendly bicycle paths. For short-distance accommodations within the city, this can be a sustainable transportation alternative.

Hotels Near Canton Fair

Some hotels located close to the Canton Fair:

Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou - 1 Hui Zhan East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou.
The Westin Pazhou - Canton Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou.
Langham Place Guangzhou - 638 Xingang East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou.
Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre - 339 Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou.
Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe - 215 Linhexi Cross Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport - 1 Konggang Jiudian Road, Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou.
LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou - 368 Huanshi East Road, Guangzhou.
The Baiyun Hotel - 367 Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou.
Asia International Hotel - 326-1 Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou.
Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich - 988 Guangzhou Avenue Middle, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.

Daily Life in Guangzhou

Guangzhou, located in southeastern China, stands out with its rich history, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cultural life. The city features bustling street markets, traditional restaurants, and shopping malls, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Visitors can explore local flavors at traditional markets. Green tea stalls, found on nearly every corner, are an integral part of the city’s charm. Blending Eastern and Western cultures, daily life in Guangzhou is colorful and diverse.

Food: The city offers fresh fruits and seafood at street markets, traditional Chinese dishes, and international cuisines in modern restaurants. This blend of local and global culinary traditions makes Guangzhou an appealing destination for food enthusiasts.
Climate: Guangzhou is known for its mild subtropical climate throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild.
Transportation: Guangzhou’s modern infrastructure provides numerous transportation options. Metro and high-speed trains are generally the fastest and most practical. Public buses and the metro offer economical solutions, while taxis or private vehicles are ideal for carrying heavy goods or business-related trips.

Canton Fair Contact and Address Information

Address: No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335, China
E-mail: info@cantonfair.org.cn
Canton Fair Online Call Center: (8620) 28-888-999
Official Website: www.cantonfair.org.cn

Canton Fair 2025