Complete Guide to Visiting Canton Fair from India
What is Canton Fair?
The world's largest trade exhibition, held twice a year in Guangzhou, China
The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest and most comprehensive trade exhibition in the world. Held biannually in Guangzhou (formerly Canton), China, this massive event has been running since 1957 and attracts over 200,000 international buyers from more than 210 countries and regions every session.
For Indian business owners, the Canton Fair represents an unparalleled opportunity to source products directly from Chinese manufacturers. Whether you are an importer, an Amazon seller, a wholesaler, or a manufacturer looking for raw materials and machinery, Canton Fair connects you with thousands of verified suppliers under one roof. The fair spans an exhibition area of over 1.18 million square metres at the Pazhou Complex, making it roughly the size of 165 football fields.
India is consistently among the top 5 countries by buyer attendance at Canton Fair. Every year, thousands of Indian traders travel to Guangzhou to discover new products, negotiate deals, and build long-term relationships with Chinese suppliers. If you are serious about importing from China, attending Canton Fair at least once is considered essential in the trade community.
Canton Fair Dates 2025
Two sessions every year — Spring and Autumn
137th Canton Fair
April 15 – May 5, 2025
Phase 1: April 15–19
Phase 2: April 23–27
Phase 3: May 1–5
138th Canton Fair
October 15 – November 4, 2025
Phase 1: October 15–19
Phase 2: October 23–27
Phase 3: November 1–4
Each phase covers specific product categories. See our detailed phase guide to find which phase is right for your business.
How to Register for Canton Fair
A step-by-step walkthrough of the buyer registration process
Visit the Official Website
Go to cantonfair.org.cn — the official Canton Fair website. Make sure you are on the genuine site and not a third-party portal. Look for the "Buyer" or "Attend" section.
Create a Buyer Account
Click on "Pre-registration" or "Buyer Registration". Fill in your personal details, passport information, and company details. You will need a valid email address for verification.
Upload Required Documents
Upload a clear photo of your passport (information page), a recent passport-sized photograph, and your business card or company registration certificate.
Wait for Approval
The Canton Fair organizers review applications, typically within 3-5 business days. You will receive an email confirmation with your buyer badge details once approved.
Collect Your Badge
On arrival in Guangzhou, collect your buyer badge at the registration counters outside the Pazhou Complex. Carry your passport and confirmation email. Badge collection is free.
Getting an Invitation Letter
Required for your China business visa application
To apply for a China Business (M) Visa, you typically need an invitation letter from a Chinese business entity. For Canton Fair visitors, there are several ways to obtain one:
- From a Chinese supplier: If you already have a supplier or factory contact in China, they can issue a business invitation letter on their company letterhead. This is the most common method.
- From the Canton Fair organizers: Pre-registered buyers can request an invitation letter through the Canton Fair official portal. This option is available after your buyer registration is approved.
- From a trade consultancy: Companies like ours can help facilitate invitation letters through our network of Chinese business contacts, especially helpful for first-time visitors.
The invitation letter should include your full name (as on passport), passport number, dates of visit, and the purpose of your trip. It must be on the Chinese company's official letterhead with a stamp/seal.
What to Expect at Canton Fair
A walkthrough of the fair experience for first-time Indian visitors
Canton Fair is divided into three phases, each lasting about 5 days with a few days gap between them. The fair takes place at the massive China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) in Guangzhou's Haizhu District. The complex has multiple halls spread across Area A, Area B, and Area C.
Phase 1 covers electronics, electrical products, machinery, vehicles, building materials, lighting, and hardware. This is the most popular phase for Indian importers dealing in electronics and industrial goods.
Phase 2 features home decor, gifts, furniture, kitchenware, ceramics, garden products, and bathroom products. Ideal for homeware importers and gift shop owners.
Phase 3 showcases textiles, garments, shoes, bags, sports products, food items, and medical devices. Highly popular among Indian textile and garment traders. See the complete phase breakdown for detailed product categories.
Expect large crowds, especially on opening days. Each hall has hundreds of booths with product samples on display. Suppliers speak varying levels of English — many have translators at their booths, but having your own translator is recommended for detailed negotiations.
Tips for First-Time Visitors from India
Practical advice to make your Canton Fair trip successful
Apply for your visa early
Start the visa process at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Chinese embassy processing times can vary, especially during peak Canton Fair season.
Book hotels well in advance
Hotels near Pazhou Complex sell out fast and prices triple during the fair. Book 2-3 months ahead for the best rates.
Carry plenty of business cards
You will exchange cards with dozens of suppliers daily. Consider getting cards printed with Chinese on one side — it makes a strong impression.
Download offline translation apps
Google Translate (download Chinese offline pack) or Baidu Translate will be essential for communicating with suppliers and getting around the city.
Wear comfortable shoes
You will walk 15,000-20,000 steps per day at the fair. The complex is massive — comfortable shoes are not optional, they are essential.
Bring a portable charger
You will be taking photos of products, scanning QR codes (WeChat), and using maps all day. Your phone battery will drain fast.
Set up WeChat and Alipay
WeChat is essential for communicating with Chinese suppliers after the fair. Try to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay for cashless payments across Guangzhou.
Do your research before going
Browse the Canton Fair online catalogue before arrival. Shortlist booths and suppliers you want to visit to make the most of your limited time.
Carry Indian snacks
While there are Indian restaurants in Guangzhou, your food options at the fair itself are limited. Carry snacks, dry fruits, and ready-to-eat meals.
Get a local SIM card or VPN
Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook are blocked in China. Buy a local SIM with data or set up a reliable VPN before arriving to stay connected.
Plan Your Canton Fair Visit
First time visiting Canton Fair? Let us help you with visa, hotels, translator, and complete trip planning. Talk to our team on WhatsApp.