Canton Fair Complex
Canton Fair Complex
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- Pazhou • 7 min walk
- Xingangdong • 9 min walk
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4.5
281 reviews
Excellent
169
Very good
86
Average
18
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Anand Sethi
Hong Kong, China195 contributions
Apr 2024 • Business
Covid has not taught the Chinese Government anything. The sheer size of the fair, keeping prices of McDonalds and Starbucks three times their normal prices with limited food choices for foreginers.
The lack of knowledge of staff at the Onsite centres across Areas A and D and B and C, is shocking. The unhelpful nature of staff at Chinese mobile counter for Sim same place for booking high speed train tickets and plane tickets, the staff are so unfriendly and unwilling to help to purchase high speed rail tickets to Hong Kong when most foreginers don't have apps as all of them are Chinese. It is so so inconvenient when the Canton Trade Fair staff can use their mobile phone to book the ticket for the foregin buyer as the apps are in Chinese and they don't accept any foregin credit cards.
Everything is so, so inconvenient at the Canton Trade Fair, the lack of knowledge of staff not ready to help the buyer are plenty especially during lunch time, as lunch is more important for them then to help foregin buyers.
Canton Trade Fair is over rated, after 3 years I visited as couldn't do so during Covid, it is an over rates fair and only good to attract poor countries and frugal buyers, it cannot pull buyers like the fairs in Hong Kong,there is no comparison.
Toilets are filthy and more and more people speak less English on the floor, crowd management and road traffic outside the fair ground and the metro station line up will remind you that China is still a third world nation and they are just going backwards socially and the oy bright side of the fair is the number of vendors and their participation and number of innovative products at competitive prices, no one can beat China on this.
But Phase 1 and 2 were quite disappointing for me, lack of decent hotels, decent placrs to eat for foreginets and peple assistong at the dair to buy an advance train ticket online, lack of anyone helping i purchasing duch ticket at the Canton fair, is another factor I would not attend this fair again for a few years moving forward
The lack of knowledge of staff at the Onsite centres across Areas A and D and B and C, is shocking. The unhelpful nature of staff at Chinese mobile counter for Sim same place for booking high speed train tickets and plane tickets, the staff are so unfriendly and unwilling to help to purchase high speed rail tickets to Hong Kong when most foreginers don't have apps as all of them are Chinese. It is so so inconvenient when the Canton Trade Fair staff can use their mobile phone to book the ticket for the foregin buyer as the apps are in Chinese and they don't accept any foregin credit cards.
Everything is so, so inconvenient at the Canton Trade Fair, the lack of knowledge of staff not ready to help the buyer are plenty especially during lunch time, as lunch is more important for them then to help foregin buyers.
Canton Trade Fair is over rated, after 3 years I visited as couldn't do so during Covid, it is an over rates fair and only good to attract poor countries and frugal buyers, it cannot pull buyers like the fairs in Hong Kong,there is no comparison.
Toilets are filthy and more and more people speak less English on the floor, crowd management and road traffic outside the fair ground and the metro station line up will remind you that China is still a third world nation and they are just going backwards socially and the oy bright side of the fair is the number of vendors and their participation and number of innovative products at competitive prices, no one can beat China on this.
But Phase 1 and 2 were quite disappointing for me, lack of decent hotels, decent placrs to eat for foreginets and peple assistong at the dair to buy an advance train ticket online, lack of anyone helping i purchasing duch ticket at the Canton fair, is another factor I would not attend this fair again for a few years moving forward
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DhakaPagla
Dhaka City, Bangladesh240 contributions
May 2014 • Business
First of all, this is not a regular shopping mall ( I do not know why it is listed as a shopping mall in Guangzhou TA). This is a huge business exhibition hall, which is the host venue for the famous canton fair along with some other fair round the year. (If you do not know about this fair, you better Google it.)
Few tips for the new comers of the canton fair.
1. Registration is a long queue here, specially on the first day of the fair. Please try to pre register through their website and wait for the approval. though most of the time you will not get an return approval mail. In such case, at least download your application and have it fill up before quining upo, that can help you a little to save the time. Please keep your passport with you. Please book any associate hotel who has free shuttle service to and from the fair everyday. It is not worth to spend the taxi fare when you are getting the free service.
2. Keep plenty of your business card with you. I suggest you better print them with an Email address which is not your default business email address. Lots of hawkers and sells man will ask you Card in the fair and larer you will see you email address in many 'Buyers directories'. So if you do not want to be flooded by the spam offers everyday, use a temporary email address on your card.
3. This fair has more then one products together to exibit. So, After registration, go directly to the area you are interested in. Do not waste your time in other product areas you are preliminary not interested to.
4. Carry a bag-pack to collect all the brochure But you better bring your own set questionnaire to ask every exhibitors you are interested in. It is difficult to find the necessary information in there flashy booklet.
5.There are many free gift for foreign buyers in many booth. please keep your eye open. :)
6. Local inland Ticket, money exchange, cafeteria, Muslim prayer rooms are widely available. Please ask anyone if you need the assistance.
Few tips for the new comers of the canton fair.
1. Registration is a long queue here, specially on the first day of the fair. Please try to pre register through their website and wait for the approval. though most of the time you will not get an return approval mail. In such case, at least download your application and have it fill up before quining upo, that can help you a little to save the time. Please keep your passport with you. Please book any associate hotel who has free shuttle service to and from the fair everyday. It is not worth to spend the taxi fare when you are getting the free service.
2. Keep plenty of your business card with you. I suggest you better print them with an Email address which is not your default business email address. Lots of hawkers and sells man will ask you Card in the fair and larer you will see you email address in many 'Buyers directories'. So if you do not want to be flooded by the spam offers everyday, use a temporary email address on your card.
3. This fair has more then one products together to exibit. So, After registration, go directly to the area you are interested in. Do not waste your time in other product areas you are preliminary not interested to.
4. Carry a bag-pack to collect all the brochure But you better bring your own set questionnaire to ask every exhibitors you are interested in. It is difficult to find the necessary information in there flashy booklet.
5.There are many free gift for foreign buyers in many booth. please keep your eye open. :)
6. Local inland Ticket, money exchange, cafeteria, Muslim prayer rooms are widely available. Please ask anyone if you need the assistance.
Written 14 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PushExplore
Singapore, Singapore4,950 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
This is perhaps where one of the worlds LARGEST trade fair happens, which explains why the Canton Fair Complex is simply massive. You would need to do a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Best to register online so you can walk in and get your badge made. Incase you don't want to register online, simply walk in and fill out the form. The service staff will help you get registered. Your first BUYER badge is free of charge, but subsequent ones you need to pay RMB 200 or so.
Entry and exit is quite well marked. There is also a massive food court/pavilion inside, including coffee shops, cafe's etc. so you won't have any issues with food. There are quite a few ATM machines as well... cash is easily accessible.
Depending upon what you are looking for or simply window shopping, you can attend any one of the 3 fair spread across Halls A, B & C. DO not recommend taking kids here, they will never forgive you for the trauma ! Crowds can really get massive, so be-aware. Best to go in the morning so you avoid the evening rush. You cannot really buy anything on retail pricing or a single product.... you need to place an order for several hundred.
Good Luck !
Entry and exit is quite well marked. There is also a massive food court/pavilion inside, including coffee shops, cafe's etc. so you won't have any issues with food. There are quite a few ATM machines as well... cash is easily accessible.
Depending upon what you are looking for or simply window shopping, you can attend any one of the 3 fair spread across Halls A, B & C. DO not recommend taking kids here, they will never forgive you for the trauma ! Crowds can really get massive, so be-aware. Best to go in the morning so you avoid the evening rush. You cannot really buy anything on retail pricing or a single product.... you need to place an order for several hundred.
Good Luck !
Written 24 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacques R
Miami, FL3,668 contributions
This place is huge... I come often and this is one big trade show. Many pavilions and lots of exhibitors.
My recommendations:
1. Bring sneakers... Don't mind, most people are comfy.
2. Bring a bottle of water.. There are for sale, but walking the pavilions you can easily forget.
3. Ask times for buses from your hotel, also make sure to ask the bus number and where they pickup after the show as well as return hours.
4. Take a pen... Most stands do NOT have pens like other shows.
5. Remember your business cards.
6. Bring a backpack or carry on... They are allowed inside.
7. Now a days, an interpreter is not a must... You can work your way without in most cases.
Hope these help...
My recommendations:
1. Bring sneakers... Don't mind, most people are comfy.
2. Bring a bottle of water.. There are for sale, but walking the pavilions you can easily forget.
3. Ask times for buses from your hotel, also make sure to ask the bus number and where they pickup after the show as well as return hours.
4. Take a pen... Most stands do NOT have pens like other shows.
5. Remember your business cards.
6. Bring a backpack or carry on... They are allowed inside.
7. Now a days, an interpreter is not a must... You can work your way without in most cases.
Hope these help...
Written 25 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike050
Moscow, Russia30 contributions
Oct 2014 • Business
Even though held twice a year, it may be enough to attend once a year - even then, you will probably see the same exhibitors again during each fair. However, it is vital to go and learn about the latest trends, developments, ideas and products. Around the same time, there is the Hong Kong Mega Show happening, and usually we combine visits to both trade shows. You can just travel by train from HK to GZ, it's fast, comfortable and well-organized.
As a visitor to the Fair, keep your badge - they are valid for many years, so you do not need to register again when you come back for a visit.
Lastly, the complex is well-connected to the metro - keep this in mind when booking your hotel. There is no need to rent an expensive one close to the complex, and there are cheaper and very good hotels just a few stations away. Apart from that, most if not all hotels offer free shuttle service to the fair.
There is also a food court in the complex, but it's not necessarily a culinary delight. Better have a full breakfast at the hotel in the morning, and enjoy a good dinner after visiting the fair!
As a visitor to the Fair, keep your badge - they are valid for many years, so you do not need to register again when you come back for a visit.
Lastly, the complex is well-connected to the metro - keep this in mind when booking your hotel. There is no need to rent an expensive one close to the complex, and there are cheaper and very good hotels just a few stations away. Apart from that, most if not all hotels offer free shuttle service to the fair.
There is also a food court in the complex, but it's not necessarily a culinary delight. Better have a full breakfast at the hotel in the morning, and enjoy a good dinner after visiting the fair!
Written 12 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,581 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
This fair takes place in the spring and autumn, each lasting about three weeks. Originally established in 1957, it has grown to be China’s largest import/export trade show. The complex is large, so study the map of the grounds to best get to the booths you want to see. There are about 25,000 exhibitors, being both from China and abroad, displaying about 150,000 exhibit types of goods, covering 16 industries, and 200,000 buyers. Thus, at the show, buyers will be able to buy many of the world’s best products both from Chinese and foreign manufacturers.
For 2018, the fair schedule is:
Phase 1 (April 15-19, October 15-19):
Electronics, lighting equipment, vehicles & spare parts, machinery, hardware & tools, construction materials, chemical products, energy resources, and international pavilion.
Phase 2 (April 23-27, October 23-27):
Consumer goods, gifts, and home decorations.
Phase 3 (May 1-5, October 31-November 4):
Textiles and garments, shoes, office supplies, cases and bags, recreation products, food , health products and medical devices, and international pavilion location: China Import and Export Fair Complex.
If planning on going to the Canton Fair, try to make your hotel reservations in advance. On peak days of the fair, hotel rates can be three times or greater than the normal rack rate. Some of my friends stayed in hotels near the Guangzhou airport and in Foshan. The Guangzhou Metro Guangfo Line will get you from Foshan to central Guangzhou within 30 minutes.
Before I commence my trips, I take a photo of my destination names in both English and Chinese. Then enroute, I’ll ask for directions whenever I am concerned that I might not be going the right way. To get to the Canton Fair, most hotels can provide good directions on hoe=w to go be taxi or Metro. Personally, I prefer going places on the Guangzhou Metro; it is fast and inexpensive. That said, taxi rides in GZ are not expensive, but beware of the very few criminal drivers who switch good money for counterfeit, and then tell you that you gave them the counterfeit bill. This has happened to me twice already. Now, I take a photo of the bills before I give them to the driver. This way I can tell if he is giving me back a bill which I never gave him. If it happens, take a photo of the car’s license plate and the driver, and then provide the information to your hotel concierge to handle.
For 2018, the fair schedule is:
Phase 1 (April 15-19, October 15-19):
Electronics, lighting equipment, vehicles & spare parts, machinery, hardware & tools, construction materials, chemical products, energy resources, and international pavilion.
Phase 2 (April 23-27, October 23-27):
Consumer goods, gifts, and home decorations.
Phase 3 (May 1-5, October 31-November 4):
Textiles and garments, shoes, office supplies, cases and bags, recreation products, food , health products and medical devices, and international pavilion location: China Import and Export Fair Complex.
If planning on going to the Canton Fair, try to make your hotel reservations in advance. On peak days of the fair, hotel rates can be three times or greater than the normal rack rate. Some of my friends stayed in hotels near the Guangzhou airport and in Foshan. The Guangzhou Metro Guangfo Line will get you from Foshan to central Guangzhou within 30 minutes.
Before I commence my trips, I take a photo of my destination names in both English and Chinese. Then enroute, I’ll ask for directions whenever I am concerned that I might not be going the right way. To get to the Canton Fair, most hotels can provide good directions on hoe=w to go be taxi or Metro. Personally, I prefer going places on the Guangzhou Metro; it is fast and inexpensive. That said, taxi rides in GZ are not expensive, but beware of the very few criminal drivers who switch good money for counterfeit, and then tell you that you gave them the counterfeit bill. This has happened to me twice already. Now, I take a photo of the bills before I give them to the driver. This way I can tell if he is giving me back a bill which I never gave him. If it happens, take a photo of the car’s license plate and the driver, and then provide the information to your hotel concierge to handle.
Written 19 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bunko007
Luzon, Philippines1,136 contributions
Oct 2014 • Business
The China Import & Export Fair Complex at the Pazhou Complex is where the Canton Fair is held twice a year. It is where Chinese made products are showcased.
The complex is huge and booths are segregated based on which industries their exhibit falls under. Unlike some ten years ago, most exhibitors have English speaking people manning their booths now. It makes communication easier.
Some exhibitors do sell their stuff but some do not. There are a few fast food establishments and coffee shops on the ground and 2nd floor areas. There is WIFI connectivity but signal is erratic.
Visitors must be able to distinguish manufacturers and traders among the myriad of exhibitors . Extensive research is suggested. There are some exhibitors that we have dealt with in the past that do not even have their own factory; instead, they just do trading.
Get ready to walk and wear comfy shoes. Go to their website to pre-register so you can receive an invitation. No invitation, no entry. Once you get your ID, its validity is 5 years
Great exhibition.
The complex is huge and booths are segregated based on which industries their exhibit falls under. Unlike some ten years ago, most exhibitors have English speaking people manning their booths now. It makes communication easier.
Some exhibitors do sell their stuff but some do not. There are a few fast food establishments and coffee shops on the ground and 2nd floor areas. There is WIFI connectivity but signal is erratic.
Visitors must be able to distinguish manufacturers and traders among the myriad of exhibitors . Extensive research is suggested. There are some exhibitors that we have dealt with in the past that do not even have their own factory; instead, they just do trading.
Get ready to walk and wear comfy shoes. Go to their website to pre-register so you can receive an invitation. No invitation, no entry. Once you get your ID, its validity is 5 years
Great exhibition.
Written 5 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PedroIpanema
Rio de Janeiro, RJ20 contributions
Oct 2013 • Business
The complex is a huge place with several pavilions with air conditioning. There is a fair number of fast food restaurants at the food courts. Usually the hotels provide buses to take you there and pick you up, with predefined schedule on a flyer you can pick at the concierge counter. Registration line is quite long, but the process itself takes less than 3 minutes. Once you get your badge, it is valid for a few years, saving time for frequent visitors. Make sure you wear very comfortable shoes, otherwise you won't last more than two days. By the way, I suggest you look up at the hotel if they have a SPA. A good foot massage will definitely help you survive the fair.
Written 12 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
modeltmitch
Taree, Australia263 contributions
Oct 2018 • Business
My father and I run a very successful business in Australia, and a major part of it involves importing goods from China. Twice a year we make the journey to China for the Canton Fair in Guangzhou. If you're in the import / export game, this is an absolute MUST. Highly recommended.
Written 23 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bellarag
Athens, Greece10 contributions
Nov 2016 • Business
Anything you want you can find it! So big fair and you need a lot of hours and days to go arround!!!
Written 31 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a room for breastfeeding or nursing?
Written 28 January 2024
How much is a interpretor at the canton fair per day
Written 30 October 2019
Hello there,
What is the best hotel option for the fair attendant?
If it is a bit far would transportation be of any issue?
Written 4 July 2019
Hi Ahmad,...
Basically anywhere within 5 km radius of the fairground is just fine. Shangrila & Westin would be the closest to the exhibition complex. If you don’t want to stay too close to it, you can choose any hotel in the Tianhe district which is not too far from it. There are public buses services but I’m not familiar with them. The fastest and easiest way is definitely by taxi.
Written 5 July 2019
Hello, what is the ideal hotel to get for canton fair visitor?
If it's a bit far is transportation an issue?
Written 4 July 2019
I would suggest a imperial hotel in panyu as there is a shuttle bus for free everyday which goes to and from
Written 5 July 2019
VeronIca S
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola quisiera saber para el 23de abril que se expone específicamente!! Y cómo hay que ir vestidos? Desde ya mucha gracias
Written 13 March 2019
Oscar
Surabaya, Indonesia
Kalau boleh tahu, nama komunitas ekspor impor nya apa ya pak? Terima kasih
Written 3 January 2019
I am sorry I do not understand the question
Written 3 January 2019
hello Nishu can you please share your experience about the fair as i am going to attend this month , your stays which sim card you caried and other important stuffs
Written 21 October 2018
I have the AT&T international plan so I never bother switching sims. Your carrier may vary. The city is crowded so internet at the show is a bit slow. As far as what to take to the show, go as light as you can. I also have an app called CamCard. It scans and captures business cards so you don’t have to keep up with them. It’s extra weight also on the trip back. I scan and toss.
Written 21 October 2018
Hi there,
I and two other people are going to arrive at the Baiyun Airport at approximately 11:00am on the Sunday (14/10/2018) before the Canton Fair' starting day and we are planning to go by either train or taxi to our hotel depending on how crowded the train from the airport to our hotel's station 'Modiesa" is at the time; I would like to ask if you could help us to let us know if the train is going to be crowded at the approximate time?
Thank you very much for your help in advance. Have a good day.
Written 6 October 2018
The Train is the best
You missed rush hour
This is my favorite Fair
Written 7 October 2018
Hallo allemaal ik wil eind oktober naar guanghzou canton fair gaan alleen weet ik niet of ik al kaartjes vanuit Nederland kan regelen. Heeft iemand een goede tip voor mij?
Written 23 September 2018
Salve vorrei chiedere qual'ě la migliore fiera dell'arredamento per esterno e il periodo.
grazie
Written 12 September 2018
Almaz G
Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Можно и без выставки приехать в город Москва мебели Фошань. кантонская выставка по мебели это 2 этап с 23.10.-27.10.2018г.
Written 14 September 2018
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