How to apply for Canton Fair Visa Requirements in 2024

Visa Requirements:

Invited overseas buyers are required to apply for entry visa to China at the Chinese Embassy (Consulate) with the invitation letter of the Canton Fair (paper invitation letter or electronic invitation letter stating the name, nationality and company name and address of the attending businessmen) as follows:

Tips: If you have any question of Canton Fair 2024, you can consult Guangzhou LIUHUA Expats Services Center (contact: support@liuhuamall.com)

1、It is recommended that the applicant apply for an entry visa to China in his/her home country or usual place of residence before coming to China (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in foreign countries);

2、It is indeed too late to apply for visas in Chinese organizations abroad, and buyers entering from Guangzhou port can apply for port visas from Guangzhou port visa authorities. Please visit the Exit-Entry Administration Website(www.gdcrj.com) of Guangdong Public Security Bureau for details.

During the period of Canton Fair, if the buyers want to return to Guangzhou again after leaving the country, contact the Exit-Entry Administration Department of Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau (No.155 Jiefang South Road, Guangzhou);

Purchasers can also appoint China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited (the designated travel agent of Canton Fair) to do the visa on their behalf.

Tel:852-2853 9113

Email:op-btmc@ctshk.com

copy by https://cief.cantonfair.org.cn/

What are the benefits of attending the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair has a long history dating back to 1957, located in LIUHUA Exhibition hall, which is near to Guangzhou LIUHUA Fashion Wholesale Market. In 2008 it moved to the Pazhou Pavilion. Originally designed to promote trade between China and the rest of the world, the fair has expanded exponentially over the decades. Today, the Canton Fair is a key event on the global trade calendar, with a record number of over 29,000 exhibitors at each event.

What are the benefits of attending the Canton Fair?

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Canton Fair or a seasoned pro, the Canton Fair offers unparalleled opportunities. As a wholesale supplier, you can showcase your products to a global audience, gain new business partners and gain insight into market trends. For wholesale buyers, on the other hand, the Canton Fair offers access to a vast array of products from a wide range of industries, making it the ideal place to source goods and negotiate deals.

Canton Fair is also a networking center where business relationships can be established and collaborations facilitated. In addition, for those seeking employment, the fair offers a wide range of part-time opportunities, particularly in the areas of translation, sales and customer service.

Opportunities for Exhibitors

For Exhibitors, the Canton Fair provides an excellent opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of potential buyers. Sellers can engage with international buyers, learn about market trends and secure orders directly on the spot. Participating in the Canton Fair allows sellers to gain an in-depth understanding of global demand and customize their products accordingly.

Opportunities for Buyers

For buyers, the Canton Fair is a treasure trove of products from a wide range of industries. Specifically, from electronics and machinery to textiles and consumer goods, buyers can explore a wide range of products, compare prices and negotiate directly with manufacturers. In addition, the Canton Fair’s comprehensive product range ensures that buyers find everything they need in one place. The Fall 2024 fair will kick off in October and be presented to global wholesale buyers with three industry themes, details can be found:《An Ultimate Guide for you attending the Canton Fair in 2024》

 

Employment Opportunities at the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair also creates a large number of employment opportunities, especially for those seeking part-time work. Positions such as translation, customer service, sales and event management are in high demand during the Fair. These positions offer the opportunity to gain valuable experience and network in an international business environment.

 

Canton Fair 2024 Buyers Guide | How to book the hotel?

As the 2024 Autumn Canton Fair approaches, securing the perfect hotel is essential for a smooth experience. With thousands of attendees, finding convenient accommodations can be challenging. This guide will delve into effective strategies for booking a hotel that suits your needs, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

I.How to book the hotel?

Foreign travelers can book hotels online through the international version of the Trip.com APP or by making reservations via phone and other methods.

  1. Registration Requirements
    Guests must present valid documents, such as a passport or foreign permanent resident ID, for registration at the hotel front desk.
  2. Payment Options
    Payment methods upon arrival include cash (RMB), bank card, Alipay, and WeChat. If paying by bank card, please inquire in advance whether they accept international cards like Mastercard or Visa. Some hotels support payment methods like Apple Pay and PayPal, so please check in advance before making a payment.

II.Where is the best place to book a hotel?

 

1.Choose Hotels Near the Canton Fair
During the Canton Fair, traffic around the exhibition center can be quite congested. If you want convenience, consider booking hotels near the Canton Fair venue by using keywords like “Canton Fair” or “Pazhou Subway Station” on Trip.com. The area around Pazhou has many restaurants for you to explore, but prices may be higher.

2.Book Hotels Near Guangzhou Industrial Clusters
This Canton Fair has a clear theme, and there are many wholesale markets related to it in Guangzhou. You can choose to book hotels in these areas. For example, buyers attending the clothing theme can consider staying near the Guangzhou LIUHUA Fashion Wholesale Market, like the LIUHUA Hotel, to explore Guangzhou’s wholesale markets and find more suitable Chinese suppliers while exhibiting.

3.Book Hotels in Guangzhou’s CBD
In addition to Pazhou, you can also choose hotels in the CBD area of Guangzhou’s main urban district. These places have well-developed transportation, making it convenient for buyers attending the Canton Fair. Plus, you’ll have easy access to famous local attractions, such as around Zhujiang New Town and Wanshengwei Subway Station.

For guides related to food, accommodation, transportation, and attending the fair, you can refer to《An Ultimate Guide for you attending the Canton Fair in 2024》

 

How to Reach to the Canton Fair

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is an international airport and most overseas buyers arrive in Guangzhou through this airport. This article will tell you how to get to the Canton Fair Pavilion when you arrive in Guangzhou.

By metro

Tip:

  1. Take Metro Line 3 at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Kecun Station
  2. Transfer at Kecun Station, transfer Line 8 inside the station to Pazhou (where the Canton Fair Exhibition Hall is located)

One of the most efficient ways to get to the Canton Fair Complex is the Guangzhou Metro, which is most recommended for you. Not only fast and seamless, but you can take Line 8 to Pazhou Station to get directly to the fair. Moreover the ride from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the Canton Fair takes about an hour just the costs about 7-10 RMB.

By Taxi

Tip:Follow the airport signs to the taxi pick-up point, which is expected to take 55 minutes

Taxi are a popular option for those who prefer more comfort. Specifically, from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the Canton Fair Complex takes about 55 minutes and costs between 150-200 RMB, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. In addition, Taxi are available at the airport and throughout the city.

By Airport Express bus

Tip:Follow the signs at the airport to the airport coach pick-up point

The Airport Express provides direct service between the Canton Fair Complex and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport during the period of the Canton Fair. The first service to Canton Fair Complex is at 09:00 and the last service is at 16:00, and the first service to Baiyun Airport is at 11:00 and the last service is at 18:00, and the service is about every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 50 minutes.The costs about 35 RMB

During the Canton Fair, a large number of global buyers poured into Guangzhou. If you are also a wholesale buyer preparing for the exhibition, it is recommended to book the hotel at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Hotel booking guide please see:《An Ultimate Guide for you attending the Canton Fair in 2024》

Canton Fair 2024: A Golden Opportunity for Cooperation with Foreign Merchants

As the oldest and largest comprehensive international trade event in China,the Canton Fair gathers top suppliers from various industries and innovative products from all over the world. Each session of the Canton Fair is a huge commercial magnetic field, attracting countless foreign businessmen to step on this land full of opportunities.

Here, foreign businessmen can find a wealth of products covering various industries, from traditional manufacturing products to high-tech innovative achievements, from exquisite handicrafts to advanced mechanical equipment.

Especially for clothing wholesalers, Guangzhou has multiple large clothing wholesale markets. Both clothing quality and every link of the supply chain are very mature and efficient. Among them, Guangzhou LIUHUA Fashion Wholesale Market stands out in the industry. There are more than 2,000 clothing wholesale factories in the market, serving wholesaler buyers from Europe, Africa, South America, North America, the Middle East and other countries. For bulk wholesaler sellers with procurement needs, this place can definitely meet your needs.

liuhuamall.com

In short, the Canton Fair is a rare cooperation opportunity for foreign businessmen. Here, they can find high-quality products, understand the latest market dynamics, establish efficient business contacts, and achieve win-win cooperation goals.

Exploring the history and Boundless Opportunities of Canton Fair

Amidst the sparkling constellations of China’s foreign trade, there shines a radiant gem that, with its rich history, immense scale, and extensive international reach, has become a bridge connecting China to the world — the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as Canton Fair. As China’s longest-running, largest, most comprehensive, and most successful comprehensive international trade event in terms of the number of participating buyers spanning the widest range of countries and regions, Canton Fair serves not only as a “barometer” and “vane” for China’s foreign trade but also as an indispensable part of the global trade landscape.

Historical Evolution: From Inception to Splendor

The history of Canton Fair can be traced back to 1956, when it first emerged as the “China Export Commodities Fair” on the vibrant soil of Guangzhou. In 1958, the venue was relocated to the newly built Canton Fair Complex in Liuhua, Guangzhou, which remains the iconic location to this day, nestled amidst the bustling Liuhua business district, including the Liuhua Clothing Wholesale Market and Baima clothing Market and so on. From its humble beginnings in modest exhibition halls to today’s modern exhibition centers, Canton Fair has witnessed the vigorous development of China’s foreign trade. Especially since China’s implementation of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, Canton Fair has embraced unprecedented opportunities and evolved into a comprehensive international trade platform integrating product display, trade negotiations, and information exchange.

 

Scale and Influence: A Global Spectacle

Today, Canton Fair is held biannually at the Guangzhou Pazhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, boasting a massive exhibition area spanning hundreds of thousands of square meters and attracting tens of thousands of exhibitors and buyers from over 200 countries and regions worldwide. Exhibits encompass an unprecedented diversity of products, spanning industrial manufactured goods, raw materials, consumer goods, electronics and appliances, machinery and equipment, textiles and apparel, food and native produce, among many others, virtually covering all categories of international trade. This unparalleled product diversity has earned Canton Fair the reputation of a veritable “Universal Commodities Exposition.”

Boundless Opportunities: Facilitating Global Trade Cooperation

At the core of Canton Fair lies its potent trade promotion capabilities. Here, domestic and foreign enterprises engage in face-to-face exchanges and direct negotiations, significantly reducing transaction costs and enhancing transaction efficiency. For Chinese enterprises, Canton Fair serves as a vital stage to showcase their strengths and expand into international markets. For foreign buyers, it is a crucial window to source quality suppliers and stay abreast of China’s market dynamics. This two-way interaction mechanism has made Canton Fair an irreplaceable force in promoting global trade cooperation and advancing economic globalization.

In conclusion, Canton Fair stands as a hallmark exhibition of China’s foreign trade and a dazzling jewel in the global trade arena. With its unique charm and boundless opportunities, it attracts enterprises and individuals from all corners of the world to gather and collectively write new chapters in global trade cooperation.

 

Canton Fair 2024: Buyer’s Guide to Accommodation for Attending the Exhibition

The Canton Fair is a significant opportunity for global suppliers and buyers to negotiate. In the exhibition halls with different industry themes, you can meet suppliers from across China and buyers from around the world. As a globally renowned trade fair, the hotels around the Canton Fair usually get booked early and their prices often soar. For wholesale buyers coming to the Canton Fair in Pazhou, Guangzhou, China, it is essential to have a guide to accommodation.

I. How Should Wholesale Buyers Choose Hotels for the 2024 Canton Fair?

Hotel Choices Around the 2024 Canton Fair

If you plan to stay near the Canton Fair, you should book your hotel at least a month in advance and be prepared to pay higher rates due to the event’s premium pricing. The Canton Fair is located in Pazhou, Guangzhou, along Metro Line 8. Although it is in the Haizhu District of Guangzhou, the location is quite advantageous, making it convenient to travel to Zhujiang New Town or other districts in the city. There are many hotels in the area that cater specifically to wholesale buyers attending the fair. Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Doya W Hotel Apartment

This hotel is just a 650-meter walk from the Canton Fair. It offers elegantly designed luxury apartments tailored for global business travelers. From single-room to multi-room apartments, each unit is equipped with comprehensive household appliances and kitchen facilities, providing a comfortable living environment whether you’re exhibiting or negotiating short-term in China.

  1. World Trade Hotel Apartment (Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center)

This hotel provides comprehensive services, including phone translation services in Chinese, foreign currency exchange, and a 24-hour front desk. If you need to print documents, the hotel also offers fax or photocopying services. Overall, this hotel is designed to offer convenient business services for international wholesale buyers attending the trade fair.

  1. Langham Place Guangzhou

Although this hotel is more expensive than the ones mentioned above, it offers a higher standard of luxury. The rooms and services are more luxurious, and the hotel includes amenities such as SPA, indoor swimming pool, western and Chinese restaurants, a bar, multifunctional meeting rooms, and even personal butler services. It is particularly suitable for high-end business travelers.

II.Besides Hotels Near the 2024 Canton Fair, You Have Other Options

During the Canton Fair, hotel prices around the venue are relatively high and it can be difficult to make a reservation. However, the Canton Fair is located on Guangzhou Metro Line 8, which provides convenient transportation. Apart from Pazhou, there are other hotel options to consider. Depending on your main destinations and the distribution of various industrial clusters in Guangzhou, you have several choices:

  1. If your main destination is the Canton Fair, you can consider hotels around several locations on Guangzhou Metro Line 8. For instance, the Kecun, Zhongda, and Keyun Road metro stations are all relatively close to the Canton Fair. You can choose to travel by metro or taxi.
  2. If you wish to use your visit to the Canton Fair to seek more business opportunities, you might consider hotels around industrial clusters in Guangzhou. For example, if you are in the clothing wholesale business, you can choose hotels near Guangzhou Railway Station or Taojin Metro Station. Around Guangzhou Railway Station, there are many clothing wholesale markets, such as Guangzhou Fuli Clothing Wholesale Market, which specializes in the German and European markets, or Baima Clothing Wholesale Market, which focuses on Japanese and Korean styles, and Guangzhou Liuhua Fshion Wholesale Market which focuses on the Middle Eastern and South American markets.

There are also many wholesale industry clusters in Guangdong, like Dongguan and Shantou. You can visit these cities after attending the Canton Fair to explore further.

  1. If you want to enrich your leisure life while attending the Canton Fair, you can choose to stay around Dongshankou, which is a trendy area. There are many bars with different themes, as well as a gathering place for anime and game enthusiasts.

During the Canton Fair, the number of visitors is extremely high. If you are coming to the fair to find suitable suppliers, you should plan your travel time wisely. Depart half an hour before the fair begins and leave the exhibition hall an hour before it ends to avoid traffic congestion caused by the large crowds. Otherwise, you may have to wait a long time for a taxi or metro.

The above are some hotel options for the Canton Fair period. If you find this information helpful, you can subscribe to our account. We will continue to update new content to provide you with reference guides for dining, lodging, and transportation during the Canton Fair.

*The above images are sourced from the internet and are not reference images for hotels. For specific booking information, please visit hotel booking websites to check.

Canton Fair 2024: A Guide for Wholesale Buyers to Explore Guangzhou While Attending the Canton Fair

Wholesale buyers attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou can seize the opportunity to explore the city. The Canton Fair takes place in October, a time when Guangzhou’s weather is relatively cool and pleasant, making it ideal for travel. If you plan to stay for a few more days, it’s advisable to bring some summer clothes, as well as a couple of long-sleeve jackets or autumn clothing. This will help you cope with the temperature difference between day and night and sudden cool spells in Guangzhou.

In southern China, the weather is spring-like year-round. Even in October, the scenery remains pleasant. Flowers are still blooming in the parks, and the vibrant green leaves are full of life. In such cool weather, there are numerous parks in Guangzhou with different scenic views worthy of your visit to recharge with the energy of nature.

1、Huolu Mountain Forest Park

Huolu Mountain is characterized by its gourd shape and red clay-covered slopes, hence the name Huolu (Furnace). Here, you can enjoy the fun of hiking, exercise and breathe fresh air in nature, watch the sunset, or take photos. The park does not charge an entrance fee, making it a great place to visit and relax amidst nature, broadening your horizons and refreshing your mind and body.

Location: Huolu Mountain South Road, Tianhe District

Metro: Metro Line 6, Kemulang Station, Exit A

2、Liuhua Lake Park

Liuhua Lake Park is known as an “oasis in the city,” equally beautiful at dawn and dusk. Walking along the lakeside is a refreshing experience. The park is near Xiaobei and Taojin metro stations, which are home to many foreigners working and living in Guangzhou. The area also boasts many distinctive villa-style Western restaurants. You can stroll around, experiencing the atmosphere of international business dealings in Guangzhou’s wholesale markets, or enjoy a leisurely dinner in a romantic Western restaurant.

If you’re in the clothing wholesale business, you might want to check out several global-market-focused wholesale clothing markets nearby, such as the Guangzhou Liuhua Fashion Wholesale Market and the Guangzhou Baima Clothing Wholesale Market and so on.

Location: №100 Liuhua Road, Yuexiu District

Metro: Metro Line 2, Yuexiu Park Station, Exit C, about a 700-meter walk

3、Haizhu Wetland Park

Covering a total area of 1,100 hectares, Haizhu Wetland Park is the largest national wetland park in the central area of a major city in China, aptly named the “green heart” of Guangzhou. The park features interconnected waterways, lush green trees, and fragrant fruit, merging the bustling urban scene with natural ecological beauty. It uniquely showcases the delta city’s lake and river wetland characteristics, serving as an important migratory pathway for birds, a cradle for Lingnan fruits, and a hub of Lingnan folk culture.

Location: Can be found by searching for Haizhu Lake Park

Metro: Metro Line 3, Datang Station, Exit B

Guangzhou boasts beautiful scenery, and autumn is the most comfortable time of the year in terms of temperature. During breaks from attending the Canton Fair, you can savor local Cantonese cuisine, and explore the Qilou (arcade buildings) to experience the native culture and charm of Guangzhou, China.

Sino-French Gourmet Cultural Exchange Event – Paris Olympics

During the Paris Olympics, on the afternoon of August 7th local time, a unique gourmet cultural exchange feast – the “China House Appreciation Day” and Sino-French Gourmet Cultural Exchange Event was held. The event was graced by a galaxy of guests who came together to witness the exchange and collision of culinary cultures between China and France.

From spicy chicken with chili peppers, Peking duck, and panda-themed colorful leaf ice powder to French classics like confit de canard (duck preserved in its own fat), escargots (snails), and gratin dauphinois (potato and cheese bake with sausage), what flavors would emerge when the “Dongpo Taste” met “French Cuisine”?

Paris, the City of Love, boasts world-renowned landmarks and profound cultural heritage. French cuisine, known for its intricate preparation and culinary finesse, is hailed as the “King of Western Cuisine.” Meanwhile, the “Dongpo Taste,” with a history spanning nearly a thousand years, is equally rich in variety, history, and distinctive style. During this Olympic Games, “Meizhou Dongpo,” the official catering service provider for the “China House” and the Chinese National Team, assembled a “Chef Dream Team” to actively provide catering services for the official support team of the Chinese National Team.

At the event, the chef team from Meizhou Dongpo, hailing from the hometown of Su Dongpo (a renowned poet and gourmet in the Song Dynasty), and the French CHEZ PAPA chef team took the stage to deliver fascinating introductions to the culinary cultures of China and France and demonstrated live cooking.

Classic French dishes such as confit de canard, escargots, gratin dauphinois, tarte Tatin (apple tart), and foie gras with black cherries were skillfully presented by the French chefs, each dish imbued with profound cultural significance. Meanwhile, Meizhou Dongpo, with a 24-member chef support team as the official catering service provider for the China House, set up shop in Paris, blending Chinese flavors with French ingredients to create delicious dishes. During this Sino-French gourmet cultural exchange, they presented classic Chinese delicacies including spicy chicken with chili peppers (one of China’s top ten famous dishes), world-renowned Peking duck, innovative traditional snacks like panda-themed colorful leaf ice powder, Chinese-style pan-fried dumplings, Sichuan-style pickled vegetables, and adorable panda-shaped mooncakes. In particular, the Sichuan spicy chicken, with its unique Chinese cooking techniques, spicy and numbing flavors, and crispy texture, garnered praise and accolades from the guests, allowing both Chinese and French attendees to savor the charm of Chinese culinary culture.

The schedule for the 2024 Canton Fair Autumn Session

2024 Canton Fair

The Data of the 2024 Canton Fair Autumn Session

*Onsite Exhibition

The 136th (Autumn)

Phase 1:October 15 – 19 , 2024

Phase 2:October 23 – 27 , 2024

Phase 3:October 31- November 4 , 2024

Opening Hours : 9:30-18:00

*Online Exhibition

The 135th (Spring) : March 16 – September 15 , 2024

The 136th (Autumn) : September 16 , 2024 – March 15 , 2025

Venue

China Import and Export Fair Complex

(No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335.China)

Product Category

Phase 1

October 15-19

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

Hardware

Hardware,Tools

Light & Electrical

Lighting Equipment,Electronic and Electrical Products, New Energy Resources

Canton Fair - Manufacturing

Phase 2

October 23-27

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

Canton Fair - Home Decorations

Phase 3

October 31 – November 4

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 Related Products, 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

Canton Fair - wholesale clothing

Host

Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China

People’s Government of Guangdong Province

Organizer

China Foreign Trade Centre

At the End

Guangzhou is a city known for its wholesale market industry clusters. For instance, around Guangzhou Railway Station, there are many clothing wholesale markets, such as Guangzhou LIUHUA Fashion Wholesale Market and Baima Wholesale Market. In Baiyun District, there are also some leather goods wholesale markets. Additionally, Dongguan Huanan International Industrial Raw Materials City and the Yellow River Clothing Wholesale Market in Humen Town are noteworthy. Foreign wholesale buyers who come to China for exhibitions can take this opportunity to explore Guangzhou and its surrounding cities, seeking more business opportunities for their ventures.

Recommended Local Delicacies in Guangzhou:https://www.yougotrice.com/guangzhous-new-crab-roe-treasure-discovering-gourmet-delights-on-beijing-road/

*The information regarding the Canton Fair in this article is sourced from the China Import and Export Fair.

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