Canton Fair 2025 Guide: 10 Tips for First-Time Visitors?

Visiting the Canton Fair for the first time can feel overwhelming — thousands of booths, endless product categories, and countless meetings. But with the right plan, it can become your most valuable sourcing trip ever.

The Canton Fair 2025 is China’s largest trade event where global buyers meet suppliers across every industry. These 10 practical tips will help first-time visitors plan smartly, save time, and achieve real results.

Without a clear strategy, you may waste days wandering between booths. But with focus and preparation, you can make every step count — literally.

1. When and Where Is the Canton Fair 2025?

The first thing to know is timing. The Canton Fair takes place twice a year — in spring and autumn — at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China¹.

Canton Fair 2025² will be held in Guangzhou from April to May (Spring Session) and from October to November (Autumn Session), divided into three phases by industry.

Phase Schedule (Expected 2025 Dates)

Knowing which phase fits your business helps you avoid confusion and plan better routes.

2. Register and Get Your Invitation Letter Early

Without registration, you can’t enter the fair or apply for a visa.

Register online through the Canton Fair website³, apply for your Buyer Badge⁴, and request an invitation letter for your business visa.

Steps:

1. Visit cantonfair.org.cn.
2. Create a Buyer Account.
3. Fill in company and personal details.
4. Apply for the official invitation letter.
5. Download and print it for visa use.

Bring a printed copy when collecting your badge at the venue.

3. Book Accommodation Near the Venue

Guangzhou hotels fill up fast during the fair.

Stay near the Pazhou Complex or along the metro line to save time and energy every morning.

Early booking often saves money and avoids last-minute stress.

4. Plan Your Visit Based on Your Core Business Goals

Here’s where many first-time visitors fail — they try to see everything.

To get real results, focus your time on your core sourcing goals and use the Canton Fair App to plan your route between halls.

For example, if your main goal is to find agricultural rice mill suppliers but you also want to explore automotive parts, plan smartly. Both are in Phase 1, but they’re in different exhibition halls.

💡 My personal insight:
I always prioritize my core category first, then move to secondary interests. Open the Canton Fair mobile app, search for “agricultural machinery,” and mark its location on the map. Once done there, head to the automotive parts section nearby. This saves hours of walking and keeps your focus sharp.

Remember — you’ll easily walk over 20,000 steps a day, so wear comfortable sneakers. Your feet will thank you after day one.

5. Bring the Right Tools

Every professional visitor needs to be prepared.

Carry business cards, a power bank, comfortable shoes, and a notebook. Download WeChat — it’s essential for networking in China.

Practical preparation makes your experience smooth and efficient.

6. Learn Basic Mandarin or Use Translation Tools

Language can be a barrier, but don’t let it stop you.

Learn simple phrases or use a translation app like Google Translate or Baidu Translate. Suppliers will appreciate your effort.

Useful phrases:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
• 这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshǎo qián?) – How much is this?
• 我可以看工厂吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ kàn gōngchǎng ma?) – Can I visit your factory?

Even small language gestures can make negotiations friendlier.

7. Compare Suppliers Before Making a Decision

It’s tempting to commit when you see an exciting product. Don’t rush.

Always compare prices, lead times, and quality between at least three suppliers before choosing one.

Take photos of each booth and write booth numbers on product catalogs to avoid confusion later.

8. Build Strong Relationships (Guanxi)

In Chinese business culture, trust is everything.

Spend time talking to suppliers, asking about their factory, and showing interest in long-term cooperation.

%[Networking at Canton Fair](https://sourcingph.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/9.png”Networking at Canton Fair")

Add suppliers on WeChat and follow up with a short thank-you message after the meeting. Share your sourcing goals openly — relationships built at the fair often turn into lasting partnerships.

9. Take Care of Yourself and Explore Guangzhou

Canton Fair days are long and intense.

Eat well, stay hydrated, and enjoy local food like dim sum, roast goose, or a Pearl River night cruise to relax.

Balanced energy helps you stay productive throughout the event.

10. Follow Up Quickly After the Fair

Your real work starts after you return home.

Follow up with suppliers within a week. Thank them, request detailed quotations, and confirm samples.

Send a short note like:

“Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at the Canton Fair. I’m interested in your . Could you please send me your quotation and sample details?”

This small step strengthens connections and increases your success rate.

Conclusion

Canton Fair 2025 is not just an exhibition — it’s your best chance to find reliable suppliers, grow your network, and build long-term sourcing partnerships. Plan smartly, wear comfortable shoes, and stay focused on your core business goals.