Top 10 wholesale markets you can explore when you attend the 138th Canton Fair?

Every time I go to the Canton Fair, I get excited. But I also remind myself that outside the fair, there are huge opportunities waiting in local wholesale markets.

Besides attending the 138th Canton Fair, I also visit nearby wholesale markets to find unique products, better prices, and real suppliers that don’t always attend trade shows.

If you’re coming all the way to Guangzhou for the 138th Canton Fair, don’t limit yourself to the exhibition halls. I always take an extra 2–3 days to explore the nearby wholesale markets. Some of my best products and supplier deals came from these side visits.

Why explore wholesale markets during Canton Fair?

Sometimes the booths at the fair are too polished. It’s hard to see the real production quality or pricing.

Wholesale markets give me access to real stock, factory direct offers, and trends I don’t always see at the fair. Plus, many of these markets are open all year round.

What makes these markets valuable?

• No MOQ for many items
• You can touch, test, and buy samples on the spot
• Easier to negotiate, especially in off-season
• Some factories showcase more product options than at the fair
• I often find unique products not listed on Alibaba or 1688

Now let me walk you through my top 10 picks.

Where is the best place to buy fashion products?

If I want to source clothes, shoes, or accessories quickly and at good prices, Guangzhou is the right city.

I usually go to the Guangzhou Baima Market and Shahe Market. These are top places for fast fashion and trending styles.

1. Guangzhou Baima Clothing Market

This is the largest high-grade fashion wholesale market in Guangzhou¹. It spans 60,000 square meters over 10 floors and is located opposite Guangzhou Railway Station².

2. Shahe Wholesale Market Cluster

Shahe is one of the three biggest clothing distribution zones in Guangzhou³. It offers low to mid-grade clothing at highly competitive prices.

3. Shisanhang Clothing Wholesale District

Known as China’s women’s fashion trendsetter⁴, this area focuses on trendy Japanese and Korean-style women’s wear.

Where to find home goods and kitchenware?

Many of my home and kitchen-related products come from Foshan or markets near Canton Fair.

I visit the Foshan International Home Expo City and Guangzhou Jishan Kitchenware Market when I look for stylish or practical home goods.

4. Foshan International Home Expo City

Located about 1 hour from Guangzhou, this place is heaven for home décor, furniture, and interior items.

5. Jishan Kitchenware Market

A hidden gem for stainless steel products, catering supplies, and kitchen equipment.

Where to buy bags, suitcases, and travel gear?

For bags and luggage, I always go to Huadu. It’s a known hub for bag manufacturers.

Huadu Bag Market is where I source backpacks, luggage, and handbags with flexible MOQs and lots of design options.

6. Guangzhou Huadu Bag and Case Market

It’s near Baiyun Airport. Most shops here are factory direct. They can customize, private label, or offer ready stock.

Also check Sanyuanli Leather Market near the railway station for leather goods from domestic and foreign brands⁵.

What if I want to import toys or baby products?

Sometimes I find good suppliers at the fair. But for toys, I always visit the Zhongshan and Pinghu areas.

I go to Pinghu Toy Market in Shenzhen or head to the Onelink Plaza for a wide range of kid-related products⁶.

7. Pinghu Toy and Gift Market, Shenzhen

Specializes in electronic and plastic toys.

8. Onelink Plaza, Guangzhou

A multi-floor complex with gifts, toys, home decor, and stationery. Its organized layout makes sourcing easier⁷.

Nearby Yide Road Market is famous for festive supplies and party goods, especially around Chinese New Year⁸.

Where can I source electronics or gadgets?

For small electronics, mobile accessories, and daily-use gadgets, I go to Yuexiu or head toward Shenzhen.

Guangzhou’s Dashatou and Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei are my go-to spots for consumer electronics.

9. Dashatou Electronic Market

A local option if you don’t want to go to Shenzhen.

Also check out the Xidi Electronics District, especially the New Asia Science City for accessories, CCTV parts, and laptops⁹.

10. Huaqiangbei Electronic Market, Shenzhen

This is THE place for electronics in Asia.

Bonus Markets You Should Know

• Beauty Exchange Center (Sanyuanli) – Largest cosmetics wholesale market in Guangzhou¹⁰
• Zhongda Fabric Market – Asia’s largest textile hub with 4,000 stores¹¹
• Canton Fair Complex – Itself becomes the world’s largest temporary wholesale platform during exhibition days with over 24,000 booths¹²
  

  What are some tips for talking to suppliers in wholesale markets for the first time?

It’s exciting but also stressful the first time I step into a wholesale market — there’s so much to see, and I don’t want to say the wrong thing.

When I talk to suppliers for the first time, I ask very specific questions to understand their MOQ, customization options, and export experience. It helps me filter serious suppliers quickly.

Ask clear, basic questions to get real answers

Some suppliers look confident but can’t answer basic export or customization questions. That’s how I know who’s real.

Here are three questions I always ask:

1. What’s the MOQ for this product?

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) tells me how flexible the supplier is. For fast-moving products or dropshipping, I prefer suppliers who offer smaller MOQs.

2. Can you do my logo? What’s the MOQ for private label?

If I want to build a brand, I always ask if they can add my logo. I also ask about sampling fees and lead times.

3. Have you exported to my country before?

This is my favorite question. It helps me test how well they understand my market. For example, I always explain that:

• The Philippines uses US-style plug and 110v voltage
• Some categories like electronics or cosmetics require import certification
• If a supplier can respond clearly to these, I know they’re experienced

I usually ask these in the first few minutes. If the supplier doesn’t know or avoids answering, I move on.

This simple checklist has saved me time and helped me build better relationships with suppliers who really understand export business.

Conclusion

When I attend the Canton Fair, I always explore nearby wholesale markets. They help me discover hidden suppliers, test products in person, and get better deals.