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Home  >  Guides to grow your business Importing from China

Canton Fair 2025: Your guide to the China Import and Export Fair

Last updated: 9 Oct 2025

Planning to visit the Canton Fair 2025? Take a look at our complete guide to the China Import and Export fair to better prepare yourself for it.

Key takeaways

  • The Canton Fair is one of the world’s largest trade events, connecting buyers and suppliers across various industries
  • The 138th edition of the Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou, China, in three phases from October 15 to November 4, 2025
  • Registration, visa application (if required), and obtaining a Buyer Badge are essential steps to attend the fair
  • The fair is divided into three phases, each catering to different product categories.
  • Planning ahead with a list of suppliers, key questions, and negotiation strategies maximises opportunities

The Canton Fair, or the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the largest trade events where suppliers and manufacturers showcase their products to prospective buyers.

Its 138th edition is scheduled to commence in Autumn of 2025 in Guangzhou, China. The Canton Fair is held in three phases over three weeks so businesses can take optimum advantage of the event.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Canton Fair or a seasoned pro, preparing and getting a game plan together will help you have a successful and fun trip to Guangzhou.

Our Canton Fair Guide is packed with essential travel advice, local tips, and Canton Fair knowledge that’ll help you get around more easily, enjoy the local culture, and make sure you make the most out of the trade fair.

Table of Contents

What is the Canton Trade Fair?

The Canton Trade Fair is one of the world’s biggest exhibitions that connects sellers and buyers. The trade show occurs twice a year in Guangzhou, China.

The first session kicks off in spring, around April/May, and the second is organised in autumn, around October/November. The event is organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre and co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China.

Here are the event details for the Canton Trade Fair 2025 for the Autumn session:

Date:  October 15 to November 4, 2025

  • Phase 1: October 15th to 19th
  • Phase 2: October 23rd to 27th
  • Phase 3: October 31st to November 4th

Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm local time

Location: Canton Fair Complex, No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China

Interesting trivia:

  • The Canton Fair Complex is probably one of the biggest exhibition centres in Asia, covering over 1,100,000 square metres.
  • The word Canton comes from the Cantonese language, and it is just another word for the city of Guangzhou. While Mandarin speakers call it Guangzhou, Cantonese speakers call the city Canton.

History and significance of the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, has been connecting businesses since 1957. Held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, it’s the country’s longest-running and largest trade fair.

It started as a way to boost China’s foreign trade and has grown into a massive international event where businesses from all over the world focus on product sourcing from China, finding suppliers in China, and finding dropshipping suppliers. The fair provides opportunities to explore new products, build partnerships, and negotiate deals, including understanding how to efficiently pay suppliers in China while ensuring secure transactions.

How to attend the Canton Fair?

Here are the steps to attend the Canton Fair as a new buyer or a seasoned buyer: 

1- Register and apply for the e-invitation

Overseas buyers will need a Canton Fair invite to get a Chinese visa. To apply for an e-invitation, use the Buyer E-service tool on the Canton Fair website. Register as a new buyer and add your business and personal details to create an account. You will also be required to add your passport details.

Regular overseas buyers who already have the previous year’s badge can directly apply for the e-invitation by logging into the Buyer E-service tool. The Buyer Badge number (9 digits) will be the login ID, and the 7 or 8-digit number on the backside of the badge will be the initial password.

2- Receive the invitation

It may take a few days to a week to get the invitation letter through email. After you receive the invitation, you can print it out and use it to apply for a Chinese visa.

Here are some of the sources to get a Chinese visa:

3- Get your buyer badge

The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for multiple sessions.

Using your e-invitation, you can pre-register for the buyer badge or get your badge on-site at the event.

  • To pre-register online, visit the Buyer E-Service tool or scan the QR code below. When you apply for a badge for the first time online, it’s completely free.
  • To register in person, reach the buyer badge booth at the fair venue and get your badge by showcasing your printed invitation.

You can also apply for your buyer badge in advance at the Appointed Hotels or the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

Note: Regular buyers who already have the previous year’s badge can enter the event directly with their existing badge.

4- Enter the event

With your buyer badge, you are all set to attend the world’s biggest trade fair and expand your business globally. Using a translating app or an interpreter is highly recommended to ensure there aren’t any communication issues.

Overview of the three phases of the Canton Fair

The Canton Trade Fair 2025 has three phases, like all previous editions. The organisers designed the event so that each phase would display different product categories.

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
October 15 - October 19 October 23 - October 27 October 31- November 4
  • New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility
  • Hardware, Tools
  • Machining Machinery and Equipment
  • Household Electrical Appliances
  • New Materials and Chemical Products
  • Lighting Equipment
  • Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
  • Power and Electrical Equipment
  • General Machinery and Mechanical Parts
  • Construction Machinery
  • Agricultural Machinery
  • Motorcycles, Bicycles
  • Vehicle Spare Parts
  • Vehicles
  • Consumer Electronics and Information Products
  • Electronic and Electrical Products
  • New Energy Resources
  • Iron and Stone Decorations
  • Building and Decoration Materials
  • Kitchen and Tableware
  • Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment
  • Furniture
  • Daily-use Ceramics
  • Household Items
  • Clocks, Watches, and Optical Instruments
  • Gifts and Premiums
  • Festival Products
  • Home Decorations
  • Art Ceramics
  • Glass Artware
  • Gardening Products
  • Woven, Rattan, and Iron Products
  • Outdoor Spa Facilities
  • Men's and Women's Clothing
  • Personal Care Appliances
  • Bathroom Products
  • Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices
  • Pet Products
  • Maternity and Baby Products
  • Toys
  • Children's Clothing
  • Sportswear and Casual Wear
  • Underwear
  • Fur, Leather, Down and Related Products
  • Clothing Accessories and Fittings
  • Home Textiles
  • Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics
  • Carpets and Tapestries
  • Shoes
  • Office Supplies
  • Bags and Suitcases
  • Sports and Tourism Leisure Products
  • Food
  • Rural Revitalization
  • How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair?

    Attending the Canton Fair from Australia involves these expenses:

    • Registration Fee: If you pre-register online, the first Buyer Badge is free. Without pre-registration, obtaining the badge on-site costs RMB 100 (approximately AUD 20)
    • Visa: Australian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days
    • Flights: Round-trip flights from major Australian cities to Guangzhou vary between AUD 700 and AUD 1,500, depending on the season and booking time
    • Accommodation: Hotels in Guangzhou can charge approximately AUD 200 per night, depending on their location and amenities. But it’s possible to find affordable options too.
    • Total: For a 5-day trip, the total cost can depend on choices in accommodation, dining, and other personal preferences

    How to get a Chinese visa for the Canton Fair as an Australian

    As of November 30, 2024, Australian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, transit, and exchange purposes. This policy is effective until December 31, 2025. 

    If your stay exceeds 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa. For attending the Canton Fair, obtaining an official invitation is essential for the visa application process. You can apply for this invitation through the Canton Fair’s Buyer Service System. 

    Once you have the invitation, submit your visa application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Australia. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, and a recent photograph.

    How to reach the Canton Fair

    Once you are in Guangzhou, there are three main ways to reach the Canton Fair:

    Direct shuttle service: It takes you directly from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the fair venue. The shuttle services run through all three phases of the trade fair between 1pm to 6pm. You will find a new shuttle every 30 minutes. There are also shuttle buses available from major hotels to the fair venue.

    Metro: You can take Line 8 either from the Pazhou Station via exits A, B, or C or from the Xingang Dong Station via exit A.

    Taxi: You can also directly get a taxi to the venue using ride-hailing apps like DiDi.

    How many days to spend at the Canton Fair

    The number of days you should spend at the Canton Fair depends on the types of products you’re interested in and how in-depth you want to explore potential suppliers. Since the fair is divided into three phases, each covering different industries, your visit should align with the industries/ products you’re interested in.

    • Phase 1 (Electronics, machinery, and vehicles): If you’re sourcing complex or high-tech products, you may need 3 to 4 days to compare different manufacturers and negotiate terms.
    • Phase 2 (Consumer goods, home decorations, and gifts): A 2 to 3-day visit is often enough to browse and discuss pricing for household products, decor, and gifts.
    • Phase 3 (Textiles, clothing, office supplies, food, and medical products): Since this phase has a broad range of products, 2 to 4 days might be required depending on the variety of items you’re sourcing.

    If you’re visiting multiple phases or want to conduct detailed negotiations with suppliers, a week-long trip can be beneficial. However, if you’re well-prepared with a shortlist of exhibitors, a 2 to 3-day targeted visit could be sufficient.

    Do you need an interpreter at the Canton Fair?

    Hiring an interpreter for the Canton Fair can enhance your experience, especially if you’re not fluent in Mandarin. The cost for English-language interpreters typically ranges from RMB 400 to 800 per day. Additionally, bringing an interpreter into the fair requires an interpreter’s badge, which comes at an additional cost.

    Please note that these rates can vary based on the interpreter’s experience and the prevailing demand during the fair. It’s best to check these rates while you’re at the fair.

    How to find the right supplier at the Canton Trade Fair for your business

    Here are the steps to find suppliers in China through the Canton Trade Fair

    1. Finalise your sourcing needs

    Before you step into the Canton Fair halls, get very clear about what you want to achieve through this business trip to China. Are you looking for:

    • Price advantage with bulk orders at the lowest unit cost
    • Flexibility with smaller, customised orders
    • Quality and certifications with suppliers who can meet strict product standards
    • Innovation through factories with strong R&D capabilities to design unique products

    At Canton, you’ll typically encounter two main types of suppliers:

    • Factories: They own their production lines, which means better control over quality, higher production capacity, and access to R&D. However, factories usually have higher minimum order quantities (MOQs), stricter payment terms, and less room for negotiation.
    • Trading companies: They source from multiple factories, giving you flexibility, variety, and smaller MOQs. They’re often more open to customising products and trial orders. The trade-off is higher pricing, since they add their own margins.

    Make sure to write down your non-negotiables (quality standards, certifications, delivery times) before the fair. Use this checklist when talking to suppliers to quickly filter who fits your needs.

     

    2. Create a game plan

    The Canton Trade Fair is so far and vast that it’s easy to get lost in the wide range of products offered by suppliers from across China. To make the most out of the event, you need to first decide on the type of products you are interested in.

    You should also build a short list of suppliers you want to see and find out where they are located. Prepare a list of questions to ask suppliers, including

    • What are the most popular products?
    • What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
    • What are the current delivery time frames?
    • Which countries do you export to?
    • What are the preferred payment methods?
    • Can I get exclusivity on a specific product or product range?
    • Can I get products in a specific colour or size?

    It’s important to choose reputed and reliable suppliers and build deep business relationships with them. You may not get a lot of opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with so many suppliers. Use your time to learn about them and their major capabilities. Ask direct questions, be confident, and learn some negotiation skills.

    Pro tip: If you are going to visit the Canton Trade Fair for a particular phase, you can create a daily game plan like this:

    • Day 1-2: Explore and engage by heading to your shortlisted exhibitors and schedule talks and forums that might benefit your business.
    • Day 3 & beyond: Deepen connections and learn more by revisiting any preferred suppliers for further discussions and plans, and meet other exhibitors to see what else is on offer.

     

    3. Consider getting a translator

    You will find that most booths at the Canton Fair will have someone who can speak English. But if you want your own translator, you can partner with a translation service agency or even book Canton Fair’s on-site translators, who are often in high demand, so booking early is necessary.

    Pro tip: Digital translation apps, like Alibaba Translate, can be handy for simple conversations.

     

    4. Stack up your business cards

    Exchanging business cards is a common practice in China. You should bring plenty of business cards with all your contact information, including, phone number, email address, and WeChat ID.

    Networking is one of the main reasons many overseas buyers attend the Canton Fair in China. You should use this opportunity to build your network of suppliers.

    Pro tip: Receive all business cards with two hands to show respect, and keep it in sight during your meeting.

    5. Download useful apps

    China has its own range of apps for making payments, sending messages, and managing transportation. Make sure you have all the important apps downloaded on your phone when you land in China.

    • Alipay: It is a leading platform for payments and digital services in China. Accepted by millions of merchants, foreign visitors can connect their credit cards to pay for nearly everything. To pay, open the app and either scan the QR code or the merchant will scan your one-time QR code in the ‘Pay/Receive’ tab.

    Pro tip: The popular question, “I scan or you scan me?” is often asked in stores.

    If you have an Alipay account, you can also make a small deposit instantly to show that you are a serious buyer and then make your first payment later on. Learn how to use Alipay as a foreigner 

    • WeChat: It is the main communication app used in China. Stay in touch with suppliers, taxi drivers, and official business accounts with it. Create a profile and get verified by an existing user to get started.
    • Amap: Amap is a navigation app that provides details about real-time traffic in China
    • Baidu Map: Another navigation app that provides a street view function and helps people find their way across the different Chinese cities.
    • DiDi: It is a taxi-hailing app that allows users to request real-time rides from partnered drivers.
    • Metroman China: It provides up-to-date and accurate information about metros in China, including metro maps and running schedules.

    Pro Tip: Install a VPN before you land in China because global apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram don’t work in the country.

     

    6. Learn some handy Chinese phrases

    It’s good to show appreciation for Chinese culture by learning a few common phrases. It can also help you travel the country with convenience.

    Link to the using AU blog — using Alipay as a foreigner once its reuploaded

    Pro tip: Create a checklist for everything you will need before you board and arrive in China. Here’s our ultimate checklist to help you navigate through the city:

    7. Negotiate the best deals

    The Canton Fair is one of the rare opportunities where you’re face-to-face with suppliers instead of negotiating via email. This gives you leverage, but only if you prepare for it in advance

    Here’s how to maximise your negotiations:

    • Pricing: Never accept the first quote. Suppliers expect you to bargain, and in-person negotiations carry more weight than online chats. Compare prices across multiple suppliers before committing to any number.
    • MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Even if a supplier lists a high MOQ, ask if they’re willing to reduce it for your first order. Many will, especially if you show long-term potential.
    • Payment terms: See if you can negotiate a lower upfront deposit or extended payment terms, which can help reduce cash flow strain for your business. You can instead commit to faster payment transfers every time (With WorldFirst, you can pay Chinese suppliers the same day for faster order processing and improved trust. Though cut off timings do apply)
    • Shipping: Always ask how suppliers handle shipping. Can they recommend freight forwarders? Offer consolidated shipping? Or share shipping costs?

    → Take a look at the cost of importing from China to Australia to learn more.

    8. Take your time to check sample products

    Ordering samples from overseas suppliers can take weeks and rack up courier fees. At Canton, you can touch, test, and compare products instantly. So, you should take your time to:

    • Inspect material quality, durability, and finishes in person
    • Compare products side by side from multiple suppliers to benchmark quality vs price
    • Ask for live demonstrations if the product is technical or electronic
    • Discuss customisation possibilities directly (logos, packaging, colors)

    Take photos and videos (with permission) of products and booths. Later, when you’re back at your hotel or home, these visuals will help you remember what stood out. You can also share these with your team back home to keep them in the loop.

     

    9. Build relationships for long-term success

    In China, relationships (“guanxi”) are central to business. Meeting a supplier in person gives you a huge advantage over competitors who only connect online.

    Benefits of strong relationships could potentially include:

    • Preferential pricing
    • Faster responses and priority in production schedules
    • Flexibility on payment or shipping terms
    • Willingness to innovate or collaborate on custom products

    Remember, don’t just talk business. Show genuine interest in their company, ask about their history, and exchange small talk. Follow up with a thank-you email after the fair to keep the relationship warm.

     

    10. Gather supplier information and compare options

    With thousands of booths, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or settle for the first decent supplier. But you need to resist the urge and instead

    • Collect business cards, brochures, and samples. Write quick notes on the back of business cards about the product or discussion
    • Ask about factory visits if you’re serious about working with them
    • Compare at least 3–5 suppliers per product type before making a decision
    • Remember, you can also continue your search afterward on platforms like 1688.com or Alibaba if you need backup options
    • Create a simple spreadsheet to compare suppliers on price, MOQ, lead times, certifications, and responsiveness.

    11. Plan for smooth international transactions

    Once you’ve identified a supplier, the next step is paying them securely and efficiently. Many Chinese suppliers prefer to be paid in Chinese Yuan or US Dollars, but sending funds from an Australian or New Zealand bank account can mean long processing times and high FX fees.

    With WorldFirst’s World Account, you can make same-day transfers (cut-off times apply) at competitive exchange rates, which helps build trust, especially when you’re partnering with a new supplier for the first time. You can create virtual currency accounts in CNH or USD, convert and hold funds when exchange rates are favourable, and make direct payments to suppliers.

    Your supplier receives the exact agreed amount you pay, and you get full visibility into your FX conversions and payments in one place, making it easier to manage cash flow after the fair.

    Action step: Before the fair, open a World Account so you’re ready to pay suppliers quickly and confidently when you find the right match.

     

    12. Check the schedule in advance

    The Canton Fair is enormous, with three phases across industries. Each phase showcases different product categories. So make sure to:

    • Review the phase schedule to match your sourcing category
    • Download the Canton Fair app or map to navigate the massive Guangzhou complex
    • Plan your route in advance as it can take an entire day just to cover one section
    • Prioritise your top 10-15 suppliers to visit first, then use extra time to explore
    • Wear comfortable shoes, carry snacks, and block time for breaks.

    Where to stay when attending the Canton Fair?

    You will find accommodation options all across the city of Guangzhou, ready to host people worldwide. Most hotels offer pickup and drop facilities from the airport and the fair venue. It’s also better to book a hotel well in advance and preferably book a place closer to the fair venue to lower your travel time.

    Hotel Name Star Distance from Canton Fair venue
    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 5 star 2.8 km
    Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou 5 star 2 km
    Langham Place, Guangzhou 5 star 3.6 km
    The Westin Pazhou 5 star 3.8 km
    The Mulian Hotel 5 star 6.9km
    The Xanadu Guangzhou 5 star 6.3 km
    Royal Mediterranean Hotel Guangzhou 5 star 7.5 km
    Ramada Plaza Guangzhou 5 star 8.5 km
    Yuwa Hotel 4 star 9.7 km

    Where to eat when attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou?

    Guangzhou is the home of Cantonese food, so we definitely recommend trying out the local cuisine here. The city also offers flavours from around the world for international travellers. 

    Restaurant Cuisine About the place
    Five Zen5es Cantonese The restaurant has been awarded Michelin plates for over five consecutive years, making it a must-try.
    Ming Court Cantonese The restaurant offers an antique, fine-dine experience to patrons.
    Panxi restaurant Cantonese The serene and peaceful interiors of Panxi can be perfect after a long day at the fair.
    Jiang restaurant Cantonese The place offers a high-end dining experience with private dining booths that can be perfect for business meetings or just for some much-needed alone time.
    Wilber’s Western A staple among Western travellers, Wilber’s is located in a colonial-era villa. The place offers great Western food and a cocktail area.
    La Seine French Experience authentic French cuisine coupled with great service in this fine-dine restaurant
    The Oakroom Chinese and European Located on the rooftop of a 16-floor building, Oakroom offers panoramic city views and great food.

    Beyond Canton Trade Fair: Sightseeing in Guangzhou

    Here are the top tour routes in Guangzhou to experience the modern cityscapes and deep culture of the city:

    1. A tour of the thousand-year-old Guangzhou: Take a walk through its history. Explore major landmarks, including:

    • Guangzhou Museum of Art Yuexiu Park (Five Goats Statue, Zhenhai Tower)
    • Nanyue King Museum (Site of King’s Tomb)
    • Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou — 
    • Ximen Wengcheng Ruins 
    • Beijing Road Cultural Tour Route 
    • Tianzi Wharf 
    • Shamian Island
    • Yongqingfang

    2. A shopping Tour in Guangzhou

    Go shopping in the fashionable city of commerce and trade. Explore major shopping malls, including: 

    • Grandview Mall
    • Teemall
    • Fashion Tianhe Plaza
    • Taikoo Hui

    3. An artistic tour in Guangzhou

    Explore the artistic tour of the beautiful town through landmarks, including:

    • Beicun Village
    • Chen Clan Temple 
    • Shamian Island
    • Xiguan Yongqingfang 
    • Dongshankou Area 
    • Taikoo Shed Quay Taigucang Wharf 
    • Ancient Whampoa Anchorage (Huangpu Ancient Port) 
    • Hengsha
    • Scholar Street

    4. A passionate tour of Guangzhou, a city of vitality

    Relax in these hotels and water parks after a long day at the Canton Trade fair:

    • Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort 
    • Chimelong Safari Park 
    • International Circus 
    • Chimelong Paradise
    • Chimelong Water Park
    • Chimelong Hotel
    • Chimelong Panda Hotel

    5. A folk cultural tour of Guangzhou

    Take a cultural tour of the city and walk through its history with these landmarks:

    • Shamian Historical and Cultural Blocks
    • Yongqingfang Intangible Cultural Heritage Area
    • Nanyue King Museum (Site of King’s Tomb)
    • Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou
    • Guangdong Museum
    • Canton Tower
    • Haizhu National Wetland Park 
    • Rice Noodles Experience Centre 
    • Shawan Ancient Town

    6. A romantic tour in Guangzhou

    Experience the fragrant spring blossoms and reconnect with nature through these beautiful places:

    • Conghua Liuxihe National Forest Park (Liuxi Fragrant Snow) 
    • Shimen National Forest Park 
    • Jindong Peach Blossom Town 
    • Trendsee Cherry
    • Blossom Park
    • Luogang Xiangxue Park

    7. A tasty tour in Guangzhou, a city for gourmets

    Explore local cuisine restaurants to better understand why Guangzhou is known as the city for gourmets.

    • Lychee Bay Scenic Area
    • Panxi Restaurant 
    • Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
    • Chentian Fish Skin
    • Beijing Road Cultural Tour Route 
    • Guangzhou Restaurant

    8. A slow, healthy tour in Guangzho

    Relax and unwind as you walk through the different nature points around the city:

    • Xitang Fairy Village 
    • Conghua Hot Spring Tourist Resort 
    • Shimen National Forest Park 
    • Nanping Seclusion Town

    9. A cultural heritage tour in Guangzhou

    Seep into the culture of Guangzhou through these major landmarks:

    • Langtou Ancient Village 
    • Shitouji Mineral Park
    • Formal Residence of Hong Xiuquan 
    • Yuen Yuen Taoist Temple 
    • Guangzhou Folk Custom
    • Museum (Zizheng DaifuCi Temple)

    Streamline cross-border payments with WorldFirst and build better supplier relationships

    While the Canton Trade Fair makes finding the right products and suppliers easy, the biggest hiccup you will face with an international supplier is making quick and cost-effective cross-border payments. If you don’t choose the right payment partner, the high FX costs can affect your profit margins. Also, continuous delayed payments can affect your relationship with the suppliers.

    WorldFirst helps businesses make international payments easily, quickly, and securely. Our expertise allows you to trade confidently in 130 countries across 40+ currencies. We believe every business, regardless of size, deserves a shot at the global stage.

    The World Account is a multi-currency account that lets you set up local currency accounts in 15+ currencies, including CNH, GBP, USD, CAD, EUR, AUD and NZD. Local currency accounts are created under your business’s name. For every currency, you get a separate account number and branch code.

    With a World Account, you can:

    Pay suppliers faster: Send same-day or next-day payments at competitive interbank/mid-market rates (Cut off times apply)

    Securely pay 1668 suppliers: World Pay is the only authorised way to make international payments to suppliers on 1668.com

    Protect your profit margins: Lock-in exchange rates for up to 24 months through forward contracts

    Make instant payments: Payments are free and instant between World Accounts

    Security-first: WorldFirst safeguards customer funds in segregated accounts with leading financial institutions. It offers real-time fraud monitoring and your login is secured with two-factor authentication via the Authy app

    Collect from marketplaces: Collect payments from 100+ global marketplaces, including Amazon, AliExpress, Etsy, and eBay. Hold the funds to pay suppliers or withdraw funds to your bank account anytime

    FAQs

    1. What are the dates for Canton Trade Fair 2026?

    The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) runs twice a year, in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November). Each session has three phases, with different product categories in each phase.

    Here are the 2026 dates for Canton Fair 2026 Spring Session

    • Phase 1: April 15-19, 2026
    • Phase 2: April 23-27, 2026
    • Phase 3: May 1-5, 2026

     

    2. Where is the Canton Fair 2025?

    The Canton Fair takes place at the Canton Fair Complex (China Import and Export Fair Complex), also known as the Pazhou Complex, in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.


    3. What is the Canton Fair famous for?

    The Canton Fair is the largest and oldest trade fair in China, running since 1957. It’s known for:

    • Hosting thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world
    • Covering a wide range of industries, from electronics to textiles
    • Being the top event to find Chinese suppliers for retailers, importers, and e-commerce businesses
    • Offering both in-person exhibitions and online sourcing options

    4. Where is Canton in China?

    “Canton” is the old English name for Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province in southern China. The Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou, which is one of China’s major manufacturing and export hubs.

     

    5. Can anyone go to the Canton Fair?

    Yes, but with conditions. The Canton Fair is a business-to-business trade event, so it’s open to:

    • Retailers, wholesalers, importers, sourcing agents, and entrepreneurs
    • Anyone with business credentials (company registration, importer details, etc.)


    6. How to get to the Canton Fair from Hong Kong?

     There are several ways to travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou for the Canton Fair:

    • High-speed train: The most convenient option. Take the train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station (approx. 1 hour). From there, take the metro or taxi to the fair complex.
      Cross-border buses: Regular buses run from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, taking around 3–4 hours.
    • Flights: A short flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is possible but less efficient than the train.
    • Ferries: Available from Hong Kong to Nansha Port, then transfer by road into Guangzhou.



    Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views.  Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.

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    How to use Alipay as a foreigner (Both in & outside China)

    Learn how to use Alipay as a foreigner for seamless payments in China. Link a World Card to your Alipay account to make seamless and secure transactions.

    Oct / 2025
    Businesses trust WorldFirst
    • Almost 1,000,000 businesses have sent USD$300B around the world with WorldFirst and its partner brands since 2004
    • Your money is safeguarded with leading financial institutions

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    Stream A

    Death, taxes and expanding to the U.S.

    This session will cover the basics of what your key tax obligations are and answer questions

    such as:

    • What are the biggest mistakes businesses make when expanding to the US (from a tax perspective)?
    • How to avoid penalties: what happens if you don’t comply? How to stay ahead of changing regulations?
    • How to keep tax compliance from being a bottleneck?
    • What resources or tools can businesses use to manage tax compliance without an in-house expert?
    • At what stage should businesses invest in tax automation software?
    • How can automation help prevent tax errors?