The complete Canton Fair guide for South Asian importers
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Planning to attend the Canton Fair? Here is everything South Asian importers need to know before, during and after the event.
Key takeaways
- The Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, across three phases, each covering different product categories from electronics to textiles
- To attend the fairs, visitors require an online registration, a Canton Fair invitation letter, a Chinese Business (M) Visa and a buyer badge
- Paying Chinese suppliers after the fair is often the hardest part. A CNH local currency account can simplify cross-border payments without needing a Chinese bank account
The Canton Fair is the biggest trading fair in the world and one that most importers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh would want to attend. But between visa applications, registration, travel logistics and a venue spread across 1.1 million square metres, first-time attendees often end up spending more time figuring out the process than actually sourcing. This guide walks you through everything you need to know when visiting the Canton Fair for the first time–from registration and travel to supplier negotiations and paying Chinese suppliers after the fair.
What is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions, connecting international buyers with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. It is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China
- Once in spring (April-May)
- Once in autumn (October-November)
The event is organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre and co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China.
Each edition runs across three phases over three weeks, with each phase covering different product categories. The fair takes place at the Canton Fair Complex, one of the largest exhibition centres in Asia.
Here are the event details for the Canton Trade Fair 2025 that was organised in spring:
Date: October 15 to November 5, 2026
- Phase 1: October 15th to 19th 2026
- Phase 2: October 23rd to 27th 2026
- Phase 3: October 31st to November 5th 2026
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm local time
Location: Canton Fair Complex, No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China
How to attend the Canton Fair
Here are the steps to attend the next Canton Fair:
Register and apply for an invitation
Buyers coming from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan need to get an invite to attend the fair. If they need a visa to travel to China, they will also need to provide the invitation in their visa application.
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.
Obtain a Chinese business visa
Since the Canton Fair is a commercial event, most attendees need a Business (M) Visa.
Though the exact visa process and documents will depend on your country of citizenship, the core documents required can include:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity and two blank pages)
- A completed visa application form
- A passport-sized photograph
- Invitation letter from the Canton Fair
- Proof of your travel arrangements
Submit your application through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) or the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Keep in mind the requirements and procedures vary by country, so make sure to check the specific requirements for your market before applying.
Get your buyer badge
The buyer badge is your official entry pass to the Canton Fair and works across multiple phases. You can pre-register for the badge online through the Buyer E-service tool (free for first-time applicants) or collect it on-site at the venue. Regular buyers who already hold a badge from the previous edition can enter directly.
Enter the fair
With your badge, you are ready to attend. It’s preferable to use a translation app or hiring an interpreter is recommended.
Travelling to Guangzhou from South Asia
Travel options depend on where you are based.
From India: The only direct flight to Guangzhou is from Kolkata. If you are flying from Delhi, you can take a direct flight to Shanghai first and then travel to Guangzhou from there.
From Bangladesh: Direct flights from Dhaka to Guangzhou are available, with a travel time of approximately three hours and 40 minutes.
From Pakistan: There are no direct flights from Pakistan to Guangzhou. Travellers typically connect via Beijing (then take a domestic flight to Guangzhou) or route through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Doha.
Paying suppliers after the Canton Fair with WorldFirst
WorldFirst is a global payments provider that helps businesses manage cross-border payments. The World Account is a multi-currency account that includes a dedicated CNH local currency account (along with 14+ other currencies), so businesses can pay Chinese suppliers directly in CNH at competitive exchange rates, without needing a Chinese bank account.
Here is how the World Account supports supplier payments after the Canton Fair:
- Pay suppliers faster: Send same-day or next-day payments at competitive exchange rates, so suppliers are not waiting days for funds to clear through intermediary banks
- Pay 1688.com suppliers directly: World Pay is the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com. Businesses can pay 1688 suppliers directly from the World Account
- Collect marketplace earnings into the same account: Businesses can collect payouts from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways into the World Account, then use those funds to pay suppliers directly
- Free and instant transfers between World Account holders: Payments between World Account holders are free and instant, useful for businesses paying partners or distributors who also hold a World Account
Zero fees on receiving and no monthly account fee: There are no fees on incoming funds and no monthly account charges, regardless of payment volume
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
Hu Wenzhan is the Emerging Markets Country Manager at WorldFirst. He brings expertise across Fintech, Payments, Banking, New Markets Growth to help clients grow their global business.
Hu Wenzhan
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