Canton Fair FAQs

1. What are the dates of Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair, short for China Import and Export Fair, is held twice in every spring and autumn of each year. 

Phase 1: April 15th-19th and October 15th-19th

Phase 2: April 23rd-27th and October 23rd-27th 

Phase 3: May 1st-5th and October 31st – November 4th

The location of Canton Fair Venue: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Pazhou Complex, Guangzhou, China

Canton Fair venue

2. I would like to know the different exhibit categories (products) of each phases of Canton Fair. 

There are 3 phases of each Canton fair. Phase 1 is on heavy industry category. Phase 2 is on light industy and household items and consumer goods. Phase 3 is on textile, clothing, medical and health care, recreations. 

Click to check detailed schedule of Canton Fair.

3. Can I apply an invitation of Canton Fair online?

For overseas buyers, you can apply for E-invitation or Paper Invitation online. Usually, you will get the reply by email with the User Name and Password within 3-5 working days after your application. If you apply for the Paper Invitation online, it will be sent to you by post.

Canton Fair Participants


4. What do I need for the Registration of Canton Fair?

1) What’re the documents needed for Invitation Card Holders

>> Invitation Card extended by the Fair

>> Personal Papers (Overseas Passport, H.K./Macau I.D. Card or Residence Permit, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificate or a Chinese Passport with at least one year foreign visa)

>> Business Card

>> A most recent passport photo(5cm×4cm)

2) What’re the documents needed for Holders of "PVC" Bar-code Card

>> Personal "PVC" Bar-code Card and invitation card extended by the Fair.

>> Personal papers (Overseas Passport, H.K./Macau I.D. Card or Residence Permit, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificate)

3) What’re the documents needed for Non-holders of Invitation Card

>> Personal Papers (Overseas Passport, H.K./Macau I.D. Card or Residence Permit, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificate, or a Chinese Passport with at least one year foreign visa)

>> A Completed Registration Form filled in by Visitor

>> A most recent passport photo (5CM×4CM)

4) What’re the documents needed for the registration of Local Representatives

Local Representatives in foreign companies' representative office in China are requested to present the following documents at registration:

>> Invitation Card (extended by the Fair)

>> Valid Employee Certificate (extended by Administration for Industry & Commerce)

>> The Employee's I.D. Card

>> Business Card

>> A most recent passport photo (5cm×4cm)

Canton Fair Invitation


5. Do I still need to apply for a China Visa if I am a invitation card holder?

Yes. And the Canton Fair invitation will help to apply for the entry visa to Guangzhou. Just go to the Embassy of P.R. China with the Invitation Card. If there is not a Embassy of China in your country, kindly head for a Chinese Embassy in a neighboring country.

6. Where to get the invitation of the Canton Fair?

You can apply for Canton Fair invitation through one of the following five channels. You can apply for the visa with the invitation, complete registration and enter the venue for free.

A: BEST( Buyer E-Service Tool) on Canton Fair official Website https://invitation.cantonfair.org.cn/

B: Canton Fair Call Centre, China Foreign Trade Centre
Tel: 4000-888-999(The Chinese Mainland)
      (0086 20) 28-888-999( Outside the Chinese Mainland)
E-mail: info @ cantonfair. org. cn

C: The Economic & Commercial Counselor's Office of the Embassy (The Economic& Commercial Section of the Consulate General) of P. R. China in your region

D: The Chinese foreign trade corporations(enterprises)with whom you are business-related

E: By contacting overseas partners of China Foreign Trade Centre

Recommended Guangzhou and China Tours:

2-day Guangzhou Tour
4-day Guangzhou Xian Tour
4-day Guangzhou Yellow Mountain Tour

More Information about Canton Fair

  • Basic Facts of Canton Fair
  • Travel Guide to Canton Fair And Guangzhou City
  • Canton Fair Complex - Pazhou Complex
  • Canton Fair Schedule
  • Canton Fair Transportation
  • Location Map of Canton Fair Complex
  • Layout Map of Canton Fair Complex
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