If you had to choose only one trade fair to attend, it would undoubtedly be the Canton Fair in China. Canton Fair is the biggest and most important trade fair event on the globe. The onsite exhibition attracts over 246,000 overseas buyers from 215 countries and regions. When is the Canton Fair 2025?
What is the Canton Fair 2025?
The China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair for short, Chinese: 广交会) has been held since the mid-20th century, so it is the longest-running trade fair in China. It takes place twice a year, in spring at the end of April and beginning of May, and in autumn at the end of October and beginning of November.
The Canton Fair is organized by the China Foreign Trade Center.
This massive event is organized both offline and online. Moreover, both events are mostly free of charge!
The offline fair is divided into three phases, each lasting several days:
- Phase One focuses on tools, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, and related industries.
- Phase Two brings together entrepreneurs from the gifts, consumer goods, and home furnishings sectors.
- Phase Three features exhibitors specializing in clothing, textiles, food, and medical devices.
Website: cantonfair.org.cn
When is the Canton Fair 2025? Canton Fair dates and times
Spring edition: April 15-19, 2025 / April 23-27, 2025 / May 1-5, 2025
Fall edition: October 15-19, 2025 / October 23-27, 2025 / October 31-November 4, 2025
Canton Fair opening hours: 9:30 AM-6:00 PM
Where is the Canton Fair 2025?
Venue: China Import and Export Fair (Pazhou) Complex, Yuejiangzhong Road 382, Haizhu, Guangzhou
Chinese address: 中国广州市海珠区阅江中路382号、中国进出口商品交易会展馆
137th Canton Fair Spring Edition 2025
Offline:
- Phase 1, April 15-19: Electronics & Appliance, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, International Pavilion
- Phase 2, April 23-27: Houseware, Gift & Decorations, Building & Furniture, International Pavilion
- Phase 3, May 1-5: Toys & Children, Baby and Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, International Pavilion
Online: The 137th Canton Fair online will be launched from March to September 2025.
138th Canton Fair Spring Autumn 2025
Offline:
- Phase 1, October 15-19: Electronics & Appliance, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, International Pavilion
- Phase 2, October 23-27: Houseware, Gift & Decorations, Building & Furniture, International Pavilion
- Phase 3, October 31-November 4: Toys & Children, Baby and Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, International Pavilion
Online: The 138th Canton Fair online will be live from September 2025 to March 2026.
Canton Fair 2025 exhibitor list
Canton Fair, each edition houses over 25 thousand exhibitors. Check the catalog of exhibitors at the Canton Fair in thirteen categories and 55 sections.
Canton Fair hall map
The Canton Fair fairground is huge (1.55 million square meters!). Make sure to check out our Canton Fair Map post before attending.
How to register for the Canton Fair 2025?
We have great news – registering for the Canton Fair is free! If you are a first-time guest, you have to get a Buyer’s Badge to attend on-site. If it is not your first edition, you can register for the event using your account.
- Go to cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index
- Choose “Overseas Buyer” (if not based in Mainland China)
- Register and verify your email
- Pick one of the options:
- “I have a buyer badge” (if you already have the Buyer Badge)
- “I don’t have a buyer badge” (if you do not have the Buyer Badge)
- “log in” to log in to an existing account.
- If you don’t have a buyer badge, submit the completed form.
After registration, you can:
- Browse the catalog of suppliers and products
- Watch live videos
- And much more if you verify your e-mail address and complete your profile.
To be one of the guests at the Canton Fair, make sure to pre-register for the event on the website.
Entry tickets for the Canton Fair 2025
Visitors from outside China have free entry to the Canton Fair.
A few weeks before the trade show starts, we recommend applying for a visitors’ badge if you don’t have one. Once you are on-site, you can collect your ID badge at the counter. You have to bring a copy of the registration certificate and a passport photo.
Before you set off to China for the Canton Fair, read our tips on preparations before Canton Fair.
How to get to the Canton Fair at Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou?
Guangzhou is in the south of China, and it is a well-connected city. It takes several hours to get to Guangzhou from Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, etc.
You can get to the Pazhou Complex by car/taxi or:
- by bus – get on a bus running to the Canton Fair Exhibition Hall (229, 239, 262, 304, 582, 763, 988 lines, express line B7)
- by subway – get on line 8 to Wanshengwei, get off at Xingangdong or Pazhou
- by train – get off at Guangzhou East, hail a taxi to the venue.
What should you remember if you attend the Canton Fair?
If you want to place an order on-site without vetting the supplier, you should reconsider it. No “special offer” is worth getting scammed. Always run a background check of the potential Chinese supplier before you place an order to protect your sourcing business.