Are you planning to attend the 138th Canton Fair (Autumn 2025) as a business buyer? This guide will walk you through everything you must know. From dates and registration, to how to pick suppliers, to post-fair steps. Read carefully. Prepare early. Get the most value from your trip.
1.What is the Canton Fair & Why It Matters?
The China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, is China’s largest trade fair. It is held twice a year in Guangzhou, one in spring, one in autumn. Each session is split into three phases. Each phase covers different product categories.
For B-side customers (wholesalers, retailers, importers), the Canton Fair is gold. You meet many suppliers or factories face-to-face. You compare products. You negotiate MOQs, quality, shipping. You spot new trends. You build relationships. It is much more efficient than sourcing purely online.
The official website of the Canton Fair : cantonfair.org.cn
2.What’s exact dates and phases of the Canton Fair Autumn 2025?
The 138th Canton Fair (Autumn 2025) will take place in Guangzhou, at the China Import & Export Fair Complex (Pazhou).
Dates & phases have been officially confirmed:
Phase 1: October 15–19, 2025
Phase 2: October 23–27, 2025
Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2025
Opening hours for all phases are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (local time).
Venue address: No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335.
3.What product categories are shown in each phase?
Here are the product / industry groupings for each phase in Autumn 2025:
| Phase | Dates | Main Product / Industry Categories |
| Phase 1 (Oct 15–19) | Industrial / Tech heavy | – Electronics & Appliance (Household, Consumer Electronics, E/E Products) – Manufacturing (Industrial Automation, Machinery, Power & Electrical Equipment, New Materials, Chemicals) – Vehicles & Two-Wheels (Motors, Spare Parts, Smart Mobility) – Light & Electrical (Lighting, etc.) – Hardware & Tools – International Pavilion exhibitors across these categories |
| Phase 2 (Oct 23–27) | Home, décor, gifts etc. | – Houseware: ceramics, kitchen & tableware, household items – Gift & Decorations: glass artware, home décor, gardening, festivals, premiums, clocks & optical, art ceramics, woven/rattan/iron products – Building & Furniture: building materials, sanitary & bathroom equipment, furniture, stone/iron decoration and outdoor spa facilities – International Pavilion across these categories |
| Phase 3 (Oct 31-Nov 4) | Fashion, textiles, lifestyle, health & recreation etc. | – Toys, Children, Baby & Maternity – Fashion: Men’s & Women’s Clothing, Underwear, Sportswear, Accessories, Fur/Leather etc. – Home Textiles, Carpets & Tapestries – Stationery, Office Supplies, Cases & Bags – Health & Recreation: medicines, medical devices, personal care, toiletries, pet products, food, travel & leisure – Traditional Chinese Specialties via international pavilion etc. |
4.Choosing Which Phase(s) to Attend?
Attending all three phases can give the broadest product exposure. But many buyers choose one or two phases that align with their business sectors. Save time and cost.
Ask yourself:
What products am I sourcing (electronics vs fashion vs home goods)?
Do I need to meet suppliers in more than one category?
How many days can I stay?
For example:
If you sell consumer electronics or home appliances, Phase 1 is essential.
If you are in home decor, giftware, furniture, then Phase 2 is most relevant.
If your business is apparel, health & wellness, personal care or toys, go in Phase 3.
You might combine Phase 1 + 2 if you handle product lines across industrial and lifestyle goods. But then you need more days, more planning, more budget.
Tips : In the second phase, your can visit our 4-Unit Booth: 4.2D45.46, 4.2E03-04. We offer a wide range of high-quality kitchenware, including various types of cookware in different materials, some wire storage items, and a Christmas-themed set of cookware.
5.Size, scale & statistics
The exhibition area is 1.55 million square meters.
Large numbers of exhibitors (over 25,000) and visitors (domestic + international) are expected.
There is also an online component (catalogues, virtual services) in many sessions for sourcing remotely.
6.What to double-check?
While much is confirmed, there are still things you’ll want to verify closer to the date:
- Visa / invitation letter requirements depending on your nationality. The Canton Fair provides e-invitations, but processing times and rules change.
- Buyer badge registration details (online pre-registration vs on-site).
- Which exhibitors will attend each phase, especially for specialized goods.
- Travel, accommodation, local transport details (hotel picks, proximity to venue, metro/shuttle access).
7.Travel, Accommodation & Venue Logistics
Good logistics planning can save you time and stress. Here are what you need to arrange and watch out for.
Where to Stay
Stay as close to the venue as possible. Pazhou area has many hotels. Hotels designated as official appointed hotels for Canton Fair are good. Some of them host Overseas Buyers’ Registration Offices. That means you can pick up your badge there. Saves time.
Book early. Rooms fill quickly around Fair dates. Prices go up.
How to Get There?
- Metro: Guangzhou Metro Line 8 (to Pazhou or Xingangdong stations) brings you close.
- Shuttle buses: Some hotels or airports offer shuttle services to the fair complex.
- Taxi / Ride-sharing (like DiDi): Useful especially if you have luggage or attending early in morning or after hours.
Visa & Invitation Requirements
Unless your country has visa-free arrangements with China, you will need a business visa (often called M-visa). The Fair’s official invitation letter helps. Check with Chinese embassy/consulate in your country.
Make sure your passport is valid, photos ready, required documents assembled ahead of time.
8.How to Find and Evaluate Suppliers at the Fair?
As a buyer, you want reliable suppliers, not just low prices. Here are methods and criteria to pick good suppliers.
Before the Fair
- Review the exhibitor list in advance. The Canton Fair website and app show all exhibitors and product categories. Choose those you want to visit. Plan your route.
- Set appointments with key suppliers if possible. Many leading factories fill up fast.
- Prepare a supplier evaluation checklist: quality, capacity, certifications, MOQ, payment terms, sample availability.
During the Fair
- Inspect product samples carefully. Q&A: Ask to see similar past work, ask about production process.
- Check factory or company credentials. Business license, patent / trademark if relevant.
- Compare multiple suppliers offering similar items to see quality vs price trade-offs.
- Be clear on Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). Sometimes suppliers list high MOQ but can negotiate.
Communication and Negotiation Tips
- Use English, but sometimes bring interpreter or translation app. Many suppliers speak some English but clarity helps.
- Be friendly but firm. Chinese suppliers expect negotiation. Price, payment term, lead time are all negotiable.
- Don’t accept the first quote. Ask for better price if you commit larger quantity.
- Discuss shipping terms in advance: FOB, CIF, etc. Factor shipping and import duties into your cost.
9.Costs You Should Budget For
To attend and source at the 138th Canton Fair, here are the cost categories to plan for.
| Cost Item | Estimate / What to Consider |
| Flight / Travel | Depends where you are. Book early. Peak demand means higher fares. |
| Accommodation | Hotels near the Fair fill up early. Prices go up in Fair season. Appointed hotels usually cost more. But they offer convenience. |
| Visa / Invitation Costs | Visa fees vary by country. You may need to pay for invitation printing etc. |
| Badge & Registration | Registration online is free. On-site badge pickup sometimes free if pre-registered. Replacement badge or late registration may incur fees. |
| Local Transport | Metro, taxi, shuttle. Also budget for movement between hotel and venue. |
| Interpretation / Translation | If needed, hire interpreter or use service. Also factor in app tools etc. |
| Samples, Catalogues | Suppliers may give free samples; sometimes small fee. Also shipping of samples back to your country. |
| Meals, Daily Expenses | Guangzhou has many cost levels—from budget to luxury. Plan accordingly. |
Careful budgeting helps avoid surprises. Many buyers underestimate shipping and customs cost. Always include buffer.
10.Top Tips to Maximize Your Fair Trip
Here are practical tips that often make a big difference.
Map your daily plan
Get the fair map, mark booths you must visit. Start early each day before crowds build. Use evenings to review what you saw, reorder your plan.
Bring business cards & digital contacts
Cards are still important. Also exchange WeChat IDs. Keep notes on cards so you remember who said what.
Transport light, travel smart
Comfortable shoes. Backpack or bag for carrying catalogs. Portable battery charger. Bring basic supplies (snacks, water) so you don’t waste time leaving venue.
Use technology
Download Canton Fair app (if available), maps, exhibitor list. Use translation apps. Use also tools to scan or photo items and send back to office for review.
Negotiate but protect yourself
Clarify payment terms. Usually some deposit then balance before shipping. Ask about sample cost. Ask about warranties or defect rates. Get all agreements in writing.
Quality control
If you order large volume, consider hiring a third-party inspection company. Do pre-shipment inspection.
Follow up well
Collect contact info. Send thank you / summary emails. Follow up on quotes. Request updated pricing. Confirm lead times.
Stay aware of market trends
At the Fair you see what’s new, what suppliers highlight. Take note. It helps with product planning, design changes, sourcing innovation.
Post-Fair Steps You Should Take
The work doesn’t end when you walk out of the exhibition halls. Here are critical follow-ups.
- Review photos, catalogs, notes. Identify 2-3 priority suppliers.
- Ask for final quotes, updated pricing including shipping, customs.
- Order samples if not done at the Fair. Test quality, packaging, durability.
- Negotiate contract terms. Payment terms, delivery terms, penalty for delays or defects.
- Arrange shipping and customs clearance. Find reliable freight forwarder. Make sure to understand international shipping INCOTERMS you agreed.
- For products requiring certification (e.g. safety, health, electronics), verify supplier has proper certificates and test reports.
11.Frequently Asked Questions (for B-Side Buyers)
Here are answers to common questions you or your colleagues probably have.
Q1: Is the Buyer Badge valid across all three phases?
Yes. One badge covers all three phases of the 138th Canton Fair. You don’t need separate badges per phase if you attend more than one.
Q2: What if I miss registration deadlines or arrive late?
You can still register on-site but expect queues. On-site registration may cost more time. Badge collection may be slower. So early registration is highly recommended.
Q3: How to decide which phase to attend if my product mix spans two categories?
You might attend both phases. Or pick the phase where your biggest product volume or margin is. Also cost vs benefit: time, lodging, transport. If budget allows, attending all phases gives full visibility.
Q4: Do I need interpreter? Is English enough?
Many suppliers speak some English. But for detailed negotiation, technical clarifications, or legal matters, interpreter is valuable. Also translation apps help. Better safe than miscommunicate.
Q5: How early does it make sense to finalize travel & hotel?
Book lodging and flights as soon as dates are confirmed. Months in advance if possible. Fair attracts global crowd; hotels near venue fill fast.
How iHome Can Help You at the Canton Fair?
If you still have questions or concerns about attending the 138th Canton Fair (Autumn 2025), we at iHome are here for you. All the issues mentioned above can be easily resolved for you.
We offer one-stop service to save your time. We help with buyer badge pre-registration. We send out invitations to friends. We handle business & travel: hotel, flights, car rental. We arrange all logistics so you can focus on sourcing and networking.If you need help communicating with suppliers, interpreting during negotiation, or reading detailed product specifications, we provide professional translation / interpreter services. We guide you through the Canton Fair process. We know what products are popular at Canton Fair. We can recommend trending items and show you what’s likely to sell well. This helps you decide what to source.
If you’re interested in sourcing beyond the Fair, we lead you to the Yiwu Market. It’s a big sourcing hub for small commodities and complements suppliers you find at Canton Fair.
Just reach out. We make your Fair experience easy.
Summary
Attending the 138th Canton Fair (Autumn 2025) is a major opportunity for B-side buyers. Key dates are October 15-19 (Phase 1), October 23-27 (Phase 2), and October 31-November 4 (Phase 3). Venue is the Pazhou Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Registration in advance gets you a Buyer Badge, helps with planning, avoids queues.
To make your sourcing trip successful, plan which phase(s) match your product needs. Register early. Arrange travel and accommodation. Do your supplier homework. At the Fair, inspect carefully, negotiate. After the Fair, follow up thoroughly.
If you start preparing now, you’ll be ready to make the most of Autumn 2025. If necessary, please contact us now. Good luck.
Berry Bian is the blog editor at iHome, focusing on global sourcing, wholesale trends, and practical tips for international buyers. With experience in digital marketing and cross-border trade, Berry shares insights that help small and medium businesses source products more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls. Passionate about connecting buyers with reliable suppliers, Berry writes with a clear and friendly style to make complex topics easier to understand.
