“As the world’s largest trade fair since 1957, Canton Fair 2025 expects 28,000+ exhibitors across 50 product categories. Last year, overseas buyers sourced $38 billion worth of goods here, with electronics, home decor, and bathroom products being top-performing sectors.
Canton Fair 2025: Your Complete Procurement Roadmap
📌 Your Top 5 Questions Answered:
- “How to get a China visa FAST?”
- “How to avoid wasting time at the exhibition?”
- “Which wholesale suppliers in China are trustworthy?”
- “How to negotiate the best prices?”
- “What’s the most effective post-fair follow-up strategy?”
Who Should Read This?
✔ Overseas buyers | ✔ Trading company reps | ✔ Corporate sourcing teams
1️⃣ Step 1: Eligibility & Registration
Who Can Attend?
- Foreign passport holders (pre-registration required)
- China-based foreign company representatives (business license needed)
📌 How to Register?
- Online Pre-Registration (Free & Recommended)
- Website: buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
- Documents Required:
- Passport scan
- Company business license
- Proof of past purchases (e.g., past Canton Fair badge or trade contract)
- On-Site Registration (Paid)
- Fee: ¥200/person (long queues!)
- Location: Certification Center (Hall A/B)
- ⏳ Pro Tip: Register before March 2025 for fast-track entry!
2️⃣ Step 2: China Visa & Entry Prep
Visa Options
- M Visa (Commercial Activity): Requires Canton Fair e-invitation (apply via official site)
- 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: For those transiting via HK/Macau (must show onward ticket)
✈ Must-Have Entry Documents
✔ Passport (6+ months validity)
✔ Printed e-invitation (from Canton Fair website)
✔ Hotel booking (cover entire stay)
❗ Critical Reminders
- Payment: Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay with int’l credit card (cash usage <20%)
- Internet: Install a VPN (Google/WhatsApp blocked in China)
🚨 Troubleshooting
❌ Invitation rejection?
✅ Fix: Upload past purchase contracts (even small ones) when registering.
❌ 144-hour transit denied?
✅ Fix: Clearly state: “Attending Canton Fair, departing to Hong Kong on [date].”
3️⃣ Step 3: Smart Itinerary Planning
🗓 Best Time to Visit
- Phase 1 (Apr 15-19): Machinery, Electronics
- Phase 2 (Apr 23-27): Home Decor, Building Materials
- Phase 3 (May 1-5): Consumer Goods (Toys, Apparel)
📍 Must-Visit Sections
|
Hall |
Products |
Top Brands |
|
13.2 |
Premium Bathroom Ware |
ARROW, JOMOO, Dongpeng |
|
12.3 |
Bathroom Furniture |
OPPEIN, Sophia |
|
11.1 |
Plumbing Parts |
Submarine, HuiHuang |
⏰ Daily Strategy
- 9:00-11:00: Target key suppliers (avoid crowds)
- 11:30-13:30: Lunch + organize contacts (skip crowded food courts—pack snacks!)
- 14:00-17:00: Attend seminars/factory meetings (check schedule online)
4️⃣ Step 4: How to Spot Reliable Wholesale Suppliers in China
✅ Check Certifications: CE (EU), UPC (US), Water-Saving Marks
✅ Ask Production Capacity: “What’s your monthly output for smart toilets?” (Good factories: 5,000+ units)
✅ Inspect Quality:
- Ceramic cross-section (no black spots)
- Weight of metal fittings (heavier = better)
✅ Test Responsiveness: Ask for CAD drawings (top suppliers reply instantly)
✅ Verify Factory: Insist on a video/onsite tour (check glazing & QC processes)
5️⃣ Step 5: Survival Tips for the Guangzhou Trade Show
💼 Must-Bring Items
✔ Passport copies + extra photos (for badge replacement)
✔ Power bank (rental requires Chinese SIM card)
✔ Sample collection bag
🤝 Negotiation Tactics
- Day 1: Collect quotes & catalogs
- Final Day: Ask for free samples (exhibitors clear stock!)
🍜 Food Warning
❌ Avoid overpriced venue restaurants! Try:
- Pazhou Village Food Street (8-min walk, local eats)
- Dim Sum at Dian Dou De (order delivery via Meituan)
6️⃣ Step 6: Post-Fair Follow-Up
📧 Email within 10 days (attach booth photos for higher reply rates)
📱 Add on WeChat: Note “Canton Fair 2025 + [Product]”
🚀 Need hotel/transport tips? Check our Guangzhou travel guide https://sunricher.net/2025-canton-fair-exhibition-guide/.
👉 Act Now! Plan ahead to dominate Canton Fair 2025 and unlock the best wholesale suppliers in China!
