Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or exploring sourcing from China for the first time, the Canton Fair is one of the most important trade events in the world — and 2025 is shaping up to be another busy season for global trade.
Though our team at Guangzhou Xin Qin Yuan Textile has opted out of exhibiting this year, we’re still attending the fair, walking the halls, connecting with old friends, and exploring new trends. If you’re planning to attend the Canton Fair, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What is the Canton Fair?
Held in Guangzhou, China, the Canton Fair (formally the China Import and Export Fair) has been running since 1957 and is China’s largest and most comprehensive trade fair. It’s held twice a year — spring and fall — and split into three product-focused phases.
Each phase runs for 5 days and spans industries ranging from consumer electronics and textiles to home goods, health, and fashion.
When is the Canton Fair 2025?
🗓️ Spring Session
- Phase 1: April 15–19
- Phase 2: April 23–27
- Phase 3: May 1–5
🗓️ Autumn Session
- Phase 1: October 15–19
- Phase 2: October 23–27
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4
What are the Three Phases?
Phase 1:
- Consumer electronics
- Lighting equipment
- Tools & hardware
- New tech & industrial products
Phase 2:
- Home décor
- Furniture
- Ceramics
- Kitchenware
- Gifts & seasonal items
Phase 3:
- Textiles & Garments
- Footwear, fabrics, bags
- Health products
- Baby, kids & maternity
- Office, toys, and food
👉 Tip: Most fashion-related products — including polyester knitted fabrics like ours — appear in Phase 3.
Is There an Entry Fee?
🎟️ Entry is FREE if you pre-register online.
💸 If you register on-site, it costs 200 RMB (~$30 USD).
If you require a China visa, registering early is essential so you can receive the invitation letter needed for your application.
How to Register & Get Your Visitor Badge
- Head to the official website: buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
- Register as an “Overseas Buyer”
- Upload your passport photo and company details
- Pre-register for your buyer badge
- Download your invitation letter for visa application
- Pick up your badge at the airport, your hotel, or the fairgrounds
✔️ Once registered, your badge grants access to all 3 phases.
Where is the Canton Fair Held?
📍 Canton Fair Complex / Pazhou International Exhibition Center
Address (English): No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China
Address (Chinese): 中国广州市海珠区阅江中路380号
How to Get There
🚇 Take the Subway (Recommended):
- Line 8 to either Pazhou Station (Exit B/C) or XinGangDong Station (Exit A)
- Avoid peak traffic — taxis can be unpredictable
📱 Use Alipay or WeChat Pay to enter the metro and pay fares
Is It Worth Attending?
For importers, retailers, brand owners, and sourcing agents — absolutely.
Why?
- Thousands of vetted, export-ready manufacturers
- Direct access to product samples
- Chance to negotiate MOQs and pricing in person
- Build real relationships with suppliers
- See new trends months ahead of competitors
Even though we’re not exhibiting in 2025, we’re walking the fair to meet partners and look out for what’s next.
Pros & Cons of the Canton Fair
✅ Pros
- High-quality suppliers with export experience
- Thousands of products under one roof
- Easier to compare suppliers and negotiate
- Get hands-on samples
- In-person trust-building
❌ Cons
- Flights & hotels can be pricey
- Some exhibitors increase MOQs during the fair
- Not all suppliers offer competitive pricing onsite
- Lots of walking — be prepared!
Hot Tips from the Field
💼 Visit in the final days of a phase – many suppliers sell or give away their samples to avoid shipping them home.
🧳 Bring a small suitcase to store samples while walking.
📓 Staple business cards to a notebook and jot down pricing and MOQ notes — it saves hours of confusion later.
🔋 Power bank is a must.
Apps to Download Before You Go
- WeChat – for all supplier communication
- Alipay – link your foreign card for cashless payments
- Didi – China’s Uber
- VPN – Astrill, ShadowRocket, or LetsVPN
- Google Translate – download the Simplified Chinese pack for offline use
- Apple Maps or Baidu Maps – reliable for navigation in China
- Airalo – for an eSIM with roaming access (use referral code: JIN6605 for $3 off)
Final Notes
If you’re attending Phase 3 and looking for high-quality polyester knitted fabrics, even though we won’t have a booth this year, we’re still in Guangzhou and would love to connect.
📧 Reach out to us at guangzhoufabric@outlook.com
🌐 Visit our site to learn more: https://guangzhoufabric.com
Let’s grab coffee during Phase 3 — we’re just across the river from the fairgrounds.
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Guangzhou Xin Qin Yuan Textile has been manufacturing and wholesaling top-grade polyester and nylon knitted fabrics since 2014. Whether you’re sourcing for fashion, activewear, or seasonal collections, we’re here to help you meet your goals with speed, quality, and flexibility.
See you in Guangzhou! 🇨🇳
Bonus: 2 Must-Visit Spots in Guangzhou (When You Need a Break from Business)
You’ve walked 20,000 steps, collected 67 fabric swatches, and made more small talk than you have all year — now it’s time to unwind. While you’re in Guangzhou, don’t miss the chance to explore this vibrant city:
1. Canton Tower
📍 Zhujiang New Town
Nicknamed “Tiny Pretty Waist,” the Canton Tower is the 2nd tallest tower in China and a stunning symbol of modern Guangzhou. Head up to the 488-meter observation deck for panoramic views of the Pearl River — especially magical at night.
🎡 Feeling bold? Try the Sky Drop or Bubble Tram at the top.
2. Shamian Island
📍 Liwan District
A peaceful slice of colonial-era architecture with tree-lined streets, riverside cafés, and charming buildings. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll with coffee or bubble tea in hand.
🏛️ Great for photos, gifts, or just escaping the trade show crowds.
These spots are all within 30 minutes of the Canton Fair Complex — easy to reach by metro, Didi, or even a shared bike.
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