The Canton Fair is a huge global trade show. It's a fantastic chance for international buyers to meet suppliers from China. The upcoming autumn session in October 2025 holds a world of new products and big chances. For any buyer from another country, finding your way around this huge event can be tough. This complete guide will show you what to do for a great and successful sourcing trip, from planning before you go to following up after it's over.

1. Canton Fair October 2025: Dates, Product Categories, and Key Trends

The Canton Fair is split into three parts, and each part focuses on different industries.

(1) Phase 1 (October 15–19)

This phase is all about electronics, home appliances, lighting, vehicles, machinery, hardware, and building materials. This year, you’ll see a lot of smart home technology and consumer electronics. Green technology will also be a major point of interest. What's more, you will find new energy vehicle accessories, charging equipment, and energy-saving solutions will be very popular.

(2) Phase 2 (October 23–27)

This part is about things people buy every day, like gifts and home decorations. It shows off everything from kitchen items and furniture to ceramics for daily use. It is the best time to find products for stores and home goods markets.

(3) Phase 3 (October 31–November 4)

This last phase has textiles, clothes, shoes, office supplies, bags, and health items. People all over the world care more about being green now. So, you should look for new items made from earth-friendly stuff and packaging that can break down naturally. Smart, green products are more than just a popular idea; they are now a must for long-term market success.

2. Pre-Fair Preparations: Laying the Groundwork for Success

You need to start planning way before you go to Guangzhou. Good preparation is the secret to a great sourcing trip. It also makes sure you use your time and money in the best way possible.

2.1. Define Your Sourcing Goals

First, you must know what you want to buy. Figure out your main product areas, like electronics, home items, or fabrics. Set a total budget for everything. It's also a good idea to set price goals for single products so that you can keep your spending in check. Besides, it helps to list your product types by how important they are. This will help you make a smart and effective plan for your visit.

2.2. Visa and Buyer Badge Application

Getting your visa and badge is super important.

(1) Registration and Buyer Badge Application:

First of all, you need to sign up on the official Canton Fair website. You will have to provide your personal and company details. After you sign up, you can ask for your buyer badge. For this step, you’ll need to upload scans of your passport, your company’s business license or a business card, and a new passport-type photo. Signing up the first time is free. The badge can be used again for future fairs. You have several places to get your physical badge. These include Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou South Railway Station, and Pazhou Ferry Terminal. You can also get it at some hotels or the Canton Fair Hong Kong Representative Office. It's a really good idea to get your badge early. This way, you can avoid the long lines at the fair.

(2) Visa Invitation Letter:

Once you finish the online sign-up, you can get an electronic invitation letter. You will need this letter to apply for a Chinese Business (M) Visa. The usual papers for the M-Visa are your passport, the electronic invitation letter, the visa application form, and your company’s business license or business card. You can hand in your application at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Or you can go right to a Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

2.3. Supplier Screening and Appointment

You should find suppliers before you even get there.

(1) Research Exhibitors:

Go to the Canton Fair’s official website or use its mobile app to look through the list of sellers. You can filter by product type to find good suppliers. Then you can check their company information, product books, certificates, and export history.

(2) Schedule Meetings:

You don't want to waste time at the fair. So, it's smart to contact the suppliers you like ahead of time. You can send them an email or message them on the online platform to set up meetings.

(3) Prepare Inquiry Details:

Get your questions ready. This should cover how much you want to buy, product details, how you want it packaged, and your shipping needs. Being ready will make your talks go much better.

2.4. Accommodation and Transportation

You have to book your hotel and flights early.

(1) Hotel Recommendations:

Picking a hotel near the Canton Fair Complex is a good move. Some good choices are the Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Pazhou, the Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, and The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou. These hotels frequently have special deals and bus services for people attending the Canton Fair, which makes things a lot easier.

(2) Transportation Methods:

Guangzhou's public transport is great. You can just take Metro Line 8 to Pazhou Station, which is right at the exhibition center. For a taxi, you can use ride-sharing apps like DiDi. They are used by everyone. For shorter trips, you can also use shared bikes. If you can, travel when it's not rush hour to miss the heavy traffic. If you're coming from Hong Kong, HK Express has a "Sky-Sea Express" service. It gives you a smooth trip right to the Pazhou Ferry Terminal in Guangzhou.

3. On-Site Strategy: Making the Most of Your Time

With so many sellers, you need a good plan so you don't get stressed out.

(1) Plan Your Route:

Use the official Canton Fair map to figure out your path based on product types and where the halls are. See your most important appointments first. Then, you can look for other possible suppliers in that same area. If you are with a team, split up to see more.

(2) Screen and Compare Products:

When you look at products, check the design, the materials, and how well it's made. Make sure to ask important questions, like where the factory is, what countries they sell to most, and what certificates they have (like CE or RoHS). Take pictures. Write down important information on the back of their business cards, such as prices or certificate details. This will help you remember. For your main products, you should definitely ask for samples to check them more carefully.

(3) Manage Your Time Effectively:

Make a plan for each day. But also leave some extra time for surprises or talks that take longer. It's usually quieter in the halls right after they open in the morning and just before they close in the afternoon.

4. Post-Fair Follow-Up: Turning Connections into Contracts

The job isn't over when the fair is. What you do after the fair is really important.

(1) Confirm Samples and Categorize Suppliers:

When you get home, check the samples carefully for their quality, how they work, and their packaging. Sort your new contacts into groups:

A-List: These are your top choices. Their products, pricing, and certifications align perfectly with your requirements.

B-List: These are solid backup options. They show potential, but you need further negotiation or clarification on specific details.

C-List: These suppliers are not a good fit for now. Simply archive their information for future reference, just in case.

(2) Place Orders and Arrange Logistics:

Start placing orders with your best suppliers. Make sure you agree on payment methods (like T/T or L/C) and when the products will be ready. Work with them to pick the best way to ship, whether it's by sea, air, or a fast courier.

(3) Maintain Supplier Relationships:

Create a list of your suppliers to keep track of talks, product information, and how well they do. Talking clearly and often is the best way to build a good, lasting relationship.

5. Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip

Navigating a new country and a massive trade fair comes with its own set of challenges. To make your journey as seamless as possible, here are some practical tips to keep in mind.

(1) Bridge the Language Gap:

A lot of sellers have people who speak English. But, it’s still smart to have a translation app like Google Translate or DeepL on your phone. Using pictures of products and spec sheets can also stop confusion.

(2) Dress for Success (and Comfort):

You’ll be doing a lot of walking. So, comfy shoes are a must. Wear light clothes that you can layer. Guangzhou in October can be hot and sticky, but the exhibition halls have air conditioning. An umbrella is also a smart thing to have.

(3) Pack Smart:

Bring a backpack for your stuff. Also, a foldable bag is a great idea for all the catalogs and samples you will surely pick up. Don't Forget the Essentials:Your passport, Canton Fair badge, business cards, phone, and a power bank are things you absolutely must have.

(4) Explore Beyond the Fair:

If you have extra time, think about checking out wholesale markets in Guangzhou or other cities close by. If you want to buy smaller amounts, a trip to the well-known Yiwu Market is a fantastic choice for small and medium-sized wholesale buyers.

6. Let Sellers Union Perfect Your Canton Fair Journey

The Canton Fair can be tricky to handle. But you don't have to do it by yourself. Working with a professional sourcing agent like Sellers Union can make your trip much better. We offer help with everything, from finding and checking suppliers before you go to helping with translation and deal-making when you are there. After the fair, we take care of order follow-ups, check product quality, group shipments together, and manage shipping all over the world. With our help, you can focus on finding great products. We’ll take care of the details.