Canton Fair Buyer's Checklist (2025 Edition) - China Bleisure & Business Services

Airya

September 17, 2025

Register online for your Buyer Badge via the official website: Canton Fair Official Website
Prepare two entry documents: printed registration confirmation + digital QR code (cuts entry time by 50%).
Download the Canton Fair app (available on iOS/Android) — it includes essential tools:
- Interactive exhibition hall maps
- Searchable exhibitor directory
- Daily event schedules
- Free shuttle bus routes
⚠ Critical Note: On-site registration leads to 1–2 hour waits. Complete online registration 3–5 days in advance.

Apply for a business visa (M/F) using the Canton Fair’s official invitation letter (request via the registration portal).
Mandatory document checklist:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months after your travel date)
- Canton Fair official invitation letter (PDF + printed copy)
- Round-trip flight tickets (confirmed booking)
- Hotel reservation (covers your entire stay in Guangzhou)
Bring 100+ business cards (print your company QR code on the back for quick contact saving).

Use the online Exhibitor List to pre-select target suppliers: Canton Fair Exhibitor Search
Map out your priority halls & booth numbers (the fair spans 3 phases across the Pazhou Complex — no time to wander!):
- Phase 1: Electronics, Machinery, Auto Parts
- Phase 2: Consumer Goods, Gifts, Home Decor
- Phase 3: Textiles, Apparel, Health & Beauty Products
Set specific sourcing goals (e.g., “Find 5 packaging suppliers with MOQ ≤ 500 units and EU CE certification“).

Define clear budget ranges (calculate in both USD and RMB to avoid confusion).
Set up mobile payment tools:
- WeChat Pay / Alipay: Bind an international credit card (Visa/Mastercard) for in-city purchases.
- Cash: Carry 1,000–2,000 CNY in small bills (taxis, street food stalls may not accept cards).
For supplier deposits: Use bank transfers or escrow platforms (e.g., Alibaba Trade Assurance) — never pay in cash.

Ask these non-negotiable questions to every supplier:
- What is your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
- What is the production lead time (from order to shipment)?
- Which export markets do you serve? (Confirm compliance with EU/US standards if needed)
- Can you provide product samples (free or fee-based)?
Document every booth visit:
- Take photos of the booth number, product labels, and supplier business cards.
- Jot down key quotes (e.g., “FOB Guangzhou price: $4.50/unit”) in your phone notes.
Invite serious suppliers for post-fair factory visits (this is how you verify production capacity).

Must-have apps for smooth communication:
- WeChat: The primary tool for supplier follow-ups (download before arriving).
- Pleco: A Chinese-English dictionary app (better than Google Translate for technical terms).
- Google Translate: Use the “camera translation” feature for product labels.
Prepare a bilingual product sheet (English + Chinese) — include specs, quantities, and target prices.
After meeting a supplier:
- Add them on WeChat immediately.
- Send a quick confirmation message: “Hi [Name], nice to meet you at Hall 3, Booth 5A28. Looking forward to discussing the packaging order!”

Pack smart for sample collection:
- Bring a lightweight rolling suitcase (prefer hard-shell for durability) or a large backpack.
- Use labeled envelopes/folders to organize supplier brochures (e.g., “Electronics Suppliers – Hall 2”).
Optimize sample transport:
- Ask suppliers to ship samples directly to your office (most offer this service for free or a small fee).
- If carrying samples, check airline baggage limits (avoid overweight fees).

Follow up immediately after each meeting:
- Send a 1-sentence recap in WeChat (e.g., “Thanks for today! Confirmed: MOQ 300 units, price $3.80/unit, lead time 25 days.”).
Categorize contacts in WeChat:
- Create labels like “High Priority (Follow in 1 day),” “Medium Priority (Follow in 3 days),” and “Info Only.”
Post-fair follow-up rule:
- Send a detailed email/WeChat message within 48 hours (suppliers meet hundreds of buyers — don’t be forgotten!).

Wear comfortable, supportive shoes (you’ll walk 10–15 km per day — avoid heels or new sneakers).
Pack essential items for long days:
- A power bank (20,000 mAh minimum — your phone will die from maps/WeChat/photos).
- A reusable water bottle (fill up at water fountains in the hall — bottled water costs ¥10–15).
- Snacks (e.g., energy bars) — avoid waiting in long lunch lines.
Beat the lunch rush: Eat before 12:00 PM or after 2:00 PM (most food courts peak 12:00–1:30 PM).

Balance work with local experiences (2–3 hours per activity):
- Pearl River Night Cruise: Take a 1-hour boat ride to see Guangzhou’s skyline (book tickets online for discounts).
- Shamian Island: Walk along colonial-era buildings and boutique shops (15 minutes from Pazhou by taxi).
- Dim Sum Lunch/Dinner: Visit a local teahouse (try Tim Ho Wan or Lian Xiang Lou) — bonding over food strengthens supplier relationships.
Allocate 1–2 days post-fair for factory visits:
- Major manufacturing hubs near Guangzhou: Foshan (furniture), Shenzhen (electronics), Dongguan (textiles).

70% of serious negotiations happen after the fair (during factory visits, not booth meetings).
WeChat is more effective than email for supplier communication — response rates are 3x higher.
Buyers who use a pre-made checklist save ~30% more time (no last-minute scrambling for documents or goals).

Canton Fair Buyer’s Checklist (2025 Edition)