Are you finding products or suppliers from China? The Canton Fair, the one of world’s largest trade fair, will be your best option -- but only if you attend the right phase.
Each phase targets industry industries, so choosing the wrong one means wasted time and missed opportunities.The Canton Fair is divided into three phases, each featuring different product categories.
Understanding these phases helps you on the right suppliers and products.
2025 Canton Fair Schedule：Your Ultimate Guide to Dates, Phases, and Opportunities
Key Points:
- The Canton Fair is among the world’s largest trade exhibitions, bringing together buyers and suppliers from diverse industries.
- The 137th edition of the Canton Fair will take place in Guangzhou, China, from April 15 to May 5, 2025.
- To attend, participants must complete registration, apply for a visa(if required), and obtain a buyer’s badge.
- The fair is organized into three phases, each showcasing different product categories.
How Often is the Canton Fair Held? The Canton Fair take place twice a year, in spring and autumn, with each session is divided into three phases, Since the 104th session in 2008, the fair has adopted this three-phase format to better categorize and showcase different industries.
Why is the Canton Fair divided into three phases? The three-phase structure allows for a more organized display and purchasing experience, catering to various product categories. As a key platform for showcasing China’s manufacturing industry, the fair features an extensive range of goods and attracts a large number of global buyers. Dividing it into phases helps draw enterprises from different industries, facilitating better business opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
Each Phase allows buyers to focus on specific industries, ensuring they meet the right suppliers at the right time.
At the Canton Fair, you'll find suppliers from various sectors—including raw materials, processed goods, and machinery equipment. You can engage with different suppliers at the fair or take the opportunity to explore wholesale cluster industrial zones in Guangzhou or nearby cities. If you're looking for bulk clothing suppliers or need international logistics and collection/conversion services, visit the Guangzhou LIUHUA Fashion Wholesale Market. There, you can speak with business managers in person, tour a clothing wholesale market featuring over 2,000 Chinese clothing suppliers, and learn about their one-stop services.
CANTON FAIR PHASE1
- The first phase of the Canton Fair focused on the industrial sector and was the phase with the largest participation of product types and suppliers. The current edition will be held from April 15 to 19, 2025, focusing on “Advanced manufacturing”.This Phase main show Machinery,Lighting Equipment,Hardware Tool,Electronic and Electrical Products,New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility,Industrial automation, Intelligent manufacturing, new energy and other cutting-edge technologies and intelligent products.
CANTON FAIR PHASE2
- Canton Fair Phase 2 is where you’ll find everything from household products to gifts and souvenirs. Running from April 23-27, 2025, this phase is crucial for buyers in the retail sector looking to stay ahead of market trends and secure the latest, most favorite products.Phase 2 is heavily focused on “quality home”, covering building materials and furniture, household goods, gift decorations and other sectors.
CANTON FAIR PHASE3
Are you sourcing clothing, office supplies, or even healthcare products? Canton Fair Phase 3 is the place to be. Running from May 1-5, 2025, this phase is focusing on the theme of “Better Life”, the Phase 3 features themes such as health and leisure, toys, pregnancy, babies and children, and fashion, which are suitable for personal life, in line with emerging consumer trends.
APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
Phase 3 is the last section for importers in the apparel industry. You’ll find everything from clothing to accessories and textiles. In 2024, nearly 50% of the exhibitors in Phase 3 specialized in textiles, making it a critical hub businesses in fashion and garments.
- Main products: Clothing, textiles,fashion accessories
REGISTRATION PROCESS
The Canton Fair registration process is very simple, but missing a step could result in delays . Here’s how to register in three simple steps:
1. Register
as a new buyer will add your business and personal details to create an account. You will also be required to add your passport details. If you not have Chinese visa,you can apply for an E-invitation, use the Buyer E-service tool on the Canton Fair website. If you have Chinese visa, you can Perform step 3.
Regular overseas buyers who already had the previous year’s badge can directly apply for the e-invitation by logging into the Buyer E-service tool. The Buyer Badge number (9 digits) will be the login ID.
2. E-invitation
It may take about a week to get the invitation letter through email. After you receive the invitation, you can print it out and use it to apply for a Chinese visa.
Here are some of the sources to get a Chinese visa:
l Apply online directly through China Online Visa Application (COVA)
l Contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country
l Get in touch with a local travel agency.
3. Buyer badge
Get your buyer badge Taking the confirmation(QR-code),pick up your Canton Fair buyer’s badge upon arrival at the event or in advance at designated locations. The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for all phases.
Using your e-invitation, you can pre-register for the buyer badge or get your badge on-site at the event.
To pre-register online, visit the Buyer E-Service tool or scan the QR code below. When you apply for a badge for the first time online, it’s completely free.
Open in App