The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

Cathay Pacific’s insider guide on how to make the most of Hong Kong’s 2024 Canton Fair


China’s oldest and largest biannual trade fair is back for another Fall instalment in Guangzhou, China. The 136th Canton Fair is scheduled for 15 October - 4 November 2024 and will feature manufacturers and suppliers from a diverse range of industries coming together to showcase their products. Attracting upwards of 150,000 people each session, the Fair promises to connect sellers with buyers at an international level all in pursuit of the next big thing to make their business stand out.

The event, which caters to first-time visitors and regular attendees, can prove to be quite overwhelming, so here are some tips on what to bring, how to get there, and how visitors can make the most of their trip:

How to get there: Canton Fair is hosted biannually at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. If you’re travelling in from Australia, Cathay Pacific flies to Hong Kong up to four times daily from Sydney, three times daily form Melbourne, and six times per week from Brisbane and Perth. The airline also offers a frequent air-to-sea connection – which allows visitors to combine their flight to Hong Kong with a direct ferry from Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPier to Pazhou, where the Canton Fair is held. Cathay Pacific has also put together a complete step-by-step guide to getting to Pazhou to make your journey easier.

Get a ticket: All visitors must have a valid ticket, or be registered as a buyer. Australian and other foreign buyers can register for the Fair here and collect their buyer’s badge at the Canton Fair or affiliated hotels and the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Tickets may also be purchased at collection points, as well as same-day tickets available at the door.

Look into visa requirements: Earlier this year, the Chinese Mainland introduced a 15 day visa-waiver for Australians and other select foreign countries. From July 1, 2024 till December 31, 2025, Australians can land in China simply with their passport and proof of return flight is not required, however a stay of only 15 days is permitted. For information on how to extend your visa duration, contact the China Immigration Service Hotline.

When to go: The Fair is spread across different dates, corresponding to different sectors and industries. It’s advised for visitors to check which phase they may be most interested in ahead of time. Learn more about each phase here.

Book accommodation early: As the event gets nearer, the cost of hotels rise in line with demand, so visitors are advised to book their room early. Not sure where to stay? Check out Cathay Holidays and search for the right Guangzhou hotel for you. Best of all, if you’re a Cathay member you’ll be able to gain access to perks depending on the property and earn Asia Miles upon booking.

Download Alipay and WeChat: The Chinese Mainland has increasingly moved away from physical cash, with people instead paying for goods through digital apps such as Alipay and using WeChat as their primary social media platform. These applications are free to download through your device app store, and are simple, easy to set up, and secure.

Pack the essentials: The Fair stretches over an expansive venue, and visitors are advised to dress smart but practical. Other key items to bring include the Canton Fair badge, business cards, portable phone charger, an umbrella, and a water bottle. Essentials like these are also available to purchase on the Cathay Shop.

The Spring 2024 Canton Fair promises to be a landmark event, filled with new product showcases and business news. For more information and to see flight times and prices, visit cathaypacific.com/au

Image credit: Hym Chu

Property Times

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-buying process is crucial for success. Whether you're a first-time buye...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value for your property. Let’s go through the most important steps to take b...

Smart Ways to Earn Passive Income from Real Estate

Imagine making money without doing much work. You get paid even while you sleep, travel, or do fun things. This is called passive income. Indeed, real estate has great ways to do this. You don't have to be a landlord all day; similarly, you don't h...

Food & Dining

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Business Times

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise…

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligen...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a...

Barelli Bathrooms announces celebrity interior designer Kellie Ri…

Barelli Bathrooms, a leading name in contemporary bathroom accessories and design, is proud to announce its new national ...

The Times Features

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value ...

Smart Ways to Earn Passive Income from Real Estate

Imagine making money without doing much work. You get paid even while you sleep, travel, or do fun things. This is called passive income. Indeed, real estate has great ways to do...