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