How to Book a Flight Ticket to Canton Fair?

You can book a flight to the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). This is the major international airport serving Guangzhou, where the Canton Fair is held.

You can use online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Skyscanner, or Trip.com, or book directly through an airline's website. For the best experience, book your flight well in advance (at least 2-3 months early) as flights and hotels fill up quickly during the fair periods.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Key Information for Planning

Destination Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA Code: CAN). This is your only target. Do not fly to Shenzhen or Hong Kong unless you have a specific reason and plan for additional travel (it's a 2-3 hour train/bus ride from there to Guangzhou).

Fair Dates: The Canton Fair is held in three phases each spring and autumn. Check this for the exact dates of the phase you plan to attend. Your flight dates should cover your attendance plus setup (if applicable) and negotiation time.

Visa: Ensure you have a valid Chinese visa before you book your flight. The application often requires a flight itinerary, so you may need to make a refundable booking or get a provisional itinerary from a travel agent for the visa application.

2. When to Book

Book Early: Aim to book your flight at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Prices surge and availability plummets as the fair dates approach due to high demand from international buyers and exhibitors.

Consider Arrival Dates: The fair runs for several weeks, but most buyers arrive a day or two before their phase begins. Consider arriving 2 days early to beat the biggest rush, get over jet lag, and pick up your fair badge.

3. How to Search for and Book Flights

Option A: Using Online Search Engines (Best for Comparing Prices)

• Go to a flight search website: Use sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, or Trip.com (which is strong in Asia).
• Enter your search criteria:

• From: Your home airport (e.g., JFK, LAX, LHR).
• To: CAN (Guangzhou).
• Dates: Your planned travel dates. Use the "flexible dates" calendar if available to find cheaper options.
• Travelers: Number of passengers.

• Compare the results: Look at the price, number of stops (layovers), total travel time, and airline reputation.
• Book: You can often book directly through the search engine or be redirected to the airline's website to complete the purchase.

Option B: Booking Directly with an Airline

If you have a preferred airline (e.g., Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, China Southern) or are a member of their frequent flyer program, visit their website directly to search and book.

Major Chinese carriers that fly extensively to Guangzhou (CAN) include China Southern Airlines (they have a huge hub in Guangzhou), Air China, and China Eastern.

Option C: Using a Travel Agent

A good travel agent can handle complex itineraries, manage visa application paperwork, and often get access to special fares or group rates, especially if you are traveling with a team. This can save you a significant amount of time and stress.

4. What to Look For When Choosing a Flight

Price: Obviously a key factor.

Number of Stops: Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. A single stopover is common and can be much cheaper. Avoid very long layovers (e.g., over 8 hours) unless you want to explore the layover city.

Airline and Aircraft: Read reviews. Newer aircraft (like Boeing 787 or Airbus A350) generally offer a better passenger experience on long-haul routes.

Arrival Time in Guangzhou: Try to arrive during the day or early evening. It will be much easier to get transportation to your hotel, and you won't be exhausted arriving at midnight.

5. After Booking

Double-Check Your Details: Ensure your name on the ticket exactly matches your passport.

Get Your Itinerary Receipt: This is the document you often need for your visa application and to show at the fair hotel check-in.

Check-in Online: Most airlines allow online check-in 24-48 hours before your flight. This saves time at the airport.

Prepare for Arrival: Have the address of your hotel written in Chinese characters to show to the taxi driver or for your navigation app.

Summary of Tips:

Destination: Fly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).

Timing: Book 2-3 months early.

Visa: Secure your Chinese visa before finalizing flight plans.

Tools: Use flight comparison sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner.

Consider: Flying with China Southern for the most direct routing options into Guangzhou.

Contact us!

Once you're in Guangzhou, Market Union is ready to help. We provide professional sourcing services, connecting you with reliable Chinese manufacturers. We assist with factory visits, product comparisons, negotiations, and quality inspections to ensure a smooth and successful Canton Fair experience. Feel free to contact us anytime.