How to Get to Canton Fair by Plane, Train, or Taxi?

Every October, thousands of international buyers gather in Guangzhou for the Canton Fair. The 2025 Autumn Session will be held in mid-October at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou. For many first-time visitors, one of the biggest concerns is: How do I get to the Canton Fair smoothly from the airport, train station, or downtown?

This guide will walk you through the main transportation options—plane, train, and taxi—so you can plan your journey with ease.

1. By Plane (The Most Common for International Travelers)

Most international visitors will arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), one of China's busiest hubs.

From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to the Canton Fair Complex:

You have three excellent options from the airport:

A. By Metro (Subway) - Recommended for Balance of Speed & Cost
This is often the fastest way to avoid traffic.

1. At the airport, follow signs to the Metro (Subway). You'll want to take Line 3 (Airport Line).

2. Take Line 3 towards Tianhe Coach Terminal.

3. Get off at Zhujiang New Town Station (珠江新城站) and transfer to Line 5.

4. Take Line 5 towards Wenchong.

5. Get off at Keyun Road Station (科韵路站) and transfer to Line 8.

6. Take Line 8 towards Wanshengwei.

7. Your final stop is Xingang Dong Station (新港东站, Exit A) for Halls 1-7 or Pazhou Station (琶洲站, Exit A/B) for Halls 8-13.

   • Both stations are directly underneath the massive fair complex.

• Time: ~60-70 minutes

• Cost: ~RMB 10-12

• Pro Tip: Buy a Yang Cheng Tong (羊城通) transit card if you plan to use the metro frequently during your stay.

B. By Taxi / Ride-Hailing (DiDi)

• Where to go: Follow signs to the official taxi stand at the airport. Avoid touts inside the terminal.

• What to say: Show the driver the fair's address in Chinese: 请到琶洲广交会展馆 (Qǐng dào Pázhōu Guǎngjiāohuì Zhǎnguǎn).

• Time: 45 - 90 minutes (highly dependent on traffic)

• Cost: Approximately RMB 150 - 200

• Pro Tip: Use the DiDi app (China's Uber) for a smoother experience. You can link an international credit card.

C. By Airport Shuttle Bus

• There is a dedicated Canton Fair Express Bus (广交会快线) during the fair periods. Look for signs pointing to the shuttle buses.

• It usually goes directly to the Pazhou Complex.

• Time: ~60 minutes

• Cost: ~RMB 30-40

🚄 2. By Train (High-Speed Rail from Other Chinese Cities)

If you are coming from within China (e.g., Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing), the high-speed train is an excellent, efficient option.

You will likely arrive at one of two main stations:

• Guangzhou South Station (广州南站): The primary station for high-speed trains (from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, etc.).

• Guangzhou East Station (广州东站): A major station for some conventional and high-speed trains.

From Guangzhou South Station (广州南站):

1. Enter the metro and take Line 2.

2. Take Line 2 towards Jiahe Wanggang.

3. Get off at Changgang Station (昌岗站) and transfer to Line 8.

4. Take Line 8 towards Wanshengwei.

5. Get off at Xingang Dong Station (Exit A) or Pazhou Station (Exit A/B).

• Time: ~50 minutes

• Cost: ~RMB 7

From Guangzhou East Station (广州东站):

1. Enter the metro and take Line 1 or Line 3.

2. If on Line 1, take it towards Xilang and transfer to Line 8 at Chen Clan Academy Station (陈家祠站).

3. If on Line 3, take it towards Tianhe Coach Terminal and transfer to Line 8 at Kecun Station (客村站).

4. Once on Line 8, take it towards Wanshengwei and get off at Xingang Dong or Pazhou.

• Time: ~30 minutes

• Cost: ~RMB 5

🚖 3. By Taxi or DiDi (From Within Guangzhou)

Taxis are abundant but can get stuck in Guangzhou's infamous traffic, especially during fair rush hours.

• How to Hail: You can wave one down on the street (ensure the meter is running) or use the DiDi app for a more reliable experience.

• What to Tell the Driver: Always have the destination written in Chinese to show them:

  • "请到广交会展馆" (Qǐng dào Guǎngjiāohuì Zhǎnguǎn) - "Please go to the Canton Fair Complex."

  • Or be more specific: "请到琶洲广交会展馆A区/B区/C区" (Qǐng dào Pázhōu Guǎngjiāohuì Zhǎnguǎn A Qū / B Qū / C Qū) - specifying Zone A, B, or C.

• Pro Tip: During peak fair hours (9:00-10:00 AM, 5:00-6:00 PM), traffic around the complex is extremely heavy. The metro is almost always faster.

Practical Travel Tips for Buyers

• Plan ahead: Allow extra time during peak hours (morning before 10 am, evening after 5 pm).

• Language: Not all taxi drivers speak English, so translation apps can be helpful.

• Maps & Apps: Download offline maps (Google Maps, Baidu Maps, or Apple Maps).

• Fair Entrances: The Canton Fair Complex is huge—make sure you know which hall you are attending before heading out.

Travel Support from Market Union

Getting to the Canton Fair is just the first step. At Market Union, we not only support buyers in finding reliable suppliers, but we also provide logistics assistance to make your trip stress-free.

• Hotel Booking: We help international buyers secure accommodations close to the exhibition center.

• Airport Transfers: Private cars and shuttle services can be arranged for direct pick-up and drop-off.

• On-Site Assistance: Our team can guide you through the exhibition halls and arrange supplier meetings.

With Market Union, your Canton Fair experience becomes more efficient, comfortable, and productive.

Ready to make your Canton Fair trip hassle-free? Contact Market Union for hotel arrangements, airport transfers, and sourcing support.