What You Should Take To The Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair 2025 will once again take place in Guangzhou this October, bringing together tens of thousands of suppliers and buyers from around the world. For many international visitors, it is the highlight of the sourcing calendar—a place where you can find everything from kitchenware and lighting to toys, furniture, and fashion accessories.

But before you set foot in the massive exhibition halls, one important question comes to mind: What should you bring to the Canton Fair to make your trip smooth and productive? Packing smartly can save you time, stress, and even money during your visit. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare.

1. Essential Documents

Without the right paperwork, you may not even get past the registration desk. Make sure you bring the following:

• Passport & Visa – A valid passport with a Chinese visa is mandatory for international buyers. Double-check expiration dates before traveling.

• Buyer Badge (Exhibition Pass) – Required to enter the fairgrounds. You can apply online in advance or get it at the venue with proper identification.

• Invitation Letter – Often necessary for visa application and sometimes requested at checkpoints.

• Hotel & Flight Confirmation – Printed or digital copies are useful for both immigration and hotel check-in.

• Business Insurance Documents – Optional, but helpful for covering unexpected events during travel.

For a detailed checklist of required paperwork, see our guide on What Documents Do You Need to Attend the Canton Fair?

2. Business Essentials

The Canton Fair is first and foremost a place to build connections and secure deals. These items will make your business interactions smoother:

• Business Cards – Bring plenty, ideally with both English and Chinese versions. A well-designed card leaves a strong impression.

• Product Catalogs & Brochures – Physical catalogs still matter, especially for traditional buyers and suppliers. Consider also bringing USB drives with digital files.

• Laptop or Tablet – Useful for showing product presentations, contracts, or order details.

• Portable Charger – The halls are huge, and your devices will drain quickly from constant use of Wi-Fi and maps.

• Notebooks & Pens – Taking notes by hand is still faster in busy booth environments.

3. Personal Comfort Items

The Canton Fair is spread across multiple complexes, and walking from hall to hall can take hours. Be prepared for long days:

• Comfortable Shoes – Expect to walk 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day. Good footwear is essential.

• Backpack or Document Bag – To carry brochures, samples, and personal belongings conveniently.

• Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks – Food courts are often crowded; carrying your own saves time.

• Light Jacket or Umbrella – Guangzhou’s autumn weather is warm but unpredictable, with occasional rain.

4. Tech and Connectivity

Communication and connectivity are vital at the fair:

• Portable Wi-Fi or International SIM Card – Ensure uninterrupted internet access for emails, navigation, and video calls.

• Translation Apps or Devices – Many suppliers speak English, but having translation support avoids misunderstandings.

• Canton Fair Mobile App – Provides exhibitor lists, maps, and schedules that make navigating the fair much easier.

5. Small Gifts or Souvenirs

While not mandatory, small tokens of appreciation can help build rapport with potential suppliers:

• Branded Pens, Notebooks, or USB Drives – Simple yet professional gifts that leave a positive impression.

• Souvenirs from Your Country – A thoughtful gesture that can make discussions more personal.

These small gestures may help strengthen business relationships and make you stand out from other buyers.

6. Market Union Support for Buyers

Even with careful preparation, the Canton Fair can be overwhelming due to its scale and the sheer number of exhibitors. That’s where Market Union can help.

We provide tailored services to make your visit easier and more productive, including:

• Hotel Booking & Airport Transfers – Save time on travel arrangements and enjoy stress-free arrivals.

• Translation & Buyer Assistance – Professional interpreters and sourcing experts to guide you during negotiations.

• OEM/ODM Support – Whether you’re sourcing kitchenware, lighting, toys, furniture, home products, pet supplies, holiday goods, or fashion accessories, we help match you with reliable manufacturers.

• Supply Chain Integration – From factory selection to quality control and logistics, we manage the entire process.

• China Buying Office Services – Acting as your local partner, we streamline communications and ensure suppliers meet your requirements.

With Market Union by your side, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on building profitable partnerships.

And if you’d like extra support in navigating the fair, Market Union offers end-to-end sourcing solutions and on-the-ground assistance to ensure your visit is productive and stress-free.