Where Is the Canton Fair Held? Where Is Pazhou?

If you're planning to attend the 2025 Canton Fair, one of the most common questions first-time buyers ask is: Where exactly is the Canton Fair held? And what is Pazhou, the name you often hear in relation to the event?

Understanding the location and venue layout is essential for planning your visit, arranging transportation, and making the most of your time in Guangzhou. In this guide, we'll explain where the Canton Fair takes place, what Pazhou means, and how to get there from key points in the city.

Official Location of the Canton Fair

• Location: Pazhou Complex, China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair Exhibition Hall)
• Address: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
• Nearest Metro Station: Canton Fair Complex Station (Line 8)

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is held in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, southern China. Guangzhou is one of China's major commercial hubs, known for its dynamic trade activities and strategic location near Hong Kong and Macau.

Since 2007, the fair has been hosted at the China Import and Export Complex, commonly referred to as the Canton Fair Complex, located in the Pazhou area of Guangzhou.

Where is Pazhou?

Pazhou is a peninsula and island area within Guangzhou's Haizhu District. It lies in the Pearl River and is famous as a key exhibition and business zone in the city.

The Canton Fair Complex sits right on Pazhou Island, making the name “Pazhou” synonymous with the fair venue itself. For many visitors, “Pazhou” essentially means the large, modern exhibition center where the Canton Fair takes place.

About the Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex)

The Canton Fair Complex is one of the largest exhibition centers in Asia, boasting:

• Total exhibition space: Over 1.18 million square meters.
• Number of exhibition halls: 17 large halls, grouped mainly into Area A, B, and C.
• Facilities: Conference centers, restaurants, business lounges, shuttle bus services, and VIP lounges.

Each phase of the Canton Fair usually uses different halls or areas, covering various product categories from electronics and machinery to textiles and consumer goods. The complex's modern design and facilities provide a comfortable and efficient environment for international trade.

How to Get to Pazhou from Key Locations

From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

• Taxi: Approximately 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost around 150–200 RMB (~$20–30 USD).
• Airport Express + Metro: Take the Airport Express Line to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then transfer to Metro Line 8 towards Pazhou Station. Total time approx. 60–70 minutes.

From Guangzhou South Railway Station

• Metro Line 2 to Changgang Station, then transfer to Line 8 to Pazhou Station (about 45 minutes).
• Taxi: Around 30 minutes, cost approx. 60–80 RMB (~$9–12 USD).

From Guangzhou East Railway Station

• Metro Line 1 to Gongyuanqian, then transfer to Line 2 to Changgang, then Line 8 to Pazhou (about 1 hour).
• Taxi: Around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Around City Center

• Metro Line 8 has multiple stops near Pazhou Complex, including Pazhou Station (广交会展馆站), which is the main access point for the fair.
• The metro is often the fastest and most cost-effective way to get there during the fair season due to heavy traffic.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Arrive Early: The venue is huge, and queues for registration and security can be long. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment or badge pickup.

Use the Metro: During the Canton Fair, traffic jams are common around Pazhou. The metro is reliable and convenient, especially Pazhou Station on Line 8, which connects directly to the exhibition center.

Venue Navigation: Download the official Canton Fair app or pick up maps at the information counters to find your way between halls. The distance between different exhibition areas can be up to 1 km, so wear comfortable shoes!

Food and Facilities: The complex has many food courts and rest areas, but prices are slightly higher than outside. Bringing some snacks is a good idea if you have a tight schedule.

Language: Most signage inside the complex is bilingual (Chinese and English), but having a local guide or interpreter can ease communication with suppliers.

How Market Union Can Help Visitors

Navigating a massive event like the Canton Fair for the first time can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Market Union offers comprehensive services to help international buyers:

Airport pickup and transportation between Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, the city, and Pazhou Fair Complex.

Local guides and interpreters to accompany you during the fair, ensuring smooth communication with exhibitors.

On-site assistance including help with badge collection, venue navigation, and scheduling meetings.

Custom sourcing support based on your product needs, so you maximize your fair visits.

Our goal is to make your Canton Fair experience as efficient and productive as possible, letting you focus on discovering the best suppliers and closing deals.

For any questions or trip planning help, contact us. We're here to ensure your Canton Fair 2025 experience is smooth and stress-free.