The 138th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, is being held in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2025. The event is focusing on enhancing its global trade platform through improvements in attendance services, buyer experience, and full-chain trade support. These upgrades aim to address common challenges in international commerce and strengthen Guangzhou’s position as a key hub for China’s foreign trade.
Transportation and Accessibility Improvements
Transportation upgrades have been implemented to improve accessibility for international attendees. Guangzhou Metro now allows direct gate entry using international bank cards and offers a Canton Fair-themed day pass. The official Canton Fair App includes integrated ticketing features. New intercity railways and metro lines connect the fairgrounds to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in 30 minutes and to major cities in the Greater Bay Area within an hour. Over 400 self-service kiosks at airports, stations, and hotels enable buyers to collect badges immediately upon arrival, facilitating a smooth transition from travel to trade activities.
Dining and Cultural Enhancements
The fair now serves over 110,000 meals daily, featuring more than 300 dishes that include local Cantonese and international cuisines. A Canton Fair Music & Cuisine Festival has been introduced, blending dining and entertainment with business exchange to add a cultural dimension to the event. This initiative supports the integration of cultural elements into commercial interactions, reflecting broader trends in China’s event and tourism sectors.
Language and Business Support Services
To address language barriers, four translation service points have been added throughout the complex, equipped with 400 translation devices and staffed by over 100 professional interpreters. Additionally, the fair has introduced on-site professional business support services to resolve common pain points in cross-border commerce. Strategically located along high-traffic exhibition routes, these services are supported by 240 trade service institutions covering the entire trade cycle, including finance, insurance, logistics, product design, inspection, and consulting. This setup provides immediate access to assistance without disrupting the attendance experience.
Financial and Tax Refund Streamlining
Financial and tax refund services have been streamlined to enhance convenience. All merchants at the fair now accept international credit cards, digital RMB, mobile payments, and cash. A new on-site tax refund zone allows departing visitors to claim rebates directly at the complex, while 250 of nearly 1,000 refund-eligible stores across Guangzhou support instant refunds. These measures align with China’s efforts to promote the digital RMB and simplify tax processes for international trade, supporting the country’s broader economic policies aimed at boosting exports and foreign investment.
