Since 1957 the Canton Fair has been held in Guangzhou showcasing a wide array of products that come from the city and elsewhere. It has grown to be China’s largest trade fair with the greatest attendance, most merchants and the most number of deals made. Previous fairs attracted more than 165,000 visitors, 22,000 exhibitors and more than US$260 million. In 2007 the fair was renamed China Import and Export Fair from the original Chinese Export Commodities Fair.

The fair is held twice each year, in spring (April) and autumn (October) and is a major event in the city, attracting businessmen and tourists from all over the world. The local government of Guangdong and the Ministry of Commerce organize the fair which moved in 2008 to the new gleaming Pazhou Exhibition Hall at 380 Yuejiang Zhong Road. The complex is the largest exhibition center in Asia which covers a total area of 1.1 million square meters, with 338,000 square meters of indoor area and 43,600 square meters outdoor area.

The 115th Canton Fair in April 2014, just like the previously held fairs, has three phases spanning over a period of three weeks. Phase I will be held on April 15-19 showcasing electronic items from household appliances machineries. Phase II which will be held on April 23-27 will cover consumer good and home decorations. Lastly, Phase III offers products such as clothes, shoes, office supplies and even food and medicines. This phase will be held on April 31-May 5. Doors to the exhibition hall open from 9:30AM to 6:00PM.

There are several ways to apply for entry to the fair, from a Chinese foreign trade corporation to the China Foreign Trade Center. You will need an invitation from these organizations to present to the Chinese Embassy at home when applying for a visa. Registration can be done at the complex itself or at your hotel. If you already have the pre-apply buyer entry badge (IC Card), you may enter the Fair Complex directly. For more information about the procedure the official website of the China Import and Export Fair.  If you are looking for Canton fair hotels for Canton Fair 2013 use the box in the right corner to get the best prices.