Our Visit to Canton Fair 2023: The Largest International Trade Exhibition

​We took a trip to the Canton Fair in China! From 15th to 19th April 2023, we visited the biannual offline exhibition for phase 1 of their spring event – also called the China Import and Export Fair – held at the conveniently named China Import and Export Complex in Pazhou Island, Guangzhou. With almost 70,000 booths to experience and 1,100,000 (!) square metres of construction area, Canton Fair is the single largest trade event in the world, attracting people from all walks of life from various corners of the globe in the autumn and spring.

Every exhibition grants individuals the chance to network, promote their products and brands, as well as join a community of like-minded businesspeople and is an opportunity for China as a country to develop its foreign trade. It's also an incredibly captivating few days out for anyone interested in technology and innovation.

Take a dive with us into the world of Canton Fair as we look back on our 5-day visit and discover more about this awe-inspiring trade exhibition.

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About Canton Fair

Anyone who has been to the Canton Fair knows just how insane it is (in the best possible way). From the moment you walk in, there is a sense of magic about it, whether it's the bustling crowds, the eye-catching colours or the futuristic gadgets.

But the twice-yearly event hasn't always been the spectacle it is today. In fact, it started as a way for the Chinese government to obtain important supplies through foreign exchange and was mainly for the exhibition of raw materials. It was even known as the Exhibition of Chinese Export Commodities when it first began in the spring of 1957, before being renamed the Canton (English name for Guangzhou) Fair, since this was once the only foreign trade port in China.

However, the third industrial revolution and increased development of digital systems meant the exhibition would show no signs of slowing down, with it now being sorted into several categories of products and including imported business along with its exports. Steadily, as visitor numbers have grown – particularly in the early 2000s when it saw a 75% increase – as has the area size (and turnover, too). So much so that as of 2008, it has been held at the largest modernisation centre in all of Asia, the China Import and Export/Canton/Pazhou Complex.

A map of the Complex today

Now at its 133rd event, the fair boasts 66 years of history, reliably recording the development of China's foreign trade and the evolution of global technological advancement in the process.

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Canton Fair Spring 2023

This year's spring event was the first we visited and the first time the exhibition was held in three phases, with each phase lasting 5 days.

• Phase 1 lasted from 15th-19th April, showcasing electronics and home appliances, machinery, hardware tools, building materials, etc.

• Phase 2 lasts from 23rd-27th April and will showcase daily consumer goods, gifts and more.

• Phase 3 will last from 1st-5th May and will display clothing items, footwear, luggage, healthcare, etc.

As a power tool company, of course, the first phase was most suited to our interests, which is why we decided to visit that one. However, we've no doubt the other two will be just as fascinating and engaging for those attending.

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Our visit

On our 5-day visit, we encountered many spectacular displays. More than 12,000 companies exhibited in the first phase of the trade show, with many inspiring ideas coming to life.

What we loved most about the Canton Fair is that you can find anything you need as long as you have enough time to visit all its halls (and there are many). We took the time to walk through as many as we could, roaming the fair each day from 9am until 6pm, which, while tiring, felt like it was not long enough for the abundance of what you can experience.

Just look at that crowd!

Between speaking with factories and learning and exchanging ideas, several hours can pass by before you realise there are still so many exhibitions left to visit. That's why holding the fair for 5 days is such a great idea, since it offers the chance to see more.

During the duration of our time there, we were inspired most by what you'd expect: the power tools. At the event, there were many tool brands from Chinese companies who are a success both in the online e-commerce market as well as the offline market and it was exciting to get the chance to meander around in wonderment of them. There were very impressive designs of tools and stands in bright colours, including green and yellow, from power tools to gardening equipment. Which, as you can imagine for us is like Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas, one part of the fair we wish we could've taken home with us (other than the flamboyantly-coloured tools) was the extravagant Christmas lights! Just picture us decorating our offices with this come December...

Christmas lights at Canton Fair

All in all, we had a fantastic time in China and would love to attend the Canton Fair again one day. In the leading country of exports, there really is no better place to see what's happening in the supplying market, get inspired and expand your knowledge.

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And if you're interested in the Canton Fair, why not head to their autumn 2023 event? Go to https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US for more information.

Please note that attendance will be subject to obtaining a valid Chinese visa.