Canton Fair Travel Guide: Hotels, Metro, Buyer Badge, Payments and Visas
Short answer
The Canton Fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou. Take Metro Line 8 to Pazhou station, or use shuttle buses from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) Terminals 1 and 2. Register online as a buyer to get a QR code, then collect your badge at the airport, Pazhou Ferry Terminal or an affiliated hotel. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, book hotels early because prices rise sharply during the fair, and check visa rules for your passport.
Key takeaways
- ✓Book hotels as early as possible: prices rise steeply during each phase.
- ✓Metro Line 8 to Pazhou is the simplest daily route.
- ✓Register online first; the badge pickup is then quick.
- ✓Alipay or WeChat Pay is essential for transport, food and taxis.
Getting there
| Route | How it works |
|---|---|
| Metro | Line 8 to Pazhou station, next to the complex |
| From Baiyun Airport | Fair shuttle buses run from Terminals 1 and 2; taxis and ride-hailing also work |
| From Hong Kong | Ferry options to Pazhou Ferry Terminal, a short walk from the fair; also high-speed rail to Guangzhou |
| Hotel shuttles | Many hotels run shuttles during the fair |
Where to stay
- Pazhou and Haizhu district: walking or short ride to the fair; highest prices.
- Along Metro Line 8: good value with a direct ride.
- Tianhe district: business hotels, restaurants and easy metro links; a little further.
Whichever you choose, book early and check cancellation terms. Affiliated hotels can also be badge pickup points.
Buyer badge
- Register on the official Canton Fair buyer registration site before you travel.
- Receive a QR code after approval.
- Collect your badge at Baiyun Airport (T1 or T2), Pazhou Ferry Terminal arrivals, or an affiliated hotel.
- Bring your passport for pickup.
Want your product made, inspected and delivered without the risk?
Husbar China Line verifies factories, negotiates for you, arranges on-site inspection before you pay the balance, and manages freight to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Request a China Line consultationApps and payments
- Alipay and WeChat Pay: link an international card before you travel; used almost everywhere.
- WeChat: also how suppliers will message you after the fair.
- Canton Fair official app: exhibitor search, trade matching and messaging.
- Translation and maps apps: set up and test before you land.
Entry rules
GCC citizens can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days; see our visa-free China for GCC citizens guide. Other passport holders should check visa rules or the 240-hour transit option, and registered buyers can request an invitation letter through the buyer system.
Make the trip pay off
Know which phase to visit with our Canton Fair Autumn 2026 phases guide, take our booth checklist, and add factory visits with our Guangzhou sourcing trip itinerary. Or let our China Line team attend for you: request a China Line consultation.
How do I get to the Canton Fair?+
Take Metro Line 8 to Pazhou station, or use the fair shuttle buses from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
Where do I collect my Canton Fair badge?+
After online registration you receive a QR code. Collect your badge at Baiyun Airport Terminals 1 or 2, Pazhou Ferry Terminal arrivals, or an affiliated hotel.
Can I use credit cards in Guangzhou?+
Some hotels accept cards, but most daily payments use Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your international card before you travel.
Where should I stay for the Canton Fair?+
Pazhou and Haizhu for proximity, along Metro Line 8 for value, or Tianhe for business hotels and restaurants.
Sources
- Cathay Pacific: Your complete guide to attending the Canton Fair 2026.
- China Import and Export Fair official website, cantonfair.org.cn.
Team Husbar
Husbar Editorial
Team Husbar is the strategy, psychology and research team at Husbar, a psychology-led growth agency headquartered in Dubai. Together we have worked with 100+ brands over 10+ years.
Want your product made, inspected and delivered without the risk?
Husbar China Line verifies factories, negotiates for you, arranges on-site inspection before you pay the balance, and manages freight to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
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