Guide to Business Fair and B2B Expos in China

For businesses looking to source products from China, attending business fair and B2B expos presents a unique opportunity to connect directly with suppliers, evaluate products firsthand, and stay ahead of industry trends. These events serve as a powerful platform for networking, deal-making, and gaining valuable market insights. In this guide, we explore the top business fair in China, their benefits, and strategies to maximize your experience.

Canton Fair: The World’s Largest Trade Fair

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the most prestigious trade shows in the world. Held biannually in Guangzhou, it is the largest trade fair in China, attracting hundreds of thousands of exhibitors and buyers from all corners of the globe. The fair was first held in 1957 and has since become a staple in the B2B sourcing calendar, showcasing products from nearly every industry imaginable—from electronics to textiles and consumer goods.

As a comprehensive trade event, the Canton Fair is divided into three phases:

Phase 1 – Electronics, lighting, machinery, and industrial products
Phase 2 – Consumer goods, home products, and gifts
Phase 3 – Apparel, textiles, and medical products

This division makes it easier for visitors to find suppliers in their specific industries and focus on the most relevant products.

Key Benefits of Attending Business Fair n China In-Person

Whether you attend in person or virtually, the Canton Fair offers numerous benefits for sourcing products and establishing long-term business relationships. Some of the key advantages include:

In-person Networking

The Canton Fair brings together thousands of manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers, making it an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential partners. Establishing direct connections with suppliers can foster trust and lead to more successful collaborations.

Product Inspection and Comparison

Attending in person allows you to inspect the products physically. You can evaluate the quality firsthand, compare different manufacturers, and even negotiate prices on the spot.

Access to Exclusive Deals:

Many suppliers at the Canton Fair offer special pricing or promotional discounts for orders placed during the event. This is an opportunity to secure competitive prices and exclusive deals that may not be available online.

Virtual Attendance: For those unable to attend physically, the Canton Fair also offers virtual options, allowing buyers to explore supplier offerings, watch product demos, and engage in online meetings with exhibitors. Virtual attendance is a convenient way to connect with suppliers from anywhere in the world.

Read here for more FAQ on Canton Fair 2025.

Other Popular Business Fair in China

While the Canton Fair is undoubtedly the most well-known trade event in China, several other trade shows are equally valuable for specific industries. Below are a few of the most popular trade shows to consider attending:

Yiwu International Trade Fair

Yiwu is famous for being the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities, and the Yiwu International Trade Fair showcases a wide variety of products, including toys, textiles, and home goods. The fair attracts thousands of international buyers looking for reliable suppliers in these sectors. Yiwu is an excellent choice if you’re sourcing smaller, everyday consumer items in bulk.

Focus Areas: Household goods, textiles, toys, gifts, and other consumer products.
Why Attend: Yiwu offers affordable pricing and direct access to suppliers offering high-quality products at competitive prices. It’s particularly suitable for businesses looking to source small-batch orders at lower minimum order quantities.

Shenzhen Electronics Fair

For businesses in the electronics industry, the Shenzhen Electronics Fair is a must-attend event. Shenzhen is known as the “Silicon Valley of China”, and the fair showcases the latest in consumer electronics, smart devices, and industrial technology.

Focus Areas: Consumer electronics, mobile phones, smart devices, industrial machinery, and more.
Why Attend: This fair is ideal for companies looking for cutting-edge technology and electronics suppliers. Attendees can explore the newest innovations and connect with manufacturers at the forefront of the electronics industry.

East China Fair

The East China Fair, held annually in Shanghai, is one of the largest regional fairs in China. It focuses primarily on textiles, home products, gifts, and apparel. This fair attracts thousands of exhibitors and buyers, offering an excellent platform for international trade and business networking.

Focus Areas: Textiles, garments, home products, gifts, and consumer goods.
Why Attend: The East China Fair is a great option for businesses seeking high-quality textiles and apparel suppliers. It provides a significant opportunity to connect with manufacturers and explore competitive pricing options.

How to Select the Best Business Fair for Your Industry

Selecting the right business fair for your business depends on several factors, including the product category, industry trends, and location. Here are some tips to help you choose the best business fair:

Know Your Industry

Focus on business fair that are relevant to your industry. For example, if you’re sourcing electronics, attending the Shenzhen Electronics Fair or the Global Sources Electronics Show will be more beneficial than a general trade fair.

Understand the Scale

Large Fair like the Canton Fair may offer a wider selection of suppliers, but smaller niche business fair can sometimes provide better opportunities for connecting with specialized manufacturers.

Consider the Location

Consider whether the Fair’s location aligns with your target market and sourcing goals. While many buyers attend business fair in China, it might be worth considering shows in Hong Kong or Macau as well, especially if you’re sourcing products related to electronics, fashion, or design.

For those sourcing electronic products, attending the Hong Kong Electronics Fair can provide access to top manufacturers, emerging tech trends, and networking opportunities with key industry players.

Plan for ROI

Business Fair often require significant time and travel costs, so consider the potential return on investment. Will the show give you direct access to suppliers who meet your needs? Does the event feature networking opportunities that will help you connect with potential partners or buyers?

Business fairs in China provide invaluable opportunities to explore product offerings, meet suppliers face-to-face, and gain insight into the market. By carefully selecting the right event and being strategic in your approach, you can ensure that your visit to China is both productive and profitable. If you are visiting China for the first time, don’t forget to download these top six apps.