The Canton Fair (or China Import and Export Fair to give it its full name) is held twice a year in spring (April) and autumn (October), in Guangzhou, China.

The Canton Fair Complex covers a mind-blowing 1,100,000 square metres, of which 338,000 m2 is for indoor exhibitions, including the largest indoor exhibition hall in the world at 157000 m2. It’s the equivalent of over 150 rugby fields, with more than 25,000 exhibitors and over 200,000 visitors. New Zealand’s largest sites – Manfeild at 45000 m2, ASB Showgrounds at 18000 m2, Claudelands at 10000 m2 – all pale in comparison to the Canton Fair. It’s staggering, and could be really over-whelming without your Canton Fair Tours host by your side.

The Canton Fair operates in three phases, each of five days, with a four day break in between. Each phase focuses on different areas of business. The first phase focuses on electronics and machinery, while the second phase covers building, household goods and giftware. The third phase concentrates on fashion and textiles, toys, and health and recreation. You can join us for just one phase, or combine two or three phases into a longer trip.

The Canton Fair is quite incredible. It is a time for suppliers to exhibit their new products and you will see the most amazing innovations. What you will see and experience at the Fair will depend on which phase you are attending.

If you can think of it, they have made it. And if you have never thought of it – they have made it! A lot of what you own has been made here, for most of the largest brand names in the world.