134th Canton Fair kicks off and everything you need to know

The 134th China Import and Export Fair has kicked off in Guangzhou on October 15, which is also known as Canton Fair. The Fair is ongoing until November 4, consisting of three phases. More than 100,000 buyers from 215 countries and regions have pre-registered.

People from home and abroad visit the 134th Canton Fair in Guangzhou on October 15, 2023. (Photo: GDToday)

The exhibition area has been expanded to 1.55 million square meters, an increase of 50,000 square meters over the previous session. The total number of booths have reached 74,000, an increase of nearly 4,600, including 72,000 for export exhibitions and 1,550 for import exhibitions.

Exhibitors in the international pavilion come from 650 companies from 43 countries and regions, and 60% of them are from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

People from home and abroad visit the 134th Canton Fair in Guangzhou on October 15, 2023. (Photo: GDToday)

The number of pre-registered buyers in Europe and the United States has increased by 8.6 percent over the same period of the previous year, countries involved in BRI increased by 11.2 percent, and the RCEP countries increased by 13.8 percent.

A total of 97 industrial and commercial organizations from Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa have organized delegations to attend the fair, an increase of 86.5 percent over the same period of the previous session. 140 leading cross-border enterprises, including those from Fortune Global 500 companies and Top 250 Global Retailers, have confirmed their participation.On the evening of October 13, a dazzling drone light show was held in Guangzho

144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners

Starting from January 8, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has restored the 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Passengers who meet the policy conditions and hold a connecting ticket to a third country (region) with a fixed date and seat within 144 hours can apply for visa-free transit. 

Passengers must be citizens of 53 countries and regions in Europe, America, Oceania and Asia, and exit from one of the 32 ports in Guangdong. 

After landing at the Baiyun Airport, passengers need to hold a passport or other international travel documents valid for no less than three months, a connecting ticket, a hotel reservation form, fill out the "Arrival Card For Temporary Entry Foreigners," and submit it to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit.

Currently, Temporary Entry Permit Application service counters have been launched in the arrival areas of the T1 and T2 terminals at Baiyun Airport. After being approved for a temporary entry permit and inspected by China Immigration Inspection, passengers can stay within Guangdong Province for 144 hours without applying for a Chinese visa in advance.

In addition, a Canton Fair Channel has been set up at the Baiyun Airport to help with customs clearance for overseas attendees. Exhibitors and buyers around the world can enjoy fast and convenient customs clearance services with their valid passports, international travel documents, Canton Fair-related documents, invitation letters, or pre-registration receipts.

Guangzhou ramps up metros for the Fair

According to Guangzhou Metro, extra services will be launched to facilitate passengers' travel. During the Canton Fair, Lines 8 and 4, as well as Haizhu Tram will adopt a specific timetable. 

On weekdays, Line 8 will have a maximum of 38 trains in operation, with four trains added during the medium peak periods. On weekends, there will be a maximum of 35 trains in operation, with eight and four more trains during high and medium peak periods than usual.

Line 4 will have a maximum of 47 trains on weekdays and 38 trains on Saturdays and Sundays, and will add short-term super peak hours on Saturdays and Sundays, with an additional five trains on the line.

At the same time, the minimum running interval of Haizhu Tram during the morning peak on weekdays (7:30-10:00) is reduced to six minutes, and during the off-peak period (10:00-19:00), it is reduced to 10 minutes.

Guangzhou Metro will also focus on the passenger flow at transfer stations to Line 8 such as Kecun, Wanshengwei, Changgang, Shayuan, Tiyu Xilu, Zhujiang New Town, Chebeinan, Yuancun, and Modiesha (客村、万胜围、昌岗、沙园、体育西路、珠江新城、车陂南、员村、磨碟沙). Passenger flow control will be conducted when needed.

Moreover, 80 and 60 volunteers will provide multilingual consulting services in English, Japanese, and Korean at Pazhou and Xingangdong stations, respectively.

Enjoy a comfy stay in Guangzhou's starred hotels

To welcome buyers and exhibitors from all over the world, many starred hotels nearby have launched special services during this period. Scan the QR code to find out some recommendations.

Located along the Pearl River on Shamian Island, the White Swan Hotel will offer guests the beautiful scenery of the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a stunning panoramic view of the Pearl River or the Guangzhou skyline from a spacious and stylishly furnished room. Both Western and Chinese dishes are on offer, including local cuisine like Cantonese sweet and sour pork and shrimp dumplings. Guests can also enjoy a 10% discount when they dine in five Chinese and Western restaurants at the hotel. Free shuttle buses between the hotel and Canton Fair Complex; river ferry service with five-star Western buffet breakfasts.

The Westin Guangzhou provides free shuttle buses between the hotel and Canton Fair Complex. The rooms are fully equipped. A fitness center on the 7th floor, as well as two indoor and outdoor swimming pools, are also provided. Cantonese opera and folk dance will be presented regularly during the Canton Fair period. The hotel features Seasonal Tastes (2F), offering all-day buffet dining of international cuisines, Prego Italian restaurant (40F), Hong Mian Chinese restaurant (4F), and Lobby Lounge (1F).

Jumeirah Guangzhou meets the dietary needs of global guests, such as Middle Eastern cuisine, in-room dining, and a la Carte service. People can also enjoy a 15% discount on food and beverages. Guests booking a Jumeirah Suite or above can enjoy the "Bar on Six" beverage package. Meanwhile, the hotel is close to symbolic city landmarks, such as the Canton Tower, Guangdong Museum, and Guangzhou Opera House, providing guests with a luxurious and joyful staying experience.