How to Register for Canton Fair?

By Yaurapulse

You have decided to attend the Canton Fair. You have booked your flights and hotel. Now you need to register as a buyer to get your entry badge. But how does registration work? Can you do it online? Do you need an invitation letter? Is it free?

How do you register for the Canton Fair as an overseas buyer?

You can register for the Canton Fair in two ways: online pre-registration (free) or on-site registration at the venue (paid). The Canton Fair strongly recommends pre-registering online through the official website or app before you travel to China. Online pre-registration is free, saves time, and allows you to apply for an invitation letter for your Chinese visa. On-site registration costs RMB 200 (about $28) and involves waiting in line.

In this guide, I will walk you through both registration methods, explain what documents you need, and give you tips to make the process smooth.

Method 1: Online pre-registration (recommended)

Online pre-registration is the fastest and cheapest way to register for the Canton Fair. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official Canton Fair website. Go to cantonfair.org.cn or the Buyer Service System at buyer.cantonfair.org.cn. You can also download the Canton Fair app.
2. Create an account or log in. First-time attendees click Register and create an account using your email. Returning attendees log in with your existing account.
3. Complete your attendance intent. Indicate which session and phase you plan to attend.
4. Fill in your personal and company information. You will need your full name (as on passport), passport number, nationality, company name and address, company email, phone number, and product categories of interest.
5. Verify your email address. Check your email for a verification link and click it.
6. Apply for your buyer badge and invitation letter. Once registered, apply for your buyer badge (collected at venue) and invitation letter (for visa).

TIP: Pre-registration opens about 60 days before each session. Register as early as possible.

Method 2: On-site registration at the venue

If you did not pre-register online, you can register at the venue.

Location: Canton Fair Badge Service Center, East Side, 1st Floor, Area C, Hall 16 (near Exit C of Pazhou Metro Station).

What you need:

• Your passport
• Your company business card
• Invitation letter from a supplier (if you have one)

Process:

1. Go to the registration counter.
2. Fill in the registration form (or use self-service kiosks).
3. Submit your passport and business card.
4. Pay the registration fee (RMB 200).
5. Have your photo taken.
6. Collect your buyer badge.

TIP: On-site registration can take 30-60 minutes during peak hours. Pre-register online to avoid the queue.

How much does registration cost?

• Online pre-registration: FREE (for your first buyer badge)
• On-site registration: RMB 200 (approximately $28)
• Replacement badge (if lost): RMB 200
• Multiple phases: Each phase may require a separate badge

TIP: Pre-register online to save RMB 200 and avoid long queues.

What documents do you need for registration?

Required documents:

1. Valid passport - Must be valid for at least 6 months
2. Company business card - Shows your name, company name, and position
3. Invitation letter (recommended) - From a Canton Fair exhibitor or the organizer

Additional documents that may help:

• Company registration certificate (if asked)
• Business license (if asked)
• Previous Canton Fair buyer badge (if returning)

TIP: Bring digital copies of all documents on your phone in case the system needs additional verification.

Do you need an invitation letter?

An invitation letter is not strictly required for buyer registration, but it is highly recommended:

1. Visa application: To apply for a Chinese business visa (M visa), you typically need an invitation letter from a Chinese entity.

2. Faster registration: Having an invitation letter can speed up on-site registration.

How to get an invitation letter:

• From the Canton Fair organizer: Apply through the Buyer Service System during online pre-registration.
• From an exhibitor: Contact a Chinese supplier who is exhibiting and ask them to send you an invitation letter.

TIP: Apply for your invitation letter at least 1 month before your visa appointment. Chinese visa processing can take 5-15 business days.

How to collect your buyer badge

If you pre-registered online, you still need to collect your physical badge at the venue:

Location: Canton Fair Badge Service Center, Area C, Hall 16, 1st Floor

What to bring:

• Your passport
• Your pre-registration confirmation (email or app)

Process:

1. Go to the Pre-registered Buyers counter.
2. Show your passport and confirmation.
3. Have your photo taken (or use your registration photo).
4. Collect your badge.

TIP: Collect your badge the day before the fair opens or early in the morning to avoid queues.

Three official registration channels

1. Official website (recommended): Visit cantonfair.org.cn or buyer.cantonfair.org.cn. Free of charge.
2. Canton Fair app: Download for iOS or Android. Free of charge.
3. On-site registration: At the Badge Service Center in Area C. Costs RMB 200.

TIP: Use the official website or app only. Do not use third-party registration services - they may charge extra fees or be fraudulent.

Registration tips for first-time buyers

1. Register early. Pre-registration opens 60 days before the session.
2. Use a company email. A personal email may be accepted, but a company email looks more professional.
3. Have your passport ready. You will need your passport number during registration.
4. Apply for the invitation letter at the same time. Saves a step later.
5. Save the confirmation email. You will need it to collect your badge.
6. Check the session dates. Register for the correct session and phase.
7. Bring multiple business cards. You need one for registration and many more at the fair.
8. Print your registration confirmation. Have a paper copy as backup.

What to do if you have problems registering

Problem 1: Cannot create an account. Use a valid email, check spam folder, try a different browser.

Problem 2: Cannot verify your email. Check spam, add cantonfair.org.cn to safe senders, request a new verification email.

Problem 3: Forgot your password. Click Forgot Password on the login page.

Problem 4: System error during registration. Try again later, use a different device, contact buyer service center.

Problem 5: Need help in your language. The website has English, Chinese, and other language options. The buyer service center has multilingual staff.

Registration for returning buyers

If you have attended before, the process is simpler:

1. Log in to your existing account on the Buyer Service System.
2. Update your information if anything has changed.
3. Select the session and phase you want to attend.
4. Submit your registration.
5. Collect your badge at the venue with your passport.

TIP: If you have a BEST account (for frequent buyers), your information is already in the system. Just log in and confirm your attendance.

Bottom Line

1. Register online at cantonfair.org.cn or buyer.cantonfair.org.cn - it is free.
2. Create an account with your email and verify it.
3. Fill in your personal and company information (passport, company name, etc.).
4. Apply for your buyer badge and invitation letter during registration.
5. Pre-registration is free - on-site registration costs RMB 200.
6. Collect your badge at Area C, Hall 16, 1st Floor with your passport.
7. Bring your passport and business card for on-site verification.
8. Register early - pre-registration opens 60 days before each session.
9. Apply for the invitation letter at the same time for your visa application.
10. Use the official channels only - avoid third-party registration services.

Registering for the Canton Fair is straightforward. Pre-register online for free, apply for your invitation letter, collect your badge at the venue, and start sourcing. The process takes about 15-20 minutes online and saves you time and money compared to on-site registration.