How It All Began
Imagine the year is 1957—China is emerging from years of isolation, and the world is beginning to take notice.
Guangzhou Sino-Soviet Friendship Building in 1957. It was the holding location of the first Canton Fair. Image via Wikimedia Commons
The first Canton Fair was held in the Sino-Soviet Friendship Hall in Yuexiu District, a humble venue that would become the birthplace of a global trade phenomenon.
Although small in scale, the event was driven by big ambitions: to showcase China’s goods, attract foreign exchange, and create connections with the international market.
Industry showroom in 1957 Canton Fair. Image via Wikimedia Commons
The inaugural Canton Fair featured a diverse array of products, including raw materials such as coal, cotton, and silk, as well as vehicles and machinery, reflecting China's early industrial capabilities.
Buyers negotiating on silk products at the 1st Canton Fair. Image via the Canton Fair
These were the building blocks of China’s economy at the time, and the fair’s goal was to introduce these products to the global marketplace.
At the time, the fair wasn’t about high-end electronics or luxury goods—it was about securing the foreign currency necessary for the country’s economic development.
The fair aimed to give China a platform to move beyond isolation and engage with the outside world.
Back then, China’s international reach was limited, but the fair’s creators envisioned a global future for Chinese products.
Though the first Canton Fair had only a handful of international visitors, its role was already clear: to be the gateway for China to enter the world of trade and commerce.
In hindsight, it’s clear that this modest beginning was just the start of something much bigger, setting the stage for what would eventually become the largest trade fair in the world.
What started with raw materials and modest displays would evolve into a colossal platform for everything from cutting-edge technology to luxury goods, attracting buyers from all corners of the globe.
This first Canton Fair wasn’t just an event—it was a statement, a clear sign of China’s ambitions to join the ranks of global trade powers.
The fair’s organizers had no idea that this small trade show in a small hall would one day become an essential cornerstone of the global business world.
From the moment the first Canton Fair opened its doors, it began changing the trajectory of Chinese trade, forging a path for decades of growth and international influence.
From One Small Step to a Giant Leap
The 1970s marked a pivotal turning point for the Canton Fair, one that would change its trajectory forever.
In 1972, 42 American businessmen made their way to Guangzhou, defying the strained diplomatic relations between China and the United States at the time.
American businessmen at the 33rd Canton Fair in 1973. Image via the Canton Fair
This seemingly small moment was, in fact, a monumental one—it symbolized the return of the West to China’s trade scene after years of isolation.
It was as if the Canton Fair had suddenly turned on the ‘global trade’ switch, ushering in a new era of international engagement.
American buyer praised the quality of Chinese porcelain. Image via the Canton Fair
The fair, once a local event primarily for Chinese manufacturers, began attracting international buyers, sparking a rapid transformation in the city’s role in the global market.
Guangzhou, with the Canton Fair as its beating heart, was quickly becoming a hub of international commerce, an essential crossroads between the East and West.
The influx of international visitors necessitated the rapid development of new infrastructure, and Guangzhou responded by transforming itself to meet the demands of a growing global marketplace.
China Hotel, Guangzhou. Image via China Hotel
New hotels, tailored for foreign guests, sprung up throughout the city, offering international standards of luxury and comfort.
Restaurants offering a wide variety of global cuisines followed suit, providing everything from classic Cantonese dishes to Italian, French, and even American dining options, reflecting the growing diversity of the city.
Transportation systems, too, were upgraded, with modernized airports, more efficient public transit, and better roads, making it easier for visitors from around the world to navigate the city.
Guangzhou was no longer just the city that hosted the Canton Fair—it had become a vibrant global city where East and West collided in the most exciting and unexpected ways.
The Canton Fair had given the city much more than an economic boost; it had given Guangzhou a new identity, a cosmopolitan energy that you could feel the moment you stepped off the plane.
The Show Must Go On—But Bigger
As the Canton Fair continued to grow in size and importance, it became increasingly evident that the original venue in Yuexiu District could no longer keep up with the demands of the rapidly expanding event.
The Canton Fair Complex. Image by Billy Jiang/That's
The move to the Pazhou Complex in 2008 was a milestone for the fair, signaling a new era of growth and global reach.
At a staggering 1.62 million square meters, the new venue was not just an upgrade—it was a testament to how far the Canton Fair had come, outgrowing its humble origins.
The Pazhou Complex, with its state-of-the-art facilities, was the perfect home for an event that now spanned multiple phases and attracted tens of thousands of exhibitors and buyers each year.
Aerial View, Canton Fair Complex. Image via Tim Wu
For the first time, the Canton Fair could accommodate the vast range of industries it represented, from electronics and machinery to textiles and consumer goods, all under one roof.
Every spring and autumn, the fair now spans three entire phases, covering two full weeks, drawing nearly 200,000 buyers and over 24,000 exhibitors from every corner of the globe.
High-tech showcase at the 133rd Canton Fair in 2023. Image via 中少
The scale of the event is staggering—what started as a small trade show for Chinese goods has now evolved into one of the most important international trade events in the world.
With each phase catering to a specific industry, the Canton Fair has become a bustling marketplace where businesses from every sector come together to forge new connections and expand their reach.
First phase of the 136th Canton Fair. Image by Henry Zeng/That's
Today, the fair stands as a symbol of China’s growing influence in the global economy, and its scale, diversity, and global reach are unmatched by any other trade event in the world.
The Fun & Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know
Haobao the Bee and Haoni the Honey.Image via the Canton Fair
And finally, let’s leave you with a few fun facts you might not know about the Canton Fair:
Canton Fair’s Fashion Show
Did you know that the Canton Fair has a ‘fashion show’ of its own? The real showstopper isn’t on the stage—it’s in the aisles! International buyers and exhibitors can often be seen in their best business attire, but some really stand out with their bold fashion choices. You’ll spot everything from suits and ties to creative interpretations of the ‘business casual’ look. It's like a runway where deals are made!
First-Class Snacks
You’d expect an event of this scale to have some food options, but the Canton Fair’s culinary scene has become a bit of a legend. From dumplings to dim sum, it’s a haven for food lovers. But the real surprise? The street-style food stalls at the fair are often packed with international visitors lining up for their fix of classic Cantonese snacks—like stinky tofu (yes, it smells as bad as it sounds, but you’ll love it!) or bubble tea!
A Sea of Swag
Ever noticed how the Canton Fair feels like one big treasure hunt for free gifts? From keychains to pens, water bottles to tote bags, you’ll find exhibitors giving away all sorts of branded goodies. But here’s the twist—if you play your cards right, you might even walk away with a mini fridge or a high-tech gadget. It's like Black Friday meets business networking.
The Canton Fair's Mascot
The Canton Fair has its very own mascots: Haobao the Bee and Haoni the Honey. Why bees? In Chinese culture, bees symbolize loyalty, diligence, unity, and prosperity—all values the Canton Fair embodies. You’ll find the mascots in all their glory at the fair—if you’re lucky enough to spot one of the giant plushies, don’t forget to snap a picture!
The Secret Talent Show
Not all the talent at the Canton Fair is about business. If you wander around long enough, you might stumble across some hidden gems. Some exhibitors from overseas use the fair as an excuse to showcase local talents, such as singers, dancers, or even comedy sketches, all while promoting their products. It's a quirky, unplanned part of the experience—think of it as the Canton Fair’s unofficial talent show!
[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]
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