From German beer and gourmet bites to local delicacies and lively food festivals, Guangzhou is dishing up a feast for visitors to the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) this October.
18th Guangzhou Oktoberfest brings Bavarian cheer
The 18th Guangzhou Oktoberfest opened on October 9 at the China Hotel in Guangzhou, bringing German beer, traditional German food and live music to the city. The festival runs through October 11, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Held in the hotel's 1,200-square-meter Crystal Ballroom, the event recreates the convivial atmosphere of a traditional German Oktoberfest, with communal tables, staff in Bavarian dress and unlimited German beer. Guests can enjoy German specialties, including pork knuckle, Bavarian sausages, roast chicken, pretzels and apple strudel.
The Bavarian band Sakrisch Guat keeps the celebration lively with traditional Oktoberfest tunes and popular Chinese songs, blending German and Chinese musical influences.
New additions this year include a mobile bar featuring cocktail performances and a music-themed bus outside the hotel.
For a more relaxed dining experience, the hotel's Café Veranda All-day Buffet Restaurant is also offering a German-themed buffet featuring classic German dishes.
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Floor 2, China Hotel, Guangzhou
Tickets: From 368 yuan, including unlimited German beer and soft drinks, a German-style buffet dinner and a commemorative beer mug. VIP tickets for October 10 are sold out; VIP tickets for October 11 cost 428 yuan, subject to availability.
For tickets and sponsorship inquiries, contact Ms. Wu at +86 189 3395 7522.
Guangzhou Gourmet Week serves up a feast of flavors
The 2026 Guangzhou Gourmet Week (GGW) will take place at the Haixinsha Asian Games Park from October 10 to 19, bringing together about 190 quality food and beverage brands in a celebration of culinary excellence, culture and social experiences. The event will also tie in with the 140th Canton Fair, welcoming local residents, visitors and international business guests.
Ten themed zones will showcase a diverse range of flavors, from nearly 20 Black Pearl restaurants offering signature dishes at special tasting prices to traditional Cantonese snacks prepared by intangible cultural heritage inheritors and creative offerings from time-honored brands such as Tao Tao Ju and Guangzhou Restaurant.
Highlights include a craft beer festival featuring more than 100 brews, the Wine Up GZ festival showcasing wines from Chinese wineries and a specialty coffee festival at Haixinsha West Wharf. Live chef demonstrations, food-themed parades, pop-up cooking shows and evening music parties will add to the festive atmosphere.
The opening day, October 10, will feature the GGW annual chef gala, bringing together renowned chefs and industry professionals.
Admission is free with advance booking through the official GGW mini-program.
Scan the QR code to book your entry.
Opening hours:
October 11 and October 17–18: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
October 10, October 12–16 and October 19: 3 p.m.–10 p.m.
Last entry: 9:30 p.m.
Getting there: Take the APM line to Haixinsha Station and exit through Exit A. The venue is directly accessible from the exit.
Canton Fair Music & Cuisine Festival to showcase Guangzhou flavors
The Canton Fair Music & Cuisine Festival is planned for October 15–November 4 during the 140th Canton Fair, at the Central Square on the west side of Area D of the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou.
Previous edition of Canton Fair Music & Cuisine Festival
The event aims to showcase Guangzhou's culinary culture, bringing together specialty local dishes, intangible cultural heritage snacks and international cuisine. Participating businesses are expected to include established restaurant chains, renowned hotels, time-honored brands and restaurants recognized by Michelin and Black Pearl.
Previous edition of Canton Fair Music & Cuisine Festival
Visitors can also look forward to cultural performances, themed parades and interactive experiences highlighting Lingnan traditions. Special dining vouchers are planned to encourage on-site spending and visits to participating food outlets.
Further details will be announced through official updates.
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photos | China Hotel, GGW, Nanfang Plus
