Guangzhou, Guangdong's provincial capital, has introduced a range of measures to streamline entry procedures, transport, payment, and city services for international visitors attending the 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), which will open on April 15 in Guangzhou, according to a release of the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau on April 10.
Music & Food Festival held in the previous edition of the Canton Fair
Smoother transport and payment
Dedicated channels will be set up at airports and passenger ports, with multilingual assistance available. Visa-free transit and port visa services are also in place to facilitate entry.
Transport capacity will be increased during the fair, with more frequent metro services, additional taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, and shuttle buses linking the exhibition complex with major wholesale markets. At least 2,000 taxis and ride-hailing cars will be arranged every day during the fair to ensure smooth transit at the fair venue. Also, traffic management around the venue will be enhanced to ease congestion and improve parking and accessibility.
Payment services have been expanded across the city. More than 15,000 merchants across Guangzhou now accept international bank cards, while nearly 400 metro stations allow passengers to tap international bank cards to enter. Currency exchange facilities have been added at ports, hotels, exhibition venues, and metro stations, alongside multiple payment options including mobile payments, cash, and foreign currencies. A dedicated section for international users has also been launched on the "OneStop" WeChat mini program, integrating transport, payment, and daily services.
The Canton Fair sets up a dedicated digital service zone on the "OneStop" WeChat mini program.
A broad spectrum of activities to spice up the business journey
Beyond logistics, Guangzhou offers a range of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
Inside the exhibition venue, a food carnival will be held where visitors can access more than 30 local food brands and a variety of Cantonese and international dishes. Outside the exhibition venue, dining promotions will be rolled out citywide, alongside coffee-themed events featuring more than 200 domestic and international brands.
Retail offerings including locally made products and cultural goods will be showcased both at the venue and across the city. The "Fair 2 City" campaign will offer participants shopping discounts in over 2,500 stores in Guangzhou along three themed visit routes, with payment accepted via international bank cards.
The city will also host river cruises, light shows, live performances, and sporting events throughout the city during the fair to enrich the visitor experience.
Seamless transition to vast business opportunities
Guangzhou is also stepping up efforts to facilitate business connections. International buyers will be invited to visit local manufacturers and industrial platforms to explore production capabilities and supply chains. More than 10 shuttle routes will be open, providing free services that will connect the fair complex directly with major wholesale markets in Guangzhou. Service centers at major wholesale markets will provide translation, legal, and settlement support for foreign buyers.
Also, a matchmaking event for global buyers and Guangzhou's major wholesale markets is scheduled on April 28 to further promote trade and investment cooperation.
Text | South Reporter Huang Xinyi, Intern Jin Zi
Photo | File Photo
