Canton Fair Complex: Location, Address & How to Get

Where is Canton Fair held? The short answer to where the Canton Fair takes place: the venue is located at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, in the Haizhu District of Guangzhou. It is a large area on the banks of the Pearl River, divided into zones A, B, C, and D. Before your trip, it's important to know not just the general address, but also the zone letter, pavilion number, and the metro station closest to the entrance you need.

It's best to save the complex's address in three formats. Use the English one for bookings and correspondence, while the Chinese version is convenient to show to a taxi driver or staff on-site.

If your map app won't load or the driver can't understand the Latin script, use the full Chinese address. It will take you to the complex itself; you'll still need the pavilion or entrance number to navigate further.

Where is the Pazhou District in Guangzhou?

Pazhou is located in Haizhu, on the southern bank of the Pearl River. It’s a exhibition and business district, not the historic centre of Guangzhou. The Canton Fair in Guangzhou takes place in the vast Pazhou complex. Nearby, you'll find hotels, restaurants perfect for business meetings, and the Pearl River waterfront.

The main public transport landmarks are Xingangdong and Pazhou stations. For Zones A and D, Xingangdong is usually more convenient, while for Zones B and C, it's Pazhou. At Pazhou station, you can use metro lines 8 and 11. Don't choose a station based solely on the general address: if you pick the wrong exit, you'll end up with a longer walk through the complex.

First, find the zone letter and pavilion number in your invitation or meeting list. Use this information to choose the right metro station and specific entrance. If entrance details are missing, use the zone as a guide, and once you're on-site, follow the signs to the correct pavilion. This approach is especially helpful when you have a meeting scheduled in a specific pavilion in the morning.

The Pazhou Ferry Terminal is also located right next to the complex—just about a five-minute walk away. While the terminal serves as a helpful landmark, be sure to plan your route to the specific pavilion based on its zone and number, rather than by the name of the pier.

Canton Fair Complex Zones: A, B, C, D

The exhibition complex is divided into four zones, housing pavilions 1 through 20. The zone letter helps you narrow down the area, while the pavilion number guides you to the specific building. Once inside, be sure to also check the floor and booth number.

Map of zones A, B, C, and D at the Canton Fair Complex.

The grounds are huge, so getting between distant pavilions can take up a significant part of your day. If you have meetings in different zones, allow enough time for travel and don't schedule them back-to-back without a break. If you're running late, let the other person know first, then continue on your way using the signs or the route in the app, rather than heading back to the original entrance.

Before you arrive, write down all the booths you need to visit and group them by zone → pavilion → floor. Within each group, arrange the booths in the order you plan to visit them so you don't have to cross the venue multiple times. Separately note your mandatory meetings and any booths that can be pushed to the end of the day.

The A–D map shows the layout of the pavilions, but not the distribution of goods across the exhibition stages. For your route, note down four landmarks: the zone, pavilion number, floor, and booth number. If a booth number changes in the schedule, update your note and re-check your visiting order.

Before exiting the metro, double-check the table: you can't determine the nearest entrance just by the name of the complex.

Entrances, Badges, Indoor Navigation at Canton Fair Complex

To enter the exhibition halls, you need a valid Buyer Badge: simply scan it at the turnstile reader and head on in once confirmed. You can use it for multiple exhibition sessions, so keep it safe and don't forget to bring it with you!

Registration centres for international buyers within the complex are located in zones B, C, and D. They are not located in every zone. If the line is long, ask the staff if there is a less busy center in zones B, C, or D at the moment. Only head there if the travel time will be less than the wait time on the spot.

To find the booths faster after you enter, plan your route in advance:

1. Make a list of exhibitors, products, and booth numbers.
2. Find the exhibitors and booths you need in the official Canton Fair app.
3. Group your meetings by zone, pavilion, and floor.
4. Save the booth numbers and the map offline.
5. Check your phone's battery and bring a power bank.
6. Leave yourself some extra time between meetings in different parts of the complex.

The Canton Fair app lets you search for exhibitors, products, and booths, plan your visit, and map out a route to your chosen booth. It helps minimize unnecessary walking, but once you're there, be sure to double-check your route against signs and pavilion numbers. If your internet connection is unstable or the app's route seems inaccurate, open your saved map and ask a staff member for help by showing them the booth number.

The complex features fast food outlets and cafes offering a variety of dishes and drinks. The selection of venues depends on the area and the time of day. Expect queues during lunch hours, so plan your break in advance. If your meeting schedule is tight, try to grab lunch during less busy times or bring a light snack that doesn't require refrigeration.

The venue also features business and VIP areas. Access to some of these spaces and services depends on your badge type or prior arrangements. If your meeting is scheduled in one of these areas, be sure to save the name of the zone and the contact information for your host in advance. If you're unable to get inside, arrange to meet in a public area of the complex.

Save the Chinese address of the complex and key route details outside of the app—for example, in a note or as a screenshot. That way, you can keep navigating even if you lose your connection.

What's Near the Canton Fair Exhibition Centre?

Near the venue, you'll find some handy spots for meetings, relaxation, and accommodation:

• Pazhou Ferry Terminal — a passenger terminal about a five-minute walk away and a prominent landmark near the complex;
• hotels are convenient if you want to cut down your morning commute to your chosen area;
• restaurants and cafes — perfect for business meetings outside the pavilions or a relaxing dinner after the exhibition;
• The Pearl River embankment is the perfect spot for a quick stroll after the exhibition.

When choosing a hotel, consider the distance to the complex and the necessary metro station. A hotel near Pazhou station is more convenient for zones B and C, while a hotel near Xingangdong is better for zones A and D. If your meetings are spread across different parts of the venue, choose an option with easy access to the metro line and allow extra time for getting around inside.

The Canton Fair takes place at one large venue, but the convenience of your route depends on the specific zone and pavilion. First, confirm the zone letter, then choose a metro station or hotel and save the Chinese address along with the booth numbers. To prepare for your trip, you can compare accommodation options in Guangzhou on Trip.com in advance, and then schedule your meetings by day. Save the zone table so you can quickly check it before you head out.