Start with classic Cantonese dim sum to energize for the day; try har gow, siu mai and steamed rice rolls. Many Cantonese dim sum places open early (around 7:30am) and serve freshly made items.
Check into a hotel near Pazhou (if possible) or Tianhe for quickest access to the Canton Fair; use this time to register for the Fair badge if you haven't already. Most hotels allow luggage drop earlier than official check-in.
A beautifully preserved Qing-dynasty complex showcasing wood and ceramic craftsmanship — a quick cultural primer on Cantonese arts. Open typically 8:30am–5:30pm, allow time for photos and a short walkthrough.
Relaxed walk on this tree-lined, colonial-era island with cafés, historic buildings and a laid-back atmosphere — good for photos and light shopping. Shamian is open most hours and is an easy mellow afternoon stop.
A 60–90 minute river cruise shows Guangzhou’s illuminated skyline including Canton Tower and Haizhu Bridge — excellent for evening views. Typical cruises depart around 7:00–8:00pm; book in advance if possible.
Sample Cantonese specialties or seafood along the bustling Shangxiajiu pedestrian shopping street; great place for late-night Cantonese cuisine and street snacks. Many restaurants stay open until 10:00pm+.
Have a filling, quick breakfast so you can arrive at the Canton Fair early — many exhibitors and buyers start at opening time. Local bakeries and hotel buffets open early (6:30–8:00am).
Take Metro Line 8 or a taxi to Pazhou Exhibition Centre to get through registration and pick up badges before peak crowd times. Travel time depends on hotel location but plan ~30–45 minutes from central Tianhe/Yuexiu.
Explore product categories, meet suppliers and collect samples; the Canton Fair typically runs 9:00am–6:00pm during exhibition days. Pre-register online for a badge to skip queues (entry is commonly free with registration).
Eat at the on-site food court or nearby restaurants for convenience; expect basic Chinese and international options to keep you on schedule. Food courts inside/near Pazhou operate through the exhibition hours.
After a full exhibition day, rest at your hotel, sort business cards and plan meetings for the next day. This is a good time to follow up by email with contacts made at the fair.
Choose a mid-range Cantonese restaurant near your hotel or Tianhe — a comfortable dinner to review samples and paperwork from the fair. Tianhe has many choices open until late evening.
Use this day to finalize supplier meetings, inspect samples and negotiate small orders; exhibition hours usually 9:00am–6:00pm. Bring business cards and a scanner or phone to record supplier details.
A quick lunch at the fair or a nearby café to keep afternoon meetings on schedule; many booths also host buyers for light meals. Allow an hour for food and follow-ups.
Visit Canton Tower for panoramic city views and the colorful night illumination — observation decks typically open into the late evening (approx 9:30–10:30pm). Book tickets in advance for the best time slot.
Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner or Cantonese specialties along the river after the tower visit; many riverside places serve late into the evening. Good way to debrief supplier meetings while sampling local dishes.
A relaxed breakfast to prepare for a day of light sightseeing and shopping before departure. Local bakeries open early and are good for takeaway if you’re on a tight schedule.
Modern museum showcasing Guangdong history and art; permanent exhibitions are typically free but require online reservation and entry is usually 9:00am–5:00pm. Great for a concise cultural overview before you leave.
Visit Guangzhou’s largest park and the symbolic Five Rams sculpture for photos and a taste of local life; park hours are generally early morning to early evening. It’s a short cultural stop near the museum area.
Try a mid-day Cantonese banquet or classic dishes in a garden-style setting — a pleasant final lunch in Guangzhou. Allow 1–1.5 hours depending on menu and company.
Browse shops, malls and archaeological sites along Beijing Road for souvenirs, textiles and electronics; pedestrian street shops typically open 10:00am–10:00pm. Good last-minute shopping before heading to the station or airport.
Allow ample time for travel and security (airport 1.5–2 hours, train station 1 hour recommended). Plan transportation based on flight/train time and current traffic conditions.