The Canton Fair Complex (also called the Pazhou Complex) is Guangzhou’s flagship mega-venue for trade shows and exhibitions. Officially, it’s the China Import and Export Fair Complex on Pazhou Island (Haizhu District)—the main venue of the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) and many other expos.
If you’re visiting Guangzhou for business—or you want to understand how the Canton Fair works—this guide gives you the essentials: which metro station for which hall (A/B/C), how to move inside the complex, what to expect during fair weeks, and common mistakes.
Canton Fair Complex at a glance 📍⏱️
| What you need | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Official name | China Import and Export Fair Complex (“Canton Fair Complex”) |
| Location | Pazhou Island, Haizhu District, Guangzhou |
| Main halls | Usually referred to as Area/Hall A, B, C (different gates + metro exits) |
| Best transport | Metro Line 8 (+ Line 11 interchange at Pazhou) |
| Typical fair hours | Commonly listed 09:30–18:00 during Canton Fair opening days |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours for a quick visit; full day if attending an exhibition |
What is the Canton Fair Complex (and why it matters) ✅
This venue is best known as the home of the Canton Fair, one of China’s biggest trade events. But it’s not “one building”—it’s a district-sized exhibition campus with multiple zones (A/B/C), long corridors, security checkpoints, and nearby convention/hotel infrastructure.
Good mental model: treat it like an airport terminal + university campus combined: you need the right hall and the right entrance to avoid wasting time.
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
By metro (the smartest option) 🚇✅
The official Guangzhou city guide for the Canton Fair explains the simplest rule:
- Area A: Xingangdong Station (Line 8), Exit A
- Area B: Pazhou Station (Line 8), Exit A or B
- Area C: from Pazhou Station (Line 8), Exit C, walk ~300 m west
Pazhou Station is also an interchange between Line 8 and Line 11, and the station notes explicitly mention direct access to Areas B and C, with signage added to maps in late 2024.
Taxi / ride-hailing 🚕
Taxi is easiest if:
- you’re carrying samples/boxes
- you’re going to a very specific gate
- you’re leaving right after closing (when the metro is packed)
Pro move: set your destination to “Canton Fair Complex Area A/B/C” (not just “Pazhou Complex”), because the campus is huge.
Navigating Halls A/B/C without losing your mind 🧭✅
Start with the correct “Area”
Most first-timers waste time by entering the wrong zone and walking 20–30 minutes indoors.
Use this quick logic:
- Your exhibitor / invitation / badge info usually indicates Area A, B, or C
- Match that area to the correct metro station exit above
Inside the complex: plan “one direction”
The campus is built for scale. If you zig-zag, you’ll burn energy fast.
A practical strategy:
- Pick one hall block as your anchor
- Work outward in one direction
- Use breaks (food/water/restrooms) as “checkpoint resets”
Hours / operating times ⏱️
If you’re attending the Canton Fair
Many guides list Canton Fair opening hours as 09:30–18:00 on exhibition days (weekends included).
Always confirm your exact phase schedule and rules on the official fair channels.
If you’re visiting outside fair weeks
The complex is still used for exhibitions/events, but access depends on what’s happening that day (some days are “closed” unless you have a ticket/badge for a specific expo). Check the event calendar on the venue or organizer site.
Tickets / entry rules 💳
- The complex itself isn’t a “tourist attraction ticket”—entry depends on the event being held.
- For the Canton Fair, you typically need proper registration/badges to enter exhibition areas.
Tips & common mistakes ✅⚠️
✅ Choose the right metro exit for your Area (A/B/C)
This single step saves the most time.
✅ Arrive early on peak fair days
Crowds spike at opening and late afternoon departures (and taxi lines can be brutal).
⚠️ Don’t assume “Pazhou Station = every hall”
Area A is easiest via Xingangdong, while B/C are via Pazhou.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes
This is a “10,000–20,000 steps” place.
⚠️ Overplanning meetings across different areas
If you schedule back-to-back meetings in different zones, you’ll spend half your day walking.
✅ Pack your “expo kit”
- power bank 🔋
- water bottle 💧
- business cards / QR contact card 📲
- light jacket (A/C can be cold) 🧥
FAQ ❓
Which metro station is best for the Canton Fair Complex?
Most visitors use Line 8, with Xingangdong for Area A and Pazhou for Areas B/C.
Is Pazhou Station Line 11 connected to the complex?
Yes—Pazhou is an interchange (Lines 8 & 11) and is described as near the main Canton Fair venue, with exits serving Areas B/C.
What are typical Canton Fair opening hours?
Commonly listed as 09:30–18:00 during fair days, but confirm on your specific phase/event info.
Conclusion
The Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) is not hard—if you treat it like a system: pick the right Area (A/B/C), take the right metro station exit, and plan your route inside. Do that, and Guangzhou’s biggest business venue becomes efficient instead of exhausting.
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