History of the Canton Fair:
The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, has a rich history that reflects China’s economic development and its transition into a global trade powerhouse. Here are some key milestones in the history of the Canton Fair:
- 1956: The precursor to the Canton Fair, known as the “China Export Commodities Exhibition,” was held in Guangzhou. This event laid the foundation for what would become the Canton Fair.
- 1957: The first official Canton Fair, then called the “Chinese Export Commodities Fair,” took place on April 25th, 1957, at the China-Soviet Friendship Building in Guangzhou.
- 1958: The venue for the fair moved to No. 2 Qiaoguang Road, and the export turnover exceeded 100 million US dollars for the first time.
- 1959: The venue was relocated to Qiyi Road, covering a significantly larger area, and continued to grow over the years.
- 1972: After the publication of the Sino-US Joint Communiqué, the Canton Fair saw the participation of American businessmen for the first time in over 20 years, signifying a thaw in Sino-US trade relations.
- 1974: The fair was relocated to the new Canton Fair compound in Liuhua Road, which later expanded to include the Pazhou Complex.
- 1986: Extensive renovations and upgrades were carried out at the Canton Fair venue, marking its 60th anniversary.
- 1989: The export turnover exceeded US$10 billion for the first time, and the fair’s duration was reduced from 20 days to 15 days.
- 1993: The Canton Fair introduced a reform that organized the fair according to “provincial and municipal groups, according to the group.” This change greatly increased the number of exhibitors.
- 1994: The fair began organizing exhibitions by “provincial and municipal groups, chamber of commerce, combination of pavilions, and industry exhibitions,” creating six major industry pavilions.
- 2002: The Canton Fair introduced a major reform by dividing it into two sessions, each lasting six days, with a four-day gap between them. This reform significantly expanded the exhibition area and exhibitor participation.
- 2007: An import exhibition area was added to the Canton Fair, enhancing its role as a platform for products from around the world to enter the Chinese market.
- 2008: The Canton Fair fully relocated to the Pazhou Complex, marking its fourth overall relocation. Both Pazhou and Liuhua complexes were utilized.
The Name “Canton Fair” and Its Location:
- The Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou, China. Guangzhou is also referred to as “Canton” in the Cantonese language.
- “Canton” is the historical name of Guangzhou, and it was used in the past when referring to this city in English.
- The official name of the fair is “China Import and Export Fair.” However, due to Guangzhou’s historical association with the name “Canton” in English, people commonly refer to it as the “Canton Fair.”
Canton Fair Complex Address:
- The Canton Fair Complex, also known as the Guangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Center or Pazhou International Exhibition Center, is located on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou, China.
- The address of the Canton Fair Complex is: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China.
- The complex is the largest modernized exhibition center in Asia, with vast indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, making it an ideal venue for hosting the Canton Fair.
The Canton Fair continues to play a pivotal role in global trade, fostering business connections and showcasing China’s economic growth and development over the years.
Canton Fair Layout and Transportation Guide
