Guangzhou wholesale markets and the Canton Fair: a buyer's guide
Short answer: Guangzhou has wholesale markets for almost every consumer product: Baima, Shisanhang and Shahe for clothing, Zhongda for fabrics, Yide Road for toys and general goods, and Guangzhou Beauty Exchange Center for cosmetics. Markets are best for small mixed orders and finding products fast; for larger or custom orders, use the stall to find the factory behind it. The Canton Fair at Pazhou runs twice a year; the autumn 2026 session is 15 October to 4 November in three phases.
Which market sells what
| Product | Markets | District |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Baima, Shisanhang, Zhanxi Road, Shahe | Yuexiu, Liwan, Tianhe |
| Fabrics and trims | Zhongda Fabric Market, Haiyin Cloth Art Concourse | Haizhu, Yuexiu |
| Shoes | Buyun World (Global International Trade Center) | Yuexiu |
| Leather bags | Baiyun World Leather Trading Center, Shiling | Baiyun, Huadu |
| Toys, stationery, gifts | Yide Road, Onelink International Plaza | Yuexiu |
| Cosmetics and beauty | Guangzhou Beauty Exchange Center | Baiyun |
| Electronics accessories | Guangzhou Electronics Wholesale Market, Liwan Plaza | Yuexiu, Liwan |
| Jewellery and jade | Hualin International Jade City, Panyu jewellery markets | Liwan, Panyu |
| Furniture | Sunlink Furniture City; Lecong Furniture City (Foshan) | Liwan; Shunde, Foshan |
| Tea | Fangcun Tea Market | Liwan |
Most markets open around 9:00 and close between 17:30 and 18:00. Clothing markets get busy early, so arrive in the morning. Opening hours and building names change, so confirm before you travel.
Market stall or factory?
A market stall is usually a showroom for a factory or a trader. That is useful:
- Buy at the market when you want small quantities of many different items, ready stock, or you are testing what sells.
- Go to the factory when you need your own logo, packaging or colours, a larger quantity, or consistent quality across repeat orders.
Ask the stall for its business card and whether it makes the goods itself. If it is a trader, the factory is often in Guangdong (Dongguan, Foshan, Shantou) or in Yiwu and Ningbo in Zhejiang.
Canton Fair 2026 dates
The China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) is held at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, Haizhu District, every spring and autumn. The autumn 2026 session (the 140th) runs in three phases:
- Phase 1, 15 to 19 October: machinery, electronics, industrial and technology products.
- Phase 2, 23 to 27 October: home goods, building materials, furniture and consumer goods.
- Phase 3, 31 October to 4 November: textiles, fashion, health and lifestyle products.
The spring session usually runs from mid-April to early May. Check the official site, cantonfair.org.cn, for exact dates and register as a buyer in advance.
How to buy safely in Guangzhou
- Take photos of every product and the stall number, and ask for the item code.
- Get a written order with quantity, price, colour, packing and delivery date, even for small orders.
- Pay a deposit, not the full amount, until goods are ready, and check them before the balance.
- Consolidate purchases from several stalls in one warehouse before shipping, so you pay for one shipment, not ten.
- Use a trusted local contact to check goods if you have already flown home.
Questions buyers ask
Can foreigners buy at Guangzhou wholesale markets?
Yes. Most markets sell to anyone who buys in wholesale quantities. Many stall owners speak some English, and prices are usually lower for larger quantities.
What is the minimum order at a Guangzhou market?
It depends on the stall. Ready-stock clothing is often sold by the pack or by the dozen; custom products need much larger quantities. Always ask before you negotiate.
Is the Canton Fair worth visiting for a small buyer?
Yes, if you go with a clear product list. In a few days you can meet many factories in your category. Pick the phase that matches your products.
How do I ship goods bought from several stalls?
Have each stall deliver to one warehouse or agent, check and repack them there, then ship everything together by express, air or sea.
Not in Guangzhou? We visit markets and factories for you, collect and check the goods, and consolidate them into one shipment. Message us on WhatsApp or send your product list.