“What a pleasant surprise! I love the wide variety of products here!” On April 23, the second phase of the 139th China Import and Export Fair (also known as the Canton Fair) opened in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, focusing on the theme of “Quality Home Living” and lasting until April 27.

The on-site exhibition area covers 515,000 square meters, with 25,000 booths, including three major sections: household items, gifts and decorations, building materials and furniture. Four new special zones have been set up for fashion accessories, bamboo and wood tableware, bamboo and wood home products, and integrated housing and courtyard facilities.

In the fashion accessories zone, freshwater pearls, synthetic jewelry, and intangible cultural heritage craft accessories are displayed in dazzling arrays, from modern sparkling jewelry to time-honored intangible heritage skills, showcasing a new trend of diverse aesthetics. Exhibitor Ms. Shao from Shangqiu, Henan Province, said: “We have brought lab-grown diamonds this time, which are exquisitely beautiful, and we have already reached preliminary cooperation intentions with buyers from Russia, the Middle East, and Vietnam.”

In the building and decoration materials exhibition area, exhibitor Mr. Huang from Dongguan, Guangdong Province, introduced: “We mainly bring specialty products such as multi-surface tiles, digital mold tiles, and digital positioning glue dry particle tiles, with green production processes. Today we received buyers from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. We hope to showcase China’s dual exploration of ceramic texture craftsmanship and cultural innovation to global buyers through this Canton Fair.”

In the integrated housing and courtyard facilities zone, overseas buyer Patrick and his team looked at a mobile kitchen with bright eyes. This detachable, eco-friendly product caught their attention. “This product is not only easy to move but also has noise reduction features, which deeply attracted me. I plan to evaluate the feasibility of introducing the mobile kitchen for local sales.”

Exhibitor Mr. Sheng from Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, said frankly: “We have been in domestic sales for nearly 20 years and are now gradually transitioning to exports. This is our first time participating in the Canton Fair, and we are very excited, hoping to gain more overseas orders.”

China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)

The China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, is a major biannual trade fair held in Guangzhou, China. Established in 1957, it is the oldest and largest trade fair in China, serving as a crucial platform for international trade and economic cooperation. The fair has played a significant role in China’s economic development and global trade expansion, showcasing a wide range of products from Chinese manufacturers.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, is a major port and cultural hub with a history spanning over 2,200 years. It was a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and has long been a center for trade and foreign exchange. Today, it is known for its blend of Cantonese culture, modern skyscrapers, and historic sites like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Canton Tower.

Guangdong Province

Guangdong Province, located on the southern coast of China, has a rich history as a key hub for maritime trade and cultural exchange, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties. It was the birthplace of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and played a pivotal role in modern Chinese history as the site of the Opium Wars and the revolutionary activities of Sun Yat-sen. Today, Guangdong is a major economic powerhouse known for its Cantonese culture, cuisine, and the Pearl River Delta’s industrial and technological development.

Shangqiu

Shangqiu, located in eastern Henan Province, China, is one of the country’s oldest cities, with a history spanning over 4,000 years. It is considered the birthplace of the Shang Dynasty and served as an early capital, with notable cultural sites like the Ancient Sui Yang City and the Shangqiu Ancient City Wall reflecting its imperial past. Today, it is recognized as a key historical and cultural center, preserving numerous relics from China’s ancient dynasties.

Henan Province

Henan Province, located in central China, is widely regarded as the cradle of Chinese civilization due to its rich historical heritage. It served as the political, economic, and cultural center of ancient China for over 3,000 years, with capitals of several dynasties, including the Shang and Zhou, located within its borders. Today, Henan is home to iconic landmarks such as the Shaolin Temple, the Longmen Grottoes, and the ruins of the ancient capital Yinxu.

Dongguan

Dongguan is a major manufacturing hub in China’s Guangdong province, historically known as a center for the opium trade during the 19th century, notably as the site of Lin Zexu’s campaign to destroy confiscated opium. Today, it has transformed into a modern industrial city, famous for its electronics and textile production. The city also preserves cultural sites like the Keyuan Garden, a classic example of Qing Dynasty architecture.

Wenzhou

Wenzhou is a coastal city in Zhejiang Province, China, known for its thriving private sector and entrepreneurial culture. Historically, it was an important port during the Tang and Song dynasties, and it gained prominence as a treaty port after the 1876 Treaty of Yantai. Today, Wenzhou is famous for its distinctive architecture, such as the historic Jiangxin Temple, and its role as a hub for manufacturing and commerce.

Zhejiang Province

Zhejiang Province, located on China’s eastern coast, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. Historically, it was a key center for the Neolithic Liangzhu culture, dating back over 5,000 years, and later became a hub for trade and silk production during the Tang and Song dynasties. Today, Zhejiang is a prosperous region, blending ancient traditions with modern economic growth.