Guangzhou

Guangzhou (Canton) is the engine of China's export economy. It's less polished than Shanghai but more authentic in many ways — Cantonese culture runs deep here. If you're in manufacturing, sourcing, or trade, Guangzhou is essential. The food scene alone is worth coming for.

Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) is one of China's busiest airports with direct flights to most of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The Airport Express metro (Line 3) connects to the city center in 40 minutes.

Guangzhou South Station is a major hub. Shenzhen is 30 minutes, Hong Kong West Kowloon is about 50 minutes, Shanghai is 8 hours. The Guangzhou–Shenzhen–HK route is one of the most-used rail corridors in China.

Guangzhou's metro has 16+ lines and is well-organized. Tianhe (the CBD) and Yuexiu (old town) are easily connected. The system is clean, cheap, and runs late. Buy a Yangcheng Tong card for convenient travel across metro, buses, and ferries.

Pearl River ferries connect districts along the waterfront — cheap and scenic. Didi works everywhere in the city. Traffic can be heavy around the trade fair districts, especially during Canton Fair season (April and October).

Guangzhou's modern CBD — towering office blocks, luxury malls (Taikoo Hui), and the Guangzhou IFC. This is the business and expat hub with the highest concentration of international restaurants and hotels.

The historic heart of Guangzhou. Yuexiu Park, the Five Goat Statue, and colonial-era architecture. Beijing Road is the main pedestrian shopping strip — always packed, very local, great street food.

Haizhu district houses the massive Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou) — the world's largest trade fair, held twice a year. The surrounding area fills with international buyers from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond during fair season.

The China Import and Export Fair runs every April and October, split into three phases. It's the world's biggest trade expo — hundreds of thousands of buyers descend on Guangzhou. Hotels book out months in advance. If you're in sourcing, this is unmissable.