Stories from Guangzhou · China

Localized heavy rain, short-duration intense precipitation, thunderstorms, and possible hail are expected in certain areas. Rainfall is expected to concentrate in Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces as cold air moves south.

The 139th Canton Fair has completed two-thirds of its schedule following the conclusion of the second phase on April 27. The initiative allowed partners to gain a more comprehensive view of the entire industrial supply chain. Participants identified numerous potential new business partners during the sessions. The initiative aims to move beyond simple transactions to foster long-term industrial cooperation. This activity occurred as part of the broader Canton Fair trade activities. This process aims to deepen industrial value through direct factory engagement. The platform has already facilitated cooperation with three new Chinese suppliers through these direct factory visits. A 'Trade Bridge' initiative organized industry-specific activities in Zhejiang to connect top buyers directly with local manufacturers.

Guangdong Transportation Group will promote the experience of the Xuguang Expressway's Qingyuan section during the upcoming May Day holiday. Guangdong Province has launched a tourism incentive program to boost its cultural and tourism international appeal.

Italian buyer Maresca Paolo stated that the Canton Fair offers many business opportunities. The buyer's specific industry and the nature of the opportunities are not detailed.

A 2026 May Day holiday travel forecast indicates a shift from superficial visits to a demand for in-depth travel experiences. Tourists are increasingly seeking local experiences, preferring to avoid long queues for popular attractions. Hotel bookings for local accommodations have increased by 124% year-over-year, with the average stay extending from 1.8 to 2.6 nights. Travelers are using maps to plan routes and researching local attractions, sometimes opting for less-traveled areas. A traveler shared their approach to choosing travel destinations, prioritizing unique local experiences over popular tourist spots. They described a trip to Pattaya with family where they explored less-traveled areas by car, researching destinations based on driving time and local attractions.

A Bolivian buyer named Juan expressed admiration for Guangzhou's city lights and the Pearl River cruises, finding the city unexpectedly modern and futuristic. They noted the city's modernity and forward-looking feel. Cecilia from Venezuela also found the city very convenient and its people friendly. Retailers are seeing increased foreign customer spending on cosmetics, sportswear, and home appliances, particularly during the Canton Fair. A large shopping mall on Beijing Road has enhanced services with bilingual guides and promotions, and an innovative tax refund service streamlines the process to two to three minutes. Bolivian buyers have expressed appreciation for the modernity of Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou Tower tourist area has upgraded its cultural and tourism services to attract international visitors and facilitate economic exchange. Guangzhou Tower's tourism area has upgraded services for international visitors, aligning with themes of opening up and economic exchange. China has launched an intelligent service for offshore tax refunds, allowing for quick processing within two to three minutes via ID scanning. This initiative aims to make the refund process more efficient and convenient for international visitors. A Venezuelan buyer expressed satisfaction with the services and the friendliness of the people. China has fully promoted the tax-free shopping service, 'buy and refund immediately,' nationwide since April 2025.

Hundreds of thousands of overseas buyers attended the Canton Fair, with many exploring Guangzhou's attractions in the evenings. The Guangzhou Tower saw a 21% increase in overseas visitors during the 139th Canton Fair compared to the previous year.

Lai Junheng, deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong Provincial Fast Charging Industry Association, advised consumers on how to identify counterfeit charging heads.

Since the Canton Fair, foreign merchant visits to the Guangzhou Beijing Road store have increased by 5% compared to the same period last year. Guangzhou's mall has equipped bilingual guides and promotional information across its premises. The 2026 Beijing International Auto Show has attracted global attention, with a foreign automotive blogger organizing a tour for international enthusiasts to experience China's automotive industry transformation. Visitors were impressed by the high-tech and affordable models, questioning market access barriers in some overseas markets. The blogger's channel, 'Wheels on Fire,' has a large international following, particularly from the US, who express regret over not being able to access these vehicles.