Stories from Guangzhou · China

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.

Searches for Guangzhou as a travel destination have increased by 116% compared to the previous month, as of April 26th. Search interest for Guangzhou as a destination has increased by 116% compared to last month, according to Tongcheng Travel platform data as of April 26. The Guangzhou Tower tourist area has upgraded its cultural and tourism services to attract international visitors.

The aviation industry is a capital-intensive sector, and any seemingly cost-effective prepaid products reflect meticulously calculated financial strategies by airlines.

The second phase of the 139th Canton Fair concluded today in China. The Canton Fair in Guangzhou has introduced drone technology designed for beverage delivery. The robots are being demonstrated for elderly mobility assistance and accessibility. International buyers, including representatives from Mexico, are attending the exhibition to view the technology. Some exhibitors reported reaching preliminary procurement intentions during the event. Exhibitors are using these robots in various aisles to demonstrate functionality to international buyers. One exhibitor, Zhang Jingjing, reported that overseas purchasers expressed interest in their products. The fair also features traditional craftwork, such as silk and incense, which has led to immediate purchase intentions from foreign buyers. International buyers are observing the integration of these robotic systems in commercial settings.