Stories from Guangzhou · China

Inbound taxi ride orders in Guangzhou increased by 83% during the first phase of the 139th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair.

Inbound taxi ride orders in Guangzhou increased by 83% during the first phase of the 139th Canton Fair spring session. Guangzhou hotel and homestay occupancy and booking rates have also seen a increase alongside the 83% rise in taxi orders. Platform data shows a simultaneous rise in hotel and homestay bookings and reservations in the city. The growth is driven by international exhibitors and participants from Belt and Road Initiative countries. The third phase of the fair is scheduled to take place from May 1 to May 5.

The domestic C919 aircraft has successfully launched a new flight route to Guangzhou. The aircraft has now reached its 23rd commercial city with the successful opening of the Guangzhou route. The service is intended to support connectivity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta. As of April 25, the Yangtze River Delta railway has also completed sea-rail intermodal transport.

The kitchenware exhibition area at the 139th Canton Fair has expanded to over 70,000 square meters. The section features more than 3,300 individual booths. International buyers report growth in customized high-quality orders for Chinese-manufactured products. The scale of the exhibition marks it as the largest area in the second phase of the fair. The expansion reflects the scale of Chinese manufacturing and global trade standards. The 139th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, drew 167,000 buyers from 216 countries and regions to Guangzhou. This represents a 5.9% increase in the number of participating buyers. The second phase of the fair focused on quality home furnishings, green building materials, and smart home technology. The event highlights international interest in Chinese manufacturing and economic stability.

The Canton Fair in Guangzhou has attracted 167,000 buyers from 216 countries and regions during its first phase, a 5.9% increase year-on-year. The fair provides insights into future industry development and demonstrates its appeal to African merchants. Kenyan buyers are seeking direct interaction with Chinese suppliers to reduce costs and increase profits. International buyers are actively engaging at the Canton Fair, comparing product features and prices. The proportion of new, green, and autonomous products has risen to over 20%. This trend is a characteristic of current port passenger flow. Companies are accelerating digital and low-carbon technology iteration, moving from 'Made in China' to 'Created in China' and advancing to the mid-to-high end of the global industrial chain. Products focused on green, low-carbon, and intelligent manufacturing now constitute over 20% of offerings.

Guangzhou experienced an 83% year-on-year increase in taxi orders, alongside a significant rise in hotel and guesthouse bookings. Guangzhou experienced a significant increase in tourism activity during the first phase of the 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair). Platform data indicates that ride-hailing orders for inbound users in Guangzhou grew by 83% during this period. The surge coincides with the high volume of domestic and foreign merchants attending the trade event. Officials noted the surge reflects increased confidence in the Chinese economy and products among international purchasers.

The 139th Canton Fair's second phase is underway, focusing on quality home goods that drive global green consumption trends. Visitors are also touring landmarks such as the 460-meter high Canton Tower. The Canton Fair has introduced nine new specialized zones covering smart manufacturing, green low-carbon technology, and intelligent consumption. A dedicated drone zone features products ranging from palm-sized models to large-scale agricultural drones capable of operating in harsh electromagnetic environments. One exhibitor reported receiving validation from 17 countries for a drone manufactured in December. The fair also debuted a section for integrated housing and courtyard facilities, including modular container homes. Over 61% of participating exhibitors are utilizing new technologies such as industrial internet and artificial intelligence in their production or services.

Novo Nordisk has announced plans to expand its production facility in Guangzhou, China, as part of a broader investment strategy in the region. The expansion follows similar announcements from Schneider Electric regarding new facilities in Wuxi and Beijing. These moves signal continued multinational commitment to the Chinese market despite global economic shifts.

Local tea and textile suppliers in Guangzhou are facing increased operational costs due to global conflict and economic uncertainty. Suppliers report fears that they will be forced to absorb these extra costs because international clients are unwilling to pay higher prices. Despite the uncertainty, the region continues to attract global buyers seeking stability. Textile industry association head Kosi Dukdat stated that continuing production has lost economic significance.