Every April and October, thousands of global buyers fly to Guangzhou for the Canton Fair — one of the world’s largest sourcing events for importers.
But not everyone can make the trip.
Does that mean you miss your chance to find good suppliers?
👉 Not anymore.
The way we source from China is changing — and much of it now happens online.
💻 1. Explore the Online Canton Fair
Since 2020, the Canton Fair has built a complete digital platform — the Online Canton Fair.
Here, you can:
- Browse virtual booths
- Watch product demo videos
- Contact suppliers directly through built-in messaging
Most offline exhibitors are also active online,
so you can reach them anytime, anywhere — no flight required.
🔗 Official site: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn
🎥 2. Ask for a Live Video Call or Factory Tour
Many suppliers now host live video sessions using Zoom, WhatsApp,
or the Canton Fair’s own online video system.
These live sessions help you:
- See the factory floor and production lines
- Ask product questions in real time
- Verify quality and packaging details
It’s like visiting the factory — just virtually.
🤝 3. Work with a Local Sourcing Agent
A trusted local sourcing agent in China can help you bridge the distance.
They can:
- Visit factories in industrial cluster, such as Qingdao, Yiwu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen
- Verify product quality and collect samples
- Negotiate pricing and manage follow-ups
- Handle order fulfillment and logistics
Working with someone on the ground saves time,
reduces miscommunication, and ensures smoother production.
The Future of Global Sourcing
With today’s digital tools and local partnerships,
you don’t need to wait for one or two trade shows each year.
You can now source smarter, faster, and more transparently — all year round.
About the Author
Meini Li — Founder of ChinaBuy Sourcing
Meini Li helps global buyers find reliable factories in China —
managing sourcing, communication, quality control, and logistics from start to finish.
