The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

Cathay Pacific’s insider guide on how to make the most of Hong Kong’s 2024 Canton Fair


China’s oldest and largest biannual trade fair is back for another Fall instalment in Guangzhou, China. The 136th Canton Fair is scheduled for 15 October - 4 November 2024 and will feature manufacturers and suppliers from a diverse range of industries coming together to showcase their products. Attracting upwards of 150,000 people each session, the Fair promises to connect sellers with buyers at an international level all in pursuit of the next big thing to make their business stand out.

The event, which caters to first-time visitors and regular attendees, can prove to be quite overwhelming, so here are some tips on what to bring, how to get there, and how visitors can make the most of their trip:

How to get there: Canton Fair is hosted biannually at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. If you’re travelling in from Australia, Cathay Pacific flies to Hong Kong up to four times daily from Sydney, three times daily form Melbourne, and six times per week from Brisbane and Perth. The airline also offers a frequent air-to-sea connection – which allows visitors to combine their flight to Hong Kong with a direct ferry from Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPier to Pazhou, where the Canton Fair is held. Cathay Pacific has also put together a complete step-by-step guide to getting to Pazhou to make your journey easier.

Get a ticket: All visitors must have a valid ticket, or be registered as a buyer. Australian and other foreign buyers can register for the Fair here and collect their buyer’s badge at the Canton Fair or affiliated hotels and the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Tickets may also be purchased at collection points, as well as same-day tickets available at the door.

Look into visa requirements: Earlier this year, the Chinese Mainland introduced a 15 day visa-waiver for Australians and other select foreign countries. From July 1, 2024 till December 31, 2025, Australians can land in China simply with their passport and proof of return flight is not required, however a stay of only 15 days is permitted. For information on how to extend your visa duration, contact the China Immigration Service Hotline.

When to go: The Fair is spread across different dates, corresponding to different sectors and industries. It’s advised for visitors to check which phase they may be most interested in ahead of time. Learn more about each phase here.

Book accommodation early: As the event gets nearer, the cost of hotels rise in line with demand, so visitors are advised to book their room early. Not sure where to stay? Check out Cathay Holidays and search for the right Guangzhou hotel for you. Best of all, if you’re a Cathay member you’ll be able to gain access to perks depending on the property and earn Asia Miles upon booking.

Download Alipay and WeChat: The Chinese Mainland has increasingly moved away from physical cash, with people instead paying for goods through digital apps such as Alipay and using WeChat as their primary social media platform. These applications are free to download through your device app store, and are simple, easy to set up, and secure.

Pack the essentials: The Fair stretches over an expansive venue, and visitors are advised to dress smart but practical. Other key items to bring include the Canton Fair badge, business cards, portable phone charger, an umbrella, and a water bottle. Essentials like these are also available to purchase on the Cathay Shop.

The Spring 2024 Canton Fair promises to be a landmark event, filled with new product showcases and business news. For more information and to see flight times and prices, visit cathaypacific.com/au

Image credit: Hym Chu

Property Times

Rubber vs Concrete Wheel Stops: Which is Better for Your Car Park?

When it comes to setting up a car park in Perth, wheel stops are a small feature that make a big difference. From improving driver accuracy to preventing costly damage, the right choice between rubber and concrete wheel stops could save you time, mon...

What Is the Australian Government First Home Buyers Scheme About?

For many Australians, buying a first home can feel like a daunting task—especially with rising property prices, tight lending rules, and the challenge of saving for a deposit. To ease this burden, the Australian Government has introduced a First ...

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages and risks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, ...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial intricacies of real estate demand more than just basic bookkeeping. A si...

Food & Dining

Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

If you follow wellness content on social media or in the news, you’ve probably heard that processed food is not just unhealthy, but can cause serious harm. Eating a diet dominated by highly processed foods means you’re likely to consume more kil...

Italian Street Kitchen: A Nation’s Favourite with Expansion News on Horizon

Successful chef brothers, Enrico and Giulio Marchese, weigh in on their day-to-day at Australian foodie favourite, Italian Street Kitchen - with plans for ‘ambitious expansion’ to be announced in the coming months.  Italian Street Kitchen: A slice o...

Après Skrew: Peanut Butter Whiskey Turns Australia’s Winter Parties Upside Down

This August, winter in Australia is about to get a lot nuttier. Skrewball Whiskey, the cult U.S. peanut butter whiskey that’s taken the world by storm, is bringing its bold brand of chaos to Aussie shores with Après Skrew: a mash-up of alpine energy...

450 people queue for first taste of Pappa Flock’s crispy chicken as first restaurant opens in Queensland

Queenslanders turned out in flocks for the opening of Pappa Flock's first Queensland restaurant, with 450 people lining up to get their hands on the TikTok famous crispy crunchy chicken tenders. The highly anticipated opening comes after months of d...

Business Times

From Farms to Festivals: How Regional NSW Is Repurposing Shipping…

Regional NSW communities are repurposing containers for farms, tourism, and events Farmers and small businesses use them...

Nail it with points: Flybuys members can redeem points for instan…

Flybuys launches new in-store redemption at Bunnings stores across Australia Tuesday 19 August, 2025 – Flybuys, Australia’s ...

Understanding Energy Use Patterns by Season

Australia’s climate changes noticeably across the year. These seasonal changes don’t just affect what we wear or how we trave...

The Times Features

Do you really need a dental check-up and clean every 6 months?

Just over half of Australian adults[1] saw a dental practitioner in the past 12 months, most commonly for a check-up[2]. But have you been told you should get a check-up and c...

What is a Compounding Pharmacy and Why Do You Need One in Melbourne?

Ever picked up a prescription and thought, this pill is too big, too bitter, or full of things I cannot have? That is where a compounding chemist becomes important. A compounding p...

Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Which One Do Perth Homes Really Need?

Whether you live in a coastal home in Cottesloe or a modern apartment in East Perth, keeping your living space clean isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s essential for your health and...

Rubber vs Concrete Wheel Stops: Which is Better for Your Car Park?

When it comes to setting up a car park in Perth, wheel stops are a small feature that make a big difference. From improving driver accuracy to preventing costly damage, the right c...

Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

If you follow wellness content on social media or in the news, you’ve probably heard that processed food is not just unhealthy, but can cause serious harm. Eating a diet domin...

What happens if I eat too much protein?

The hype around protein[1] intake doesn’t seem to be going away. Social media is full of people urging you to eat more protein, including via supplements such as protein sha...