广交会:世界看广货的“第一窗口”

Born in Guangzhou: A Natural Role Rooted in History

Why was the Canton Fair established in Guangzhou? The answer lies in over two thousand years of the Maritime Silk Road.

In the early years of the People’s Republic of China, the fair was created to break economic blockades and earn much-needed foreign exchange for national development. Guangzhou, with its deep-rooted trading tradition, was the natural choice. As early as the Qing dynasty, it was China’s sole port for foreign trade, and the prosperity of the Thirteen Factories district had already cemented its identity as a city connected to the world.

On April 25, 1957, the first China Export Commodities Fair opened at the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building in Guangzhou, showcasing over 10,000 products and securing $17.54 million in transactions. From that moment, the Canton Fair began its remarkable journey of linking China with the global economy.

Echoes of History: Three Generations of “Made-in-Guangzhou”

1960s–1970s: Masterpieces of Export Craftsmanship

In the 1960s and 70s, the most sought-after exhibits at the Canton Fair were exquisite traditional Guangdong handicrafts.

● Guangzhou embroidery (Yue embroidery), known for its rich composition and vivid colors, blended Western artistic styles and became prized by European collectors.

● Guangcai porcelain combined Jingdezhen porcelain bodies with Guangzhou decoration tailored to Western tastes; its armorial porcelain became a symbol of status among European elites.

● Ivory carvings, famed for their intricate openwork techniques, amazed the world—delicate ivory balls, as thin as paper, were hailed as the pinnacle of Eastern artistry.

These products represented not only the finest of Chinese craftsmanship but also a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

1980s: The Rise of “Made in Guangdong”

With the advent of reform and opening-up, the Canton Fair witnessed the rise of modern industry.

● Pearl River Refrigerator Factory (predecessor of Kelon) expanded globally from this platform, bringing Chinese appliances to international markets.

● Wanbao Appliances also leveraged the fair to introduce Chinese-made home appliances worldwide.

At the same time, state-owned and private enterprises began to take center stage. Brands like Midea and Kelon, now globally recognized, began their ascent here.

From 1978 to 1999, transaction volumes at the Canton Fair increased nearly fivefold, making it a powerful engine driving “Made in Guangdong” onto the world stage.

Today: “Smart Manufacturing in Guangzhou”Leads Innovation

At today’s Canton Fair, “Made-in-Guangzhou” has evolved into “Smart Manufacturing in Guangzhou.”

● Smart home solutions impress global buyers with integrated control systems and sensor-equipped products like intelligent massage bathtubs.

● Contemporary design meets “New Chinese Style”, combining materials like natural marble with eco-friendly finishes.

● Creative cultural products showcase sustainability, including fabrics made from recycled coffee grounds and plush items using renewable polyester fibers.

At the 138th Canton Fair, more than 2,900 high-quality enterprises, including national high-tech companies, participated. Guangzhou is now showcasing a new standard of Chinese quality, driven by innovation and sustainability.

From “Selling to the World” to “Buying from the World”

The Canton Fair has also witnessed a profound transformation in China’s foreign trade.

In its early years, export transactions accounted for over 30% of China’s total exports. After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the fair entered a golden era of growth.

In 2007 (the 101st session), it was renamed from the China Export Commodities Fair to the China Import and Export Fair, adding an import exhibition section and transforming into a two-way trade platform.

This subtle name change marked a major shift—from prioritizing exports to balancing imports and exports. Today, companies from over 40 countries and regions participate in the import section, bringing products like Turkish carpets, Korean cosmetics, and Malaysian coffee into Chinese households—making “buying from the world” a reality.

From more than 1,200 overseas buyers in 1957 to nearly 200,000 per session today, and from an exhibition space of 9,600 square meters to over 1.5 million square meters at the Pazhou Complex, the Canton Fair’s growth mirrors the rise of China’s foreign trade.

Meanwhile, “Made-in-Guangzhou” has continuously evolved—from traditional crafts like embroidery and porcelain, to modern manufacturing, to cutting-edge smart innovation—always in step with global trends.

As the 139th Canton Fair approaches, exhibitors in Pazhou are ready. What they bring is not just high-quality products, but also the enduring spirit of Guangzhou: innovation, openness, and confidence in Chinese quality.

Through this window, the world sees the strength and sophistication of Chinese manufacturing—and through the same window, China embraces the opportunities and possibilities of the world.