It's time again for The Canton Fair.

The fall session is about to start, and Guangzhou will once again be filled with foreign business people, exploring the best of Chinese manufacturers gathered in one place. The fall session of Canton fair is held in 3 phases, each phase focusing on certain product categories. For fall 2012, the phases are:

1st phase: Oct 15th-19th
2nd phase: Oct 23rd-27th
3rd phase: Oct 31st-Nov 4th

The categories on display at each of the phases are:

Phase 1, Oct 15-19 2012

Electronics and household Electrical Appliances
Lighting equipment
Vehicles and spare parts
Machinery
Hardware and tools
Building materials
Chemical products
International Pavilion

Phase 2, Oct 23-27 2012

Consumer goods
Gifts
Home decorations

Phase 3, Oct 31-Nov 4 2012

Textiles and garments
Shoes
Office supplies, cases & bags, recreation products
Medicines, medical devices and health products
Food
International pavilion

Registration is free for foreigners, and they can use their badge for several years. Chinese people have to pay a daily fee of ca 330 CNY to attend the fair. Most exhibitors will have English speaking staff at the fair, so an interpreter is usually not needed, although in some cases it may help with the negotiations