Guangzhou, known historically as Canton or Kwangchow, located insouthern China on the Pearl River, about 120 km north-northwest of Hong Kong, is the main manufacturing hub of the Pearl River Delta, one of mainland China's leading commercial and manufacturing regions, Guangzhou is a key national transportation hub and trading port too. 

The China Import and Export Fair, also called "Canton Fair", is held every year in April and October by Ministry of Trading. Inaugurated in the spring of 1957, the Fair is a major event for the city. From the 104th session, Liuhua Complex is not in use to hold Canton Fair. All the booths have been transferred to Pazhou Complex. From the 104th session, Canton Fair has been arranged in 3 phases instead of 2 phases.