Canton Fair Phase 1: The real work starts after the fair
Unexpected technologies, surprising price comparisons and a short list of manufacturers worth visiting. Our first phase in Guangzhou has already moved beyond introductions.
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Notes from the field
Short, honest notes from fairs, factories and markets. What we saw, not what the brochure says.
First day at the Canton Fair: finding my bearings
A first look at the Canton Fair: promising products, details worth questioning and the unexpected appeal of manufacturing equipment.
Read the noteApple Pay? Not here. Day 3 in Guangzhou.
On our third day in Guangzhou, we're getting used to paying through Alipay and WeChat, and discovering how much else WeChat does.
Read the noteFirst days in Guangzhou: beyond the language barrier
A few days ahead of the Canton Fair, we're discovering Guangzhou, its food, its people and the importance of understanding the local culture.
Read the noteCanton Fair, autumn 2026: what we're going to look for
Three phases, three weeks and one very large building in Pazhou. Here's how we plan to spend it, and how you can put us to work while we're there.
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