The Canton Fair complex sits in Pazhou, in Guangzhou's Haizhu District. Reaching it is straightforward. What trips up a lot of international buyers is everything around it: an early airport arrival with luggage and samples, a supplier meeting across town, a factory in another city, and a halal dinner before heading back to the hotel. Below is an honest comparison of the four main options, and which one suits which kind of trip. This guide is for all Canton Fair buyers deciding between metro, taxi, ride-hailing and a private chauffeur. If your plans also need to work around halal meals and prayer, see our companion Canton Fair transportation guide for Muslim buyers.
Metro vs taxi vs ride-hailing vs private driver
| Option | Good for | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Simple, direct routes on your own; lowest cost. Line 8 and the APM serve the Pazhou / fair area. | Less convenient with luggage or samples, and awkward when you have several business stops in a day. |
| Taxi | Point-to-point trips without an app. | Availability varies at peak fair times; language and payment can sometimes be inconvenient for international visitors. |
| Ride-hailing | On-demand rides around the city. | May require local app setup, a payment method and Chinese-language navigation. |
| Private driver | Airport + hotel + fair + supplier + factory + restaurant combinations; groups; changing schedules. | Costs more than a single metro ride, but you keep one vehicle for the day and don't re-arrange transport at every stop. |
None of these is "best" in the abstract. A solo buyer with a light schedule and no luggage can do a lot on the metro. A small team visiting three suppliers and a factory in one day will usually save time and stress with a private car.
The best transport strategy for different buyers
Airport transfer + metro
A private airport transfer to start, then the metro for simple fair days — and a private car when your schedule gets busy.
Private car
Two to six people with bags and samples are usually better off sharing one vehicle than splitting across taxis.
Full-day private driver
Keep one driver for the day so you can move between factories and meetings without re-coordinating each ride.
Private vehicle
For trips that leave the city to visit suppliers, a private vehicle handles the intercity legs and the local stops together.
Private driver + halal dining support
A private car plus help identifying halal restaurants along your route, so meals fit the day instead of interrupting it.
Airport transfers
After a long international flight, the last thing you want is to work out local transport. A private airport transfer means your driver is arranged before you land, and takes you straight to your hotel, the fair, or a business destination. Common routes:
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) → Hotel
- Hotel → Airport (for departure)
- Airport → Canton Fair complex (Pazhou)