The 136th Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou, China, from October 15 to November 4, 2024. Traveling to Guangzhou by high-speed train is a convenient and efficient way to attend this major event. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you take the train and make your way from the high-speed rail stations in Guangzhou to the Canton Fair Complex.
How to purchase tickets and take the trains
This video will walk you through the essential steps for taking trains to Guangzhou—making your journey stress-free and smooth.
Key steps for traveling by train to Guangzhou:
1. Booking tickets: Foreign passengers can book tickets online through the China Railway website 12306.cn or the 12306 app. Please remember to register and complete the identity verification before booking. If online verification fails, visit the station's ticket office with your passport.
2. Entering the station: Keep your passport handy as it will be your key to enter the waiting hall. Swipe it at self-service machines or try the manual lanes.
3. Train information: Keep an eye on the information board to find your train's check-in gate and boarding status. Remember, green means go!
4. Boarding the train: Get to the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Swipe your passport again at the check-in gate and follow the signs to find your train and coach.
5. Onboard services: Many trains provide food and beverages—just ask the staff for available options.
Six high-speed rail stations in Guangzhou
1. Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站)
- Located in Yuexiu District.
- Crisscrossed with Guangzhou-Shenzhen Railway, Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and Guangzhou-Sanshui Railway
- Approximately 17 km away from the Canton Fair Complex.
- Metro to the Canton Fair Complex: Take Line 2 (towards Guangzhou South Railway Station) to Changgang Station, transfer to Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei), and exit at either Xingangdong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Area B/C).
2. Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站)
- Located in Tianhe District.
- Handles passenger trains from the Guangzhou-Shenzhen, Guangzhou-Kowloon, and Beijing-Kowloon railways.
- Approximately 10 km from the Canton Fair Complex.
- Metro to the Canton Fair Complex: Take Line 3 (towards Panyu Square) to Kecun Station, transfer to Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei), and exit at Xingangdong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Area B/C).
3. Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)
- A hub for high-speed trains located in Panyu District.
- Handles lines including Wuhan-Guangzhou Express Railway and Guangzhou-Shenzhen Intercity MRT.
- Approximately 23 km from the Canton Fair Complex.
- Metro to the Canton Fair Complex: Take Line 2 (towards Jiahe Wanggang) to Changgang Station, transfer to Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei), and exit at Xingangdong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Area B/C).
4. Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station (广州白云站)
- Located in Baiyun District.
- Handles both ordinary passenger and high-speed trains.
- Approximately 19 km from the Canton Fair Complex, 10 km northwest of downtown Guangzhou, and 25 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
- Metro to the Canton Fair Complex: Take Line 8 (towards Wanshengwei) to Xingangdong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Area B/C).
5. Guangzhou North Railway Station (广州北站)
- Located in Huadu District.
- Serves both high-speed and ordinary trains.
- Approximately 42 km from the Canton Fair Complex, 34 km northwest of downtown Guangzhou, and 15 km from Baiyun International Airport.
- Metro to the Canton Fair Complex: Guangzhou North Railway Station (Line 9, towards Gaozeng) -- Gaozeng Station (Line 3 North Extension, towards Tiyu Xilu) -- Tiyu Xilu Station (Line 3, towards Panyu Square) -- Kecun Station (Line 8) -- Xingangdong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Area B/C).
6. Xintang Railway Station (新塘站)
- Located in Zengcheng District.
- Serves the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Railway and the Guangzhou-Shanwei High-Speed Railway.
- Metro to the Canton Fair Complex: Xintang Station (Line 13, towards Yuzhu) -- Chebeinan Station (Line 5, towards Jiaokou) -- Wanshengwei Station (Line 4, towards Nansha Passenger Port) -- Wanshengwei Station (Line 8, towards Jiaoxin) -- Xingangdong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Area B/C).
With Guangzhou's extensive railway network, traveling to the Canton Fair is made easy with direct metro connections from the major railway stations. Enjoy the fair!
More info
Guangzhou Railway Service Hotline: 87157222
Hong Kong-Guangzhou High-Speed Rail Train Schedule: https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/res/pdf/short-haul-train-timetable.pdf
Reporter | Chen Longyan, Chen Siyuan, Li Muzi
Video | Pan Jiajun
Poster | Jocelyn Cai
Cover image | Nanfang Daily
Source | GDToday, Canton Fair
Editor | Nina, James
