FESPA China & CSGIA 2014, 19-21 November 2014, will be held in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province and the largest city in Southern China. 

Guangzhou is China’s third largest city, with an urban population of 11 million people. Founded in 214 BC, it is now a prime example of a modern Chinese metropolis and has established itself as a centre for trading and cultural exchanges, making it an ideal host city for an international trade event.

The move from Shanghai to Guangzhou for FESPA China 2014 is consistent with the CSGIA’s event which has traditionally moved between the two cities. Moving south to Guangzhou, the electronic and clothing manufacturing centre of China, will attract a new regional audience to the existing FESPA China and CSGIA’s visitor base.

FESPA China 2014 will occupy 30,000m² of floor space at the Poly World Trade Expo in Guangzhou, housing more than 400 exhibitors for the screen, digital and textile industries. The venue, located next to the Pazhou metro station, holds over 40 exhibitions a year within its easy to navigate, air conditioned halls.

Visitors to FESPA China & CSGIA will find that the weather in Guangzhou in November is generally sunny and dry with very little rain and an average temperature of 20 degrees, making it a pleasant time of year to visit.

Transport

Poly World Trade Expo was chosen with international visitors in mind due to its proximity to the airport. Visitors from overseas or Northern China will arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is serviced by all major Asian airlines and welcomes 31 million passengers per year. Guangzhou has a good public transport system running from the airport to the venue and city centre. Visitors can hail a taxi or catch a train straight to the Poly World Trade Expo Center Pazhou. 

The majority of people in Guangzhou use public transportation so the transport system is very reliable. Buses and taxis make up the majority of road traffic and are readily available for visitors at accessible prices.

Ghangzhou’s modern metro system is popular not only with the locals, but with visitors too due to its bilingual route maps, ticket machines and audio instructions. The city’s water bus also plays an increasingly significant role in the transport system. With 12 routes running along Ghangzhou’s Pearl River, it gives visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s wonderful scenery as they travel. 

Accommodation

Visitors to FESPA China 2014 will find numerous hotels and aparthotels located within walking distance of the exhibition centre, including Langham Place, Westin Pazhou and Shangri-La. There is also an abundance of hotels situated in the city centre, including Hilton, Marriot and Ritz-Carlton for those visitors who want to be centrally located. 

For a list of hotels located near the venue, visit: www.csgiashow.org/141119/en/life.html#.

Local cuisine

Cantonese, which gets its title from Guangzhou’s former name of Canton, is the local cuisine in Guangzhou. As Cantonese cuisine becomes increasingly popular around the globe, a popular destination for visitors is the Guangzhou International Food Festival, which takes place in November, in the Panyu District. Here, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the blend of eastern and western ingredients, as well as taste more than 600 different delicacies from around the world. 

Attractions

Many people associate China with the panda, and rightly so, as the panda is China’s national animal. Getting the chance to see these magnificent animals up close at the Chimelong Xiangjian Safari Park is a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for any visitor.

Canton Tower, the world’s largest TV tower, is located in Guangzhou. Here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pearl River before eating in one of the two rotating restaurants. For the brave, there’s also a vertical free fall ride at the top!

Slightly outside the main city, visitors can find the eye-catching White Cloud Mountain, known by locals as the “lung of the city”. Here, there are several tea gardens to relax in, foliage and flowers to explore, all while enjoying the view of the white clouds that circle this outstanding mountain. There is also a cable car to take visitors to the top.

Chinese Buddhist traditions can be explored at the much-admired Six Banyan Tree Temple. Originally built in 537 AD, this is a place to take time out from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, in a peaceful and tranquil environment. 

For culture vultures, the Guangdong New Museum is a must-visit. It holds over 160000 pieces with permanent exhibitions on Guangdong history, culture and arts, as well as temporary exhibitions. The building alone is worth the visit, having been awarded the 2013 International Architecture Award for its design.

If there’s time left to indulge in a bit of retail therapy then look no further than Beijing Road Walking Street, which is full of both designer brands, and independent shops, to barter for souvenirs to take home. Or, for a more relaxed shopping and dining experience, head to the leafy streets of Shamian Island, a sandbank island famous for its post-colonial architecture.

With so much variety on offer, there will be lots for delegates travelling to FESPA China 2014 to enjoy and see during their stay in Guangzhou.

For more information on FESPA China 2014 and to register to attend, visit: www.fespachina.com