Ailes Travel · China Programme
Your Direct Access to China's Manufacturers and Suppliers
8 days in Guangzhou, Foshan, and Shenzhen. Canton Fair access, factory visits, supplier introductions, and cultural coaching — built exclusively for African entrepreneurs and traders.
8
Days
3
Cities
$2,200
From per person
2×
Per year (Apr & Oct)
Is This For You?
Who We Work With
Importers & Traders
You buy goods from China already but going alone is expensive and risky. You want a structured, supported environment to find reliable suppliers.
First-Time China Buyers
You have never been to China but you know the opportunity is there. You need someone who knows the landscape to make sure you don't waste the trip.
Business Owners Expanding
You run a business in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, or elsewhere in Africa and you want to diversify your supply chain with direct China sourcing.
Entrepreneurs at the Canton Fair
The Canton Fair is overwhelming alone. We give you the access, context, and contacts to make it productive — not just a walk around a massive hall.
The World's Largest Trade Fair
The Canton Fair
The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is held every April and October in Guangzhou. Over 25,000 exhibitors display products across electronics, textiles, building materials, furniture, consumer goods, and more.
Most products are export-ready and require no additional certification, making it the single most efficient sourcing event in the world for African buyers. But walking in alone, without context or contacts, is overwhelming and often unproductive.
We give you a guided, structured approach to the fair — pre-identified exhibitors relevant to your business, context on pricing norms, and support during supplier negotiations.
Next Departure
May 5 — May 12, 2026
Aligned with Canton Fair Phase 2 & 3
Where We Go
3 Cities. One Programme.
Guangzhou
Southern China's commercial capital and home of the Canton Fair. Guangzhou's wholesale markets and trade districts are Africa's most important sourcing gateway. We cover Zhujiang New Town, Xiaobei (the African quarter), and the Canton Fair complex.
- Canton Fair Complex
- Xiaobei African Trade District
- Zhujiang New Town
- Wholesale markets
Foshan
30 minutes from Guangzhou, Foshan is China's manufacturing heartland for ceramics, furniture, home goods, and building materials. We arrange direct factory visits with supplier introductions.
- Ceramics factories
- Furniture wholesale districts
- Home goods manufacturers
- Direct factory floor access
Shenzhen
China's Silicon Valley and the world's electronics manufacturing capital. Huaqiangbei electronics market is unmatched anywhere on earth. If you source tech, gadgets, or electronic components — Shenzhen is essential.
- Huaqiangbei electronics market
- Tech innovation districts
- Gadgets and accessories sourcing
- Networking with tech entrepreneurs
Why Choose Us
What Makes This Different
Anyone can book a flight to Guangzhou. What you cannot easily get on your own is what we have built over years of running this route.
Built for African Traders
We understand the specific challenges African buyers face in China — from language barriers to supplier vetting to payment systems. Every detail of this trip is designed around you.
Pre-Vetted Suppliers
We don't just drop you at a trade fair. We introduce you to factories and suppliers we have already assessed for reliability, product quality, and willingness to work with African buyers.
No Outsourced Translators
Our on-ground support team works exclusively with us. You get consistent, accountable guidance — not a random agency translator who disappears after day one.
China Visa Included
Your trip price includes our full M-visa documentation pack — invitation letter, itinerary, cover letter, and embassy checklist. No extra charge. Just submit to the embassy and show up.
Payment System Guidance
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate China. We walk you through the setup and workarounds so you are never blocked from completing a transaction.
Freight Forwarding Connections
Once you find suppliers and place orders, we connect you with reliable freight forwarders who handle shipping back to Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and across East and West Africa.
The Package
What Is Included
Logistics
- Airport meet and greet on arrival
- All ground transfers between cities
- High-speed train to Shenzhen
- Private group transport throughout
Accommodation
- 7 nights in business hotels (double occupancy)
- Centrally located for easy market access
- Wi-Fi and business facilities included
Business Access
- Canton Fair ecosystem guided visit
- Pre-arranged factory visits in Foshan
- Shenzhen tech district guided tour
- Supplier introduction meetings
Support
- English-speaking on-ground guide throughout
- China business visa documentation pack (included)
- WeChat Pay and Alipay setup guidance
- 24/7 Ailes Travel on-call support
Meals & Culture
- Welcome dinner with local business contacts
- Business lunches on working days
- Guided business dinners (cultural etiquette coaching)
- Farewell networking dinner
Not Included
Investment
Dates & Pricing
May 5 — May 12, 2026
Canton Fair Phase 2 & 3
$2,200
per person
Sep 10 — Sep 17, 2026
Pre-Canton Fair October edition
$2,200
per person
Looking for a private group or corporate delegation? We run custom trips for companies sending multiple staff. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Enquire about private groups →Included in Your Trip
China Business Visa Documentation
No extra fee. Your $2,200 includes our complete China visa preparation service. We prepare every document in your application pack — you submit to your local Chinese Embassy and arrive ready to do business.
- Official invitation letter from our China partner
- Business trip itinerary document
- Cover letter drafted and reviewed
- Embassy checklist per your nationality
- WhatsApp support through the process
Note: The embassy visa fee is paid directly to the embassy and is not part of the trip price.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What results have past participants seen?
Past participants have returned with verified supplier contacts in electronics, textiles, and manufacturing. Several have gone on to place their first direct factory orders within 60 days of the trip.
What is the Canton Fair and why does it matter?
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is the world's largest trade fair, held every April and October in Guangzhou. Over 25,000 exhibitors show products across electronics, textiles, building materials, consumer goods, and more. Most products are export-ready and require no additional certification — making it the single best place for African buyers to source directly from Chinese manufacturers.
Do I need to speak Mandarin?
No. Our on-ground guide handles all translation and communication throughout the trip. At supplier meetings, we translate negotiations, product specifications, and pricing discussions. You focus on the business decisions — we handle the language.
What visa do I need?
Most African passport holders need a Chinese business (M) visa before departure. Your trip price includes our full visa documentation pack — invitation letter, business itinerary, and cover letter. You submit to the Chinese Embassy in your country. Processing takes 7 to 15 working days. The embassy visa fee itself (paid at the embassy) is separate and not included in the trip price.
Can I place orders and buy goods during the trip?
Yes — that is the point of the trip. We also connect you with freight forwarders during the trip so you can arrange shipping immediately. Typical shipping timelines to East Africa are 25 to 45 days by sea.
What payment methods work in China?
Most of China runs on WeChat Pay and Alipay. We walk you through the setup process before and during the trip. For large supplier orders, bank transfers (SWIFT or wire) are standard — we guide you on the process.
How many people are in each group?
We keep groups between 8 and 16 travelers. Small enough for personalised attention at supplier meetings, large enough to command serious treatment from factories and trade contacts.
What if I want to stay longer in China after the trip?
We can help you arrange extensions before departure. Many travelers add 3 to 5 extra days in Guangzhou, Yiwu, or Shanghai after the programme ends. Just let us know when you book.
I am from Kenya / Nigeria / Ghana — can I join?
Absolutely. This programme is open to entrepreneurs and traders from across Africa. We have supported travelers from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa. Visa guidance is tailored to your nationality.
Ready to Go?
Your next supplier is in Guangzhou. Let's go find them.
Spots per departure are capped at 12 to keep the experience curated. April 2026 is filling now.