Guangzhou’s strength as an exhibitions hub is well documented, based on the city’s success as a regional trading hub. A number of five-star hotels have opened and the
Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center (Pazhou Complex), located in the city’s southeast, is the world’s third-largest exhibition space.
“The amount of exhibition space and venues that have been built is quite awe inspiring,” says Michael Duck, senior vice-president, UBM Asia.
Pazhou Complex’s indoor exhibition area features 1280,000 sqm over its 13 halls – space for 10,200 international standard berths. There is also an outdoor exhibition area of 13,600 sqm. The China (Guangzhou) Export Commodities Fair and Guangzhou Expo are the main events held here.
“The new Metro system from the city centre has direct links to two metro stations at the new Pazhou Exhibition grounds, which provides visitors with fast, easy and comfortable access,” says Duck.
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Shangri-La is the nearest hotel to the Pazhou Complex. The 704-room property is also a credible standalone option for conferences, with its largest and second-largest meeting spaces respectively seating 3,000 and 1,200 people in theatre style.
The 351-room
Ritz-Carlton is across the Pearl River. It is the city’s high-end offering and can host 400 people classroom style in its classical-themed ballroom.
The 375-room
Grand Hyatt is 15 minutes by car from the Pazhou Complex. Its ballroom can accommodate up to 750 people for a banquet and there is also a 25m indoor rooftop lap pool.
Westin Guangzhou offers 448 rooms and a ballroom that can host 300 for a banquet. The hotel is 20 minutes drive from the Pazhou Complex.
NEW OPTIONS
The latest opening in town is the five-star
Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun, which was rebranded from Novotel in May. The 460-room property is a short walk to the airport’s international terminal and features a 460 sqm ballroom.
China Hotel, a Marriott Hotel is another recently rebranded property and is located in the centre of the city, opposite the Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Centre. It offers 601 guestrooms while its largest meeting space holds 1,100 in theatre style.
GETTING THERE
Guangzhou International Airport is connected to most major cities in Asia. There are also direct buses from Hong Kong Airport as well as express trains from central Hong Kong to the city centre of Guangzhou. The journey takes 90 minutes and immigration clearance is completed while on board.
“Fast, direct air access internationally and the air, rail and sea ferry links to Hong Kong are some of Guangzhou’s biggest assets,” says Duck. "Additionally, Guangzhou’s domestic connectivity means buyers from all over China are able to travel with ease to the exhibition venues.”