On April 16, 2025, the fifth China International Consumer Goods Fair held its "Global Good Gifts and Enterprise Going Overseas" event at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center. This prestigious event showcased 28 Chinese products selected as "Global Good Gifts," highlighting the growing international presence of Chinese brands.
Representatives from 27 Chinese enterprises gathered to issue a joint initiative aimed at promoting their brands overseas. The initiative reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to empower traditional industries and activating cultural genes through innovative design, all in a bid to create internationally competitive Chinese brands.
The "Global Good Gifts" awards featured ten categories, including technological innovation gifts, high-end luxury gifts, customized gifts, environmental protection and sustainable gifts, healthy lifestyle gifts, cutting-edge creative gifts, fashion lifestyle gifts, cultural characteristic gifts, intangible heritage gifts, and diversified integration gifts. After a rigorous evaluation process, products such as the Hainan Xiangli Limgao Eight Scenery Gift Box, Rainforest Secret Realm Yellow Oil Cookies, and various Hainan characteristic souvenirs were recognized for their unique artistic styles and craftsmanship.
According to the event's organizers, the "Global Good Gifts" initiative is built on the core concept of "Art without Borders, Gift Jian Tianxia." This philosophy aims to integrate international art and business resources to promote Chinese culture globally while fostering dialogue and understanding between different civilizations. Lin Xiankai, founder of the "Ziyouji" brand, emphasized the importance of exploring Hainan's local culture and developing new Hainanese intellectual properties to create tourism products that resonate with international audiences.
Meanwhile, just a day earlier, the 137th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou. Despite ongoing trade tensions and tariffs, the enthusiasm of overseas buyers remained palpable. The first day of the fair saw a remarkable 102.2% increase in Didi Chuxing orders from inbound users compared to the same period last year. Notably, foreign visitors from countries such as Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, and Indonesia were among the most active users of the ride-hailing platform.
The bustling atmosphere extended beyond the exhibition halls. In local tea houses, foreign visitors indulged in traditional Cantonese dim sum, a culinary experience that has become a staple for many international guests. Dian Dou De restaurants, a popular dining choice, have introduced bilingual menus to cater to the diverse clientele. From April 15 to May 5, 2025, visitors holding Canton Fair exhibitor or official work certificates can enjoy a complimentary "Signature Shrimp Dumplings" at any Dian Dou De location in Guangzhou and Foshan.
The excitement generated by the Canton Fair has also positively impacted the local hospitality industry, with hotel occupancy rates in the Pazhou area soaring above 90%. The Guangzhou White Swan Hotel reported an occupancy rate nearing 90% for its first phase, while the second phase reached an impressive 92%. Furthermore, searches for hotels near the Canton Fair Exhibition Hall increased by nearly 70% year-on-year, with food searches in Haizhu District rising over 500%.
As foreign guests navigated between the exhibition venues and their accommodations, Didi Chuxing played a crucial role in facilitating their transportation needs. The platform has been officially recommended for travel, with bilingual volunteers stationed at key locations such as Baiyun International Airport and Guangzhou South Railway Station. Additionally, Didi has provided bilingual ride-hailing guides at airports and train stations to assist international visitors.
In the lead-up to the Canton Fair, the demand for Didi Chuxing services surged, with orders from inbound users increasing by 90% compared to the previous year. The influx of foreign buyers has also sparked interest from American merchants, who, despite tariff challenges, continue to actively participate in the fair.
Digital payment solutions have further enhanced the experience for international visitors, seamlessly integrating into their daily lives. With the upgraded capabilities of popular payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, foreign buyers have embraced modern payment methods. This year, the Canton Fair introduced a "tap to access" service, allowing attendees to access travel service guides simply by tapping their phones, promoting a greener, more efficient experience.
Moreover, international guests can utilize Alipay at over 200 key transport hubs, including airports and railway stations, to access comprehensive travel services related to the Canton Fair. The "Bay Service" program also features a digital convenience service area for foreign visitors, offering a one-stop solution for digital payments, transportation, and hotel bookings.
Mr. Yu, a buyer from Singapore, praised the innovative services available at the fair, stating, “I have attended the Canton Fair for many years, and this year I discovered a very interesting service: using Alipay to find various conference services. It’s very convenient and saves paper.”
In addition, WeChat Pay has set up payment convenience service desks at key locations within the fairgrounds to assist exhibitors with inquiries related to international payments. Data from WeChat Pay revealed a significant increase in the number of transactions and spending by foreign visitors in early April, with daily transaction numbers rising by 136% compared to the same period in 2024. The average daily spending of overseas tourists in Guangdong also saw a remarkable 1.2-fold increase.
As the Canton Fair continues, the synergy between local businesses, international buyers, and innovative services is creating a vibrant economic atmosphere in Guangzhou, showcasing the city's resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges.
