It’s that time of the year again in Guangzhou, folks, Canton Fair time. Whether you’re a visitor to our fair city or a local looking to try something new, we’ve rounded up a selection of awesome spots to visit over the course of this season’s trade fair. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for epic local eats, a healthy Western meal, a boozy night on the town, or even delicious Mexican food, this list has you covered! 

We’ve also created a handy digital guide for those of you visiting Guangzhou during Canton Fair, complete with helpful city guides, listing information for Guangzhou’s hottest outlets and more! Click here to access our first-ever Canton Fair e-Guide.

Now, in no particular order, here are our top places to wine, dine and party in Guangzhou during the fair!

1. Slow Life Kitchen

Image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite

Wholesome edibles crafted with organic ingredients have gained traction in Guangzhou over the past couple years, with diners in the city taking an increasingly health-conscious approach to dining. Slow Life Kitchen Elite popped up this past summer to cater to this growing market. The restaurant aims to introduce patrons to the ‘rarity’ of authentic Western fare through a selection of well-crafted, eye-pleasing dishes and a delectable array of tapas. Highlights from the tapas menu include the highly-recommended Spanish-style garlic shrimp (RMB75), a full-flavored dish with thumb-sized crustaceans steeped in a sour and spicy soup, as well as the roasted asparagus and scallops with truffle cream sauce (RMB90), which mashes up flavors to deliver a juicy yet delicate mouthful of shellfish. During the Canton Fair, dine at Slow Life Kitchen Elite and get 10 percent off your bill by showing your exhibitor’s pass.

See listings for Slow Life Kitchen and Slow Life Kitchen Elite.

2. Bing Sheng Mansion

Image via Bing Sheng Mansion

Canton is famous for its cuisine and you can’t visit Guangzhou without experiencing dim sum. Bing Sheng is the perfect spot as it has a few locations, making it convenient to dine at no matter where you stay. Masterpieces include the crispy pork, goose and steamed buns. Don’t pass up the pineapple buns, crispy and sweet on top with pineapple chunks stuffed inside, or the deep-fried lotus root stuffed with prawn, which is our favorite dish.

See listing information for Bing Sheng Mansion and other Bing Sheng locations.

3. W SUNS Club

Image via W SUNS Club

W SUNS club is unquestionably one of Guangzhou’s hottest party destinations, popular with both local expats and visitors from around the world. Staffed by expert bartenders, guests at W SUNS can be sure that they will receive high-quality beverages that help them unwind after a long, hot South China day. The club also offers a number of drink promotions, including a free flow cocktail deal which runs from Sunday to Thursday, 9pm-midnight, and costs only RMB148.

Additionally, W SUNS is staffed by some of the most well-known DJs in town, who keep the dance floor hoppin’ all night long. With great music, drinks and a luxurious interior design, when you enter this popular Guangzhou nightclub, you’ll feel like you’ve left China and been transported to a party place in Europe or North America.

Better yet, W SUNS is located near the Canton Fair grounds, which makes the venue a convenient spot to party for those of you who’ll be spending time there this month.

See listing for W SUNS Club.

4. Zapata’s

Image via Zapata’s

Zapata’s has something for everyone, whether it is a quiet drink or an outrageous party. The ground floor features a huge bar top where you’re encouraged to dance the night away as DJs, the Money Maker Party Band and Tequila Girls perform the biggest hits from the last four decades. Located in Party Pier, just a stone’s throw away from the Canton Fair complex, the hot venue also comes with an outstanding riverside terrace, which is perfect for an evening of drunken merrymaking. Show your exhibitor’s pass and get a 15 percent discount during the Canton Fair.

See listing for  Zapata’s.

5. Tairyo Teppanyaki

Image via Tairyo Teppanyaki

This Japanese restaurant is a staple in Guangzhou, offering fresh sushi, nigiri and sashimi, as well as delicious barbecue, rice and noodle dishes. Indulge in their hearty lunch and dinner sets for only RMB229 per person.

See listings for Tairyo Teppanyaki.

WIN!

As a nice bonus for That’s readers, the fine folks at Tairyo are offering 20 free dinner vouchers! For your chance to win, share this post on your moments with the following hashtags: #thatsguangzhou #tairyoteppanyaki. Once you’ve shared this article, take a screenshot and send it to our official WeChat account (ThatsGuangzhou) along with your name and phone number.

READ MORE: 10 Tips to Help You Survive the Canton Fair

[Cover image via Pixabay]