< PreviousCanton, or Guangzhou in Chinese, is the largest coastal city in South China, and the third largest city in the country, after Beijing and Shanghai. Capital of Guangdong Province, at all times a flourishing commercial centre, it is definitely one of the most prosperous chinese cities. Chaotic and lively, it unquestionably provides numerous opportunities for you to enjoy yourself and relax after the fair, and to return home with a full stock of memories and photographs. Located on the Pearl River delta, the city lies just a few kilometres from Hong Kong (easily reached by train or bus); this strategic position has guaranteed Guangzhou the role of key port and business capital for hundreds of years.Regarded as the culinary capital of China, the cradle of Cantonese cuisine (Yuecai), here there are more restaurants per person than in any other part of China. There are only a few other cities in the world where you can savour such unusual and sophisticated taste sensations.Guangzhou, Shanghai Welcome to our cities!Two fairs in two of the most prominent cities in China. Two contexts that are different and synergic in terms of energy and vocation. Just like the two editions of CIFF, which has transferred the September edition from its historic Guanghzou location to a new venue in Shanghai, in order to provide new opportunities and something different. Here is a very brief introduction to these two captivating cities, where you will be welcomed with open arms and where your work trip will be enriched by new emotions and experiences.Guangzhou 16Beijing LuThis pedestrian zone is the main shopping street; most shops stay open from 09:00-22:00.Two underground archaeological sites meet in the middle of the street, proving that this important road was already in existence almost one thousand years ago. Shamian Island Small island just minutes from the centre of Guangzhou, connected to the city by bridge. It was an English and French enclave from the middle of the 19th century, and still maintains the appearance of a European town, with perfectly conserved buildings in a colonial architectural style. It evokes an atmosphere of peace and serenity, perfect for relaxation! Zhujiang New Town At the centre of this new and futuristic district stands a large town square, incorporating underground shopping centres and tunnels. Bordered by skyscrapers on both sides, with the Guangzhou Opera House at the south end, while Canton Tower rises up on the other side of the river. Where to goWhat to see Huaisheng Mosque Huaisheng Mosque is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in China and was established in the 7th century, when Canton was a reference point for trading relationships with the Arab populations. The mosque has been restored, and partially reconstructed, a number of times over the centuries. There is a wonderful view over the city from the top of the minaret.17IndexCanton TowerThis is the second tallest building in China (after Shanghai Tower), and the fourth tallest free-standing structure in the world.Built from steel and cement, it has three observation decks and a number of incredible attractions: - the Bubble Tram: a panoramic Ferris wheel rising up to a height of 455 metres - the Sky Drop: a 30-metre freefall drop, from a height of 485 metres- the Spider Walk: an external staircase between the 32nd and the 64th floors: its 1,028 steps, some of which are transparent, make it one of the longest in the world. An unforgettable experience, particularly at night time. Guangzhou Opera House Set into the exceptionally modern context of the New City (Zhuijiang), a futuristic urban environment with a concentration of high-end modern architecture. The Opera House designed by the renowned Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid is definitely something not to be missed.The building spreads out over two different sections: the first structure holds the 1,800 seat Great Theatre, while the second building accommodates the 400-seat multifunctional auditorium. The structure of the building resembles a river stone, and enhances the relationship between the city and the riverfront.18Temple of the Six Ban-yan Trees & Flower Pa-goda (Liurong Temple) First constructed in 537, this is one of the four main Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. Perhaps the only truly silent place in this frenetic city, it has been rebuilt a number of times, and has also been given different names through the ages: the most recent of these is “Temple of the Six Banyan Trees”.The pagoda containing the Buddhist vestiges is truly charming; the curved roofs resemble flower petals, hence the name “Flower Pagoda”.Liwan Lake ParkBoasting an area of 27 acres, more than half of which is occupied by four lakes, the Liwan Lake Park is one of locals’ favorite weekend destinations. It offers leisure activities, such as boating, and a few Cantonese eateries. Guangzhou RedtoryThis district of abandoned industrial factories, traditionally built from red bricks, has been completely redeveloped and is now a cultural zone; a veritable artists district. Here it is pleasant to stroll around and have lunch in one of the small restaurants lining the streets, browse through the quirky shops and visit the art galleries. 19IndexThe atmosphere of freedom, of endless possibilities, together with its frenetic dynamism, make this metro-polis unique! Always looking to the future, in Shanghai tradition and modernity blend together here in an equili-brium formed by contradictions.To complete the day and return with your suitcase full of emotions, in addition to exploiting business opportu-nities you can also visit the city have the experience of a lifetime!Shanghai is an enormous metropolis, with a population of approximately 25 million people. It is divided into 2 large areas: Puxi to the east of the Huangpu River, the oldest part of Shanghai, is a wonderful combination of traditional and cultural Chinese elements with 20th-century European influences; and Pudong to the west, true symbol of Chinese dynamism and economic deve-lopment, farmland until 1990, is now the most modern heart and soul of the city and also its commercial and financial center.Where to goShanghai Nanjing RoadVery long, approximately 6 km, of which just more than 1 km is pedestrian precinct. Hypnotic, with its thousands of neon signs, always swarming with people, here you can really find anything and everything; shopping malls, restaurants, world famous brands, traditional Shanghai stylists and Chinese street food.20French ConcessionTypified by low buildings, here you can breathe in the atmosphere of old Shanghai. It is a very extensive area, with many tree-lined avenues, lovely colonial villas, small shops, elegant galleries but also restaurants and ca-fes. A must-do activity is a walk to Xin Tian Di, an example of urban recon-struction, testament to the traditional mud brick buildings. It’s a pedestrian area where you can stroll around, listen to music, drink, eat and go shopping. More closely linked to local traditions and less artificial, Tianzifang is a di-strict that is distinctive for its extremely narrow lanes and 1930s buildings, a place where you can stroll around or have something to eat in one of the many elegant small restaurants.The BundThe Bund is the district lying along the Huangpu River, looking onto the spectacular Pudong skyline. In perfect contrast with the ultramo-dern skyscrapers on the other bank, here you can admire most of the art deco and neoclassical buildings which recount the last 100 years of the city. A sunset walk is something not-to-be-missed, without forget-ting that the most attractive and glamourous bars and restaurants in Shanghai are located right inside these wonderful buildings.Lujiazui Lujiazui is the central business district of Shanghai. Called the “Wall Street of China”, it’s the largest financial zone in mainland China, with more than 400 banks and financial institutions. One can admire the modern skyscra-pers along Binjiang Avenue as well as various buildings of different architec-tural styles across the Huangpu River. When night comes, all the buildings are decorated with shining colorful lights, presenting a gorgeous scene.IndexJing’an Temple The original temple was built in 1216 during the Song Dynasty; converted into a plastic factory and emptied of all its statues during the Cultural revolution, it has now been completely restored and stands out in surprising contrast with the modern architecture of West Nanjing Road; golden and shining, truly an enchanting sight in the evening. Yuyuan Gardens & BazaarThese “Gardens of Happiness”, dating back to the second half of the 16th century. They con-sist of reflecting pools of water and streams, large rocks, dra-gon-decorated walls, gates and zigzag bridges to confuse the spirits. Beside the gardens lies Yuyuan Old Street, an ancient and extremely well conserved lane, lined with more than 200 silk, tea and jade shops. Zhujiajiao Located 29 miles west of downtown, lies the Venice of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao. This ancient water town saw its heyday during the Ming Dynasty, when its success as a commercial hub resulted in the construction of its pic-turesque waterways: unique old bridges across bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with courtyards.What to see 22Oriental Pearl TV TowerThe iconic three-legged Oriental Pearl TV Tower, completed in 1994, is the symbol of the city. The futuristic-style 468 meters tower has various obser-vation levels. Inside the tower there is a revolving re-staurant, an exhibition area, a small shopping center and the Shanghai History Museum.Jin Mao Tower With its oriental design influenced by the We-stern Gothic style, at 421 meters tall, Jin Mao Tower, was for years the tallest building in China. The spatial scansion of the entire building is ba-sed on the number 8, a traditionally lucky num-ber for the Chinese. Shanghai World Financial Center The Shanghai World Financial Center, better known as “the corkscrew”, because of its shape, is 492 meters and 101 floors high, being the second tallest skyscraper in Shang-hai. Breathtaking views can be had from the Sky Walk observatory on the hundredth floor.Shanghai TowerShanghai Tower embodies a new prototype for tall buil-dings. The new 632-metre and 128-story tower rises high above the skyline, its curved façade and spiraling form symbolizing the dynamic emergence of modern China. Opened in 2016, it is the second tallest skyscraper and one of the most eco-sustainable buildings in the world. From the Top of Shanghai Observatory, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai. The world’s fastest elevator will take you up to 546 meters in just 55 seconds.IndexNext >