Your Guide to Doing Business in Greater China

Practical insights, honest guides, and expert advice from 20+ years on the ground in South China. No fluff, no generic content — just real knowledge from people who live and work here every day.

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Insights From the Ground

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Sourcing
The Complete Guide to the Canton Fair — What to Expect & How to Make the Most of It

The Canton Fair is one of the world's largest trade shows. Here's how to navigate it like a pro.

Quality Control
Why Pre-Shipment Inspection is Non-Negotiable When Manufacturing in China

The cost of a failed shipment is always higher than the cost of an inspection. Here's why.

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Business Setup
Hong Kong vs Mainland China — Which is Right for Your Business?

Two very different business environments, each with distinct advantages. Here's how to decide.

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Manufacturing
Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Dongguan — Which Manufacturing Hub is Right for Your Product?

Each city has distinct strengths. Here's how to match your product to the right location.

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Culture & Communication
Understanding Guanxi — Why Relationships Are Everything in Chinese Business

The concept of guanxi underpins almost every aspect of doing business in China. Here's what you need to know.

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Visa & Relocation
Moving to Shenzhen — An Expat's Honest Guide to Life in South China

20+ years of lived experience distilled into an honest, practical guide for anyone considering the move.

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Sourcing
OEM vs ODM — What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Two very different manufacturing relationships. Understanding the distinction could save you significant time and money.

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Business Setup
Protecting Your IP When Manufacturing in China — A Practical Guide

IP protection in China is achievable — but it requires the right approach from day one. Here's what works.

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Market Insights
Manufacturing Trends in the Pearl River Delta — What Western Businesses Need to Know

The manufacturing landscape in South China is evolving rapidly. Here's what's changing and what it means for you.

Key Trade Shows & Events in Greater China

Planning your visits around these major events is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your sourcing and business development in the region. We can support you at all of them.

April & October
Canton Fair
📍 Guangzhou, China

The world's largest trade fair — covering virtually every product category. A must-attend event for anyone sourcing from China. Held twice yearly.

We provide interpretation & support
May / June
Computex
📍 Taipei, Taiwan

Asia's premier technology and electronics trade show. Essential for businesses in tech hardware, components, and innovation-driven product categories.

Tech & electronics focus
April
HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair
📍 Hong Kong

One of Asia's most important electronics sourcing events, attracting thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the world.

Electronics sourcing
March
China International Furniture Fair
📍 Guangzhou, China

The world's leading furniture trade show — essential for buyers in the furniture, home décor, and interior design sectors.

Furniture & home
October
HKTDC Hong Kong Mega Show
📍 Hong Kong

A major multi-category sourcing event covering gifts, premiums, stationery, housewares, and consumer electronics.

Multi-category sourcing
Year Round
Yiwu International Trade City
📍 Yiwu, China

The world's largest small commodities market — open year round and covering millions of products across hundreds of categories.

Small commodities

Useful Resources for China Business

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Supplier Vetting Checklist

The key questions to ask before committing to any Chinese manufacturer.

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QC Inspection Guide

What a proper pre-shipment inspection covers and what to look for.

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Business Structure Guide

WFOE, Rep Office, or Hong Kong company — which is right for you?

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China Visa Guide

The different visa types explained and how to get the right one.

Full downloadable resource guides coming soon — subscribe above to be notified.

Knowledge Is Just the Starting Point

Reading about China is one thing. Having an experienced team on the ground working for you is another. Book your free consultation and let's talk about your specific situation.

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Welcome to Far East Advisory 👋 We help Western businesses with sourcing, manufacturing, quality control, translation, business setup, and visas across China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. To get started — what are you working on at the moment?