Atlas.
Notes on China business, sourcing, and what I see from Guangzhou. Written for people doing the work.
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Is it worth going to the Canton Fair?
Who actually benefits from attending the Canton Fair — and who doesn't. An honest decision framework from a Guangzhou local, covering who exhibits, what to expect, and how to set the right goals.
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What Should You Know Before Going to the Canton Fair?
Field-tested preparation tips plus a complete checklist for international visitors to the Canton Fair — documents, packing, hotels, transport, payments, and fair-floor strategy.
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Payment Methods for Foreigners in China
The five ways to pay in China as a foreign visitor — mobile payment, international cards, cash, a local bank account, and digital RMB — plus a step-by-step guide to opening a Chinese bank account.
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How Foreign Companies Can Register a WeChat Official Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
Complete step-by-step guide for foreign companies to register a WeChat Official Account (Enterprise Service Account) in China — required documents, the $99 verification fee, processing time, and where to get agency support.
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Pearl River Delta or Yangtze Delta: which manufacturing zone for your product?
A practical guide to choosing between China's two dominant manufacturing zones, written for first-time importers picking where to focus their sourcing efforts.
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A China business trip checklist for first-time visitors
What to prepare before flying in for your first sourcing trip to mainland China — visa, payments, communication apps, factory etiquette, and the things nobody tells you.
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How to find a reliable factory in China without flying blind
A working framework for separating real factories from trading-company fronts, with practical signals you can check from anywhere in the world before booking a flight.