The on-site activities of the 133rd China Import and Export Fair commenced Saturday in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.

The long-standing event, also dubbed the Canton Fair, will run until May 5 and welcome purchasers from over 220 countries and regions.

Launched in 1957 and held twice yearly, the fair is considered a major gauge of China's foreign trade.

This year's offline exhibition venues, spanning 1.5 million square meters, will host close to 70,000 booths for about 35,000 exhibitors.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service