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In my last post, I shared 3 effective ways to find rooftop tent Chinese suppliers online.
However, many experienced importers still prefer to visit China in person to meet manufacturers face-to-face, check product quality directly, and build long-term partnerships.
For those who have never been to China or never sourced products locally, it can feel challenging to know where to start.
In this article, I’ll show you 2 main methods to find reliable rooftop tent manufacturers in China when visiting in person — along with practical tips most professional outdoor gear importers use.
Before You Visit China: Travel Tips
1. Check Border Entry Policies
Since global travel policies can change, always confirm entry and visa requirements with the Chinese Embassy in your country before your trip.
2. Install a VPN
Many international websites like Google, Facebook, and YouTube are restricted in mainland China.
To ensure you can still access your emails, files, and social platforms, install a reliable VPN (for example, Astrill). It’s not free, but it’s stable and worth it for business travelers.
3. Prepare a Translation Tool
If you don’t speak Chinese, download a real-time interpreting app like iFLY Voice Input — it’s free and works surprisingly well.
If your budget allows, you can also hire a local interpreter (around $50–$100 per day) for smoother factory visits and negotiations.
1. Find Rooftop Tent Suppliers on Canton Fair
No matter how big or small your business is, attending trade shows is always one of the most effective ways to find reliable rooftop tent manufacturers offline.
Most exhibitors at trade shows are manufacturers or experienced trading companies, which means you can usually get a competitive price if you meet their minimum order quantity (MOQ) — typically around USD 2,000–10,000 per product.
China hosts thousands of trade shows every year, ranging from large-scale comprehensive exhibitions to specialized industry fairs.
The Largest Trade Show in China — Canton Fair
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is the largest and most comprehensive trade show in China, covering nearly all product categories — including camping gear, car accessories, and outdoor equipment.
It’s held twice a year in Guangzhou, with three phases each time.
Not all Chinese export firms qualify—only about 25,000–60,000 are selected per session due to limited space.
Choosing a Canton Fair exhibitor gives you verified export capacity, this means every Canton Fair exhibitor has passed strict government vetting by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), local trade delegations, and customs authorities. They are pre-screened for credibility, export performance, and compliance — saving you from risky suppliers. Read More
Canton Fair Schedule
| Phase | Dates | Main Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 4.15–4.19 (Spring) / 10.15–10.19 (Autumn) | Automotive, Electronics, Building Materials, Industrial Products, Engineering |
| Phase 2 | 4.23–4.27 (Spring) / 10.23–10.27 (Autumn) | Home & Office, Furniture, Gifts, Toys, Crafts |
| Phase 3 | 5.1–5.5 (Spring) / 10.31–11.4 (Autumn) | Textiles, Health & Beauty, Outdoor Products, Sports & Leisure |
Find Rooftop Tent Suppliers in Auto Parts Trade Shows in China
Besides visiting the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, there are also many other professional trade shows across China where you can find rooftop tent manufacturers and car camping gear suppliers.
These shows focus on automotive accessories, outdoor equipment, and camping products, bringing together hundreds of quality factories from different regions of China.
Below are two of the most recommended trade shows for rooftop tent importers:
1. Automechanika Shanghai – Shanghai International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts, Equipment and Service Suppliers
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Name: Automechanika Shanghai
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Location: National Exhib.&Conv Ctr(Shanghai)
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Time: Every November
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Focus: Automotive accessories, overlanding gear, roof racks, rooftop tents, car camping solutions
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Highlight: One of the world’s largest auto parts fairs, attracting global buyers and manufacturers from the car accessories and outdoor vehicle equipment industries.
This show gathers top Chinese and international brands in vehicle modification, off-road, and camping accessories, making it a perfect place to find hard shell rooftop tent and car awning manufacturers.
2. Yiwu Auto Parts Fair
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Name: Yiwu International Auto & Motorcycle Parts and Accessories Expo
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Location: Yiwu International Expo Center
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Time: Every March
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Focus: Auto accessories, outdoor camping gear, roof racks, rooftop tents, car decorations
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Highlight: One of China’s most dynamic trade fairs for small and medium-sized auto accessory suppliers.
Yiwu is known for its flexible MOQs, wide product range, and strong export network. It’s ideal for importers looking for OEM/ODM rooftop tent suppliers with competitive prices.
Tips for Dealing with Rooftop Tent Suppliers at Trade Shows
If this is your first time attending a trade show, here are some practical tips to help you find and negotiate with rooftop tent suppliers in China:
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Take detailed notes and photos
Make a photo of the products you’re interested in, and record the company name and contact details. This helps you remember suppliers after the show. -
Ask for catalogs and brochures
Request a catalog or brochure from each supplier so you can review their full product range later. -
Communicate actively
Talk and interact with suppliers at the booth. Ask questions about features, materials, customization options, and shipping — this helps you understand the product and the supplier better. -
Buy samples at the end of the show
Purchasing a sample just before the show closes often gives you the lowest price, as suppliers prefer selling samples instead of carrying them home. -
Negotiate after the show
Instead of placing an order immediately at the booth, discuss the final price and order quantity after the show. This gives you more time and leverage to secure a better deal. -
Follow up in person after the show
If you have enough time, you can meet suppliers face-to-face after the trade show or even visit their factories. This helps you build trust and verify production capabilities.
Find Rooftop Tent Company in The Largest Automotive Aftermarket Trade Show in the U.S.
If you don’t have time to visit China, many strong and reputable Chinese companies also attend international trade shows, such as APPEX, Automechanika, and SEMA Show, where you can meet them face-to-face and explore partnership opportunities.
AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) is the largest trade show in the U.S. for automotive aftermarket parts, equipment, and services. It gathers suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers worldwide in Las Vegas each year.
AAPEX Schedule
| Dates | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| Nov 4–6, 2025 | Automotive parts, accessories, equipment, tools, and aftermarket services |
AAPEX covers a wide range of products, including rooftop tents, off-road gear, car accessories, and repair & maintenance solutions. Visitors can talk directly to manufacturers, compare product quality, and explore custom options or OEM/ODM partnerships.
AAPEX is also a great place to find rooftop tent suppliers worldwide, including manufacturers from China, Europe, North America, and Australia. Buyers can directly communicate, check product quality, and discuss custom designs or branding options.
The End
Thank you for reading, and please feel free to share it with others if this post helps. If you have any questions about the methods for finding supplies by visiting China in this post, or if you have better ways to find Chinese suppliers, please let me know by leaving a comment below.
We are ENJOIN, best rooftop tent company in China, if you plan to import rooftop tents & car awning tents from China or visit factories, or attend above trade show, pls don’t hesitate to CONTACT US.
