Port of Guangzhou (Nansha), China: Shipping Guide

Key facts

Country / territory

China

UN/LOCODE

CNCAN

Port type

Container gateway

Region

East Asia

Waters

Pearl River Delta

Coordinates

22.75°N, 113.62°E

Container throughput

≈ 25.4 million TEU (2023)

Local name

广州港

About the port of Guangzhou (Nansha)

Guangzhou’s Nansha terminals, at the mouth of the Pearl River, have become one of China’s largest container hubs, serving southern China’s manufacturing and a dense river barge network.

Guangzhou (Nansha) is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.

According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Guangzhou (Nansha) handled approximately 25.4 million TEU in 2023.

Role in trade with Vietnam

Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.

Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam

We have not published a sample voyage to Guangzhou (Nansha) yet. Typical options from Vietnam are direct regional services or transshipment via a major hub; ask us for current schedules.

Shipping lines

Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →

Customs and documentation tips

Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
For China, manifest data must be transmitted to customs in advance of loading, so accurate consignee and cargo details are needed early.

Vietnam has free trade agreements with China that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: RCEP, ACFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →

Frequently asked questions about Guangzhou (Nansha)

Where is the port of Guangzhou (Nansha)?

Guangzhou (Nansha) is in China, on the Pearl River Delta, in the East Asia shipping region.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Guangzhou (Nansha)?

The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Guangzhou (Nansha) is CNCAN. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.

How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Guangzhou (Nansha)?

It depends on the routing and whether the service is direct or via transshipment. Contact us for current schedules from Hai Phong, Cat Lai or Cai Mep.

How big is the port of Guangzhou (Nansha)?

According to published rankings, Guangzhou (Nansha) handled approximately 25.4 million TEU in 2023.

What documents are needed to ship via Guangzhou (Nansha)?

Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.

Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Guangzhou (Nansha)?

Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Guangzhou (Nansha) through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.

Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.