The China Import and Export Fair, which is held in Guangzhou twice a year - in spring and in autumn - attracts not only thousands of exhibitors and buyers from all around the world, but also many college students.
They go not to visit the exhibits but to earn a little extra cash working as interpreters.
College students can be seen lining up at metro station exits and outside the exhibition centre, holding signs that read 'interpreter for hire'. When foreign visitors come over, they recommend themselves for the post.
Qiu Yu, who is majoring in English, says working at the fair is a great experience.
'I work for a local exhibitor. Once a buyer came to our stand, and my boss asked me to introduce our products to him,' she says.
'I explained to him clearly the product information, the price and contract details. The buyer shook my hand firmly and said he was interested in working with us. I felt I had achieved something.'
Qiu worked two days and only managed to make 200 yuan (HK$227.80) , but she says it was a great chance to improve her spoken English and gain work experience.