Canton Fair 2026: The Complete Guide for Overseas Buyers
Official dates, phases, buyer badge registration, invitation letter, visa, hotels near Pazhou, transport, mobile payments, and a full FAQ — everything you need before you fly.
The 140th Canton Fair runs October 15 – November 4, 2026, in three phases at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou. The fair opens 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily. Each phase covers a different set of product categories — attending the wrong phase means your suppliers are not on the floor. Jump to the Phase Finder ↓
What is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair (中国进出口商品交易会) — is the world's largest and oldest international trade exhibition. It has been held in Guangzhou, China, every spring and autumn since 1957, and attracts more than 30,000 exhibitors and well over 300,000 overseas buyers from 200+ countries and regions each session.
In plain terms: if you source products from China, or are looking for a manufacturer for the first time, the Canton Fair is the single place on earth where you can walk a floor of 75,700 booths across 54 product categories, compare suppliers side by side, inspect samples in person, and negotiate directly with factories — all in five days.
The fair is co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Guangdong Provincial Government, and organised by China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC). It runs twice a year (spring and autumn) at the same permanent venue: the China Import and Export Fair Complex on Pazhou Island, Guangzhou.
The 140th session in autumn 2026 is also the fair's 70th anniversary — expanded ceremonies, special exhibitions, and higher-than-usual buyer attendance are expected. It is one of the most significant Canton Fair editions in decades.
2026 Dates: Full Schedule at a Glance
The Canton Fair runs twice in 2026 — a spring session (139th) and an autumn session (140th). Most international buyers attend the autumn session, where Chinese factories are filling large forward orders for Q4 and early next year. If you import seasonal goods — Christmas décor, winter fashion, gift sets — the autumn session is not optional: it is the strategically correct session.
⚠ Always confirm your exact phase dates on cantonfair.org.cn before booking flights and hotels — dates are subject to official confirmation.| Session / Phase | Dates | Product Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 139th · Spring 2026 Phase 1 |
Apr 15–19, 2026 | Electronics Machinery · Hardware · Vehicles · New energy · Lighting · Chemicals |
| 139th · Spring 2026 Phase 2 |
Apr 23–27, 2026 | Home goods Furniture · Gifts · Décor · Building materials |
| 139th · Spring 2026 Phase 3 |
May 1–5, 2026 | Apparel Shoes · Toys · Food · Medical · Sports · Office |
| ↕ Changeover — halls closed between sessions ↕ | ||
| 140th · Autumn 2026 Phase 1 · Advanced Manufacturing |
Oct 15–19, 2026 | Electronics Home appliances · Machinery · Industrial automation · Hardware & tools · Vehicles & parts · New energy vehicles · Robotics · Lighting · Chemicals |
| ↕ Changeover Oct 20–22 · Halls closed to buyers ↕ | ||
| 140th · Autumn 2026 Phase 2 · Quality Home |
Oct 23–27, 2026 | Home goods Furniture · Building & decorative materials · Bathroom · Ceramics & glass · Home textiles · Clocks & watches · Gifts & premiums · Garden & outdoor |
| ↕ Changeover Oct 28–30 · Halls closed to buyers ↕ | ||
| 140th · Autumn 2026 Phase 3 · Better Life |
Oct 31 – Nov 4, 2026 | Apparel Shoes & bags · Toys · Baby & maternity · Food · Medicine & health · Sports & leisure · Office & stationery · Pet products |
The overseas Import Exhibition (imported goods, not Chinese exports) runs during Phases 2 and 3 of each session.
Which Phase Should You Attend?
This is the single most important decision you make before booking flights. The Canton Fair does not run one continuous show — it runs three separate exhibitions in sequence, each covering completely different categories. An exhibitor participates in exactly one phase. If you attend the wrong phase, your supplier category is simply not on the floor.
Phase 1 — Advanced Manufacturing (Oct 15–19)
Attend if you source: electronics, home appliances, machinery, industrial automation, hardware and tools, vehicles and auto parts, new energy vehicles (NEV), robotics, lighting, or chemicals.
Phase 2 — Quality Home (Oct 23–27)
Attend if you source: home goods, furniture, building and decorative materials, bathroom fixtures, ceramics and glass, home textiles, clocks and watches, gifts and premiums, garden or outdoor products.
Phase 3 — Better Life (Oct 31 – Nov 4)
Attend if you source: textiles and apparel, shoes, bags and cases, toys, baby and maternity products, food, medicine and health, sports and leisure, office and stationery, or pet products.
Buying across multiple categories? If your product list spans two phases, you may need to attend both — with the three-day changeover gap in between. That is a ten-to-twelve day trip, not five. Our team can plan the smartest single itinerary across both phases. See how the concierge service works →
Venue & Opening Hours
China Import and Export Fair Complex
No. 382 Yuejiang Middle Road (Yuejiang Zhong Road), Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Postal code: 510335
The venue comprises four exhibition zones — A, B, C, and D — with a combined indoor exhibition area of 338,000 square metres and a total building area exceeding 1.1 million square metres, making it one of the largest modern exhibition centres in Asia. The complex is directly served by two Metro Line 8 stations: Xingangdong Station (Zone A) and Pazhou Station (Zones B and C).
Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, every day including weekends, for the duration of each phase.
On the first day of each phase, registration desks open at 10:30 AM. On the final day, they close at 4:00 PM (the exhibition halls themselves close at 6:00 PM). Plan badge collection for a day before Phase 1 opens if possible — lines on opening morning are long.
Buyer Badge Registration & Invitation Letter
Every overseas buyer must hold a valid buyer badge to enter the Canton Fair Complex. There are no exceptions. The badge is free when you pre-register online; registering on-site at the venue costs ¥200.
The same registration process also generates your official invitation letter, which is the primary document for a China business visa application.
Go to cantonfair.org.cn (English available) or use the Canton Fair APP. Click "Overseas Buyer." Enter a valid email address — note that some international email providers (Yahoo, certain regional providers) may not reliably receive verification emails; use Gmail or your corporate address.
Fill in your personal information, company details, and upload a passport-style photo. Tick the box "Generate Invitation Letter Simultaneously" — invitation letters have limited application attempts, so do this in one step. Your QR code appears in Personal Centre › My › Overseas Buyer Badge.
For first-time buyers, the system generates the invitation letter automatically after successful submission. Returning buyers request it in the Buyer Service System. Print two copies and keep one in your hand luggage — you will need it at the Chinese embassy and again at badge collection.
Present your original passport (digital copies are not accepted at most desks) plus your QR code. Badge collection points include all four zones of the Canton Fair Complex, 31+ designated hotels near Pazhou, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou South Railway Station, and the Pazhou Ferry Terminal. Hotels are the fastest option — collect the afternoon you check in and skip the opening-day queue at the venue.
Returning buyers: Your badge from a prior session may still be valid — the badge lasts for two years (multiple sessions) once issued. Log into the Buyer Service System to check validity and update your information before applying for a fresh invitation letter. If you lose your badge, replacement costs ¥100.
Business Visa for the Canton Fair
Your entry route into China depends on your nationality. As of 2026, China has significantly expanded its visa-free arrangements for international visitors, so many buyers no longer need to apply for a visa at all.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Most of Europe (including UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Scandinavia, and more), Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Türkiye, and others. Up to 30 days per visit, no visa required, covers business activities including trade fairs. Valid through December 31, 2026.
240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit
Includes the USA and Canada (not on the 30-day list), plus most Western European countries not already covered. You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count). Entry through Guangzhou Baiyun Airport qualifies. Ten days is enough to attend a full Canton Fair phase and do post-fair factory visits.
If you need an M Visa (Business Visa)
Buyers not covered by the exemptions above — including many African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern passport holders — need a China M visa (商务签证) for trade fair attendance. Documents required at most embassies/consulates:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport photo: 48 × 33 mm, white background, no glasses, no smiling
- Completed COVA online application form (printed and signed)
- Canton Fair official invitation letter (from cantonfair.org.cn registration — this is the most important document)
- Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation confirmation
- Business card or company introduction letter (recommended)
- Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property documents, or bank statements — varies by embassy)
Timeline: Apply at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Processing times vary by country and time of year; autumn 2026 volumes will be elevated given the 70th anniversary session. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is in hand.
If you attend Phase 1 and Phase 3: The gap between Phase 1 (ends Oct 19) and Phase 3 (starts Oct 31) is 11 days. Check that your M visa covers the full stay including the changeover period. If you plan to do factory visits in the Pearl River Delta during the gap, that is covered — but confirm with your embassy that the visa duration is sufficient.
Hotels Near Pazhou: When & Where to Book
Hotel availability near the Canton Fair is the single most time-sensitive logistics problem. Rooms within 1–2 stops of Metro Line 8 routinely sell out 6–8 weeks before each phase, and published nightly rates rise 2–3× as the fair approaches. A room that costs ¥600 in a normal week can list at ¥1,800–2,000 during the fair.
There are two zones worth targeting:
Zone 1 — Walking Distance to Pazhou (premium, books first)
Hotels within 500 metres of the Canton Fair Complex entrance or directly on the Metro Line 8 stations. The Westin Pazhou (5★) and Shangri-La Guangzhou (5★) are the closest luxury options. Mid-range options exist but have limited room counts and disappear quickly.
Zone 2 — 2–5 Stops on Metro Line 8 (better value, still viable)
Hotels near Chigang Station (Line 2, close to Line 8 interchange) or along the Haizhu and Tianhe corridors. Add 10–20 minutes to your daily commute but give you more choice at lower rates. Several designated Canton Fair hotels in this range operate free shuttle buses to the complex — check before you book.
Practical rules
- Book as soon as your phase is confirmed — for autumn 2026, that means July or August at the latest
- Use the official Canton Fair hotel booking platform at cantonfair.org.cn for designated partner hotels (shuttle service, negotiated rates, on-site badge collection)
- Check cancellation policy carefully — some Canton Fair hotels charge 100% of the stay as a non-refundable deposit
- If you span two phases, consider checking out between phases and rebooking for the second: hotels sometimes release rooms at better prices after Phase 1 closes
Getting There: Transport from Airport & Rail
Metro Line 8 is the backbone of Canton Fair transport. Two stations serve the complex directly: Xingangdong Station (新港东站) for Zone A, and Pazhou Station (琶洲站) for Zones B and C. All routes below end at one of these two stations.
From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
From Guangzhou South Station (高铁)
From Guangzhou East Station (东站)
From Hong Kong
Metro tip: Avoid the 8:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM rush windows during fair days — Line 8 platforms become extremely crowded. Metro accepts international Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and JCB cards directly at the turnstile, so no need for a transit card if your bank supports contactless.
Inside the Fair: Routes, Appointments & Tools
1.55 million square metres is not walkable. Buyers who show up without a pre-mapped route spend half their time navigating corridors that have nothing to do with their product category. The Canton Fair is organised by product zone number — not alphabetically and not by industry in a way that is intuitive on foot.
Before you arrive: download the Canton Fair APP
The official Canton Fair APP (available on iOS and Android) is the most important tool on the floor. Use it to:
- Search exhibitors by product, company name, or zone number
- Book appointments with specific exhibitors — the app lets you send meeting requests in advance, and exhibitors can confirm or reschedule
- Navigate the floor plan — interactive zone maps show exactly where your shortlisted booths are
- Scan digital business cards — faster than paper and it backs up to your account
A practical daily structure
Most experienced buyers structure each day with a hard list of must-see booths (pre-booked appointments, 2–3 per morning) and open time in the afternoon for neighbouring booths that turn up interesting products. Do not try to cover the entire venue in one day — nobody does. A well-mapped five-day phase covers your product zone thoroughly and still leaves room for discovery.
What to bring
- Business cards — hundreds, not dozens. Chinese suppliers will want one at every booth
- A way to take notes and photos — some suppliers allow it, some don't; ask first
- A measuring tape and small scale if you are verifying product dimensions or weights against spec sheets
- Sample bags — you will be offered many; having a single structured bag keeps you organised
- Comfortable shoes — expect to walk 8–12 km per day on concrete floors
Payment & Connectivity for Foreign Visitors
China is one of the most cashless economies in the world, and Guangzhou is no exception. The vast majority of transactions — restaurants, taxis, convenience stores, market vendors — are handled via QR code scan through Alipay or WeChat Pay. Walking around with only a foreign bank card will limit you significantly.
Alipay and WeChat Pay for foreigners: the 2026 situation
Since 2023, both apps allow international visitors to link foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Amex cards directly — no Chinese bank account required. As of mid-2026 the process takes 10–15 minutes. Set up at least one app before you board your flight.
Alipay setup:
- Download Alipay (iOS or Google Play)
- Register with your home phone number
- Go to Me › Bank Cards and tap "Add Card"
- Complete passport verification (photo upload, mostly automated)
- Verify with an SMS code from your bank
Alipay's "Tour Pass" feature (旅游专区) lets you pre-load a fixed CNY balance — useful if your bank charges high foreign-transaction fees.
WeChat Pay setup:
- Download WeChat, register with your phone number
- Go to Me › Services › Wallet › Add Card
- Enter your international card details and complete identity verification
Set up both. If Alipay fails at a vendor, WeChat Pay often works, and vice versa. The backup for digital payment failure in China is another digital payment app — not a card terminal. Tell your bank you are traveling to China before departure so they do not block the initial card-linking verification.
Transaction limits: Foreign-card linked accounts can typically transact up to ¥5,000 per transaction. Annual limits are in the $50,000 USD range — sufficient for any trade-fair buyer.
Cash
Carry ¥500–1,000 (approximately $70–140 USD) as a last resort. ATMs in Guangzhou accept major international cards; international airport and hotel ATMs are the most reliable. The Canton Fair Complex itself has ATMs inside all four zones.
Mobile internet & SIM
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in mainland China. Before arriving, either configure a VPN (installed before landing — you cannot access most VPN provider websites from within China) or purchase a SIM card from China Unicom, China Mobile, or a tourist eSIM that routes data outside the firewall. Your hotel can help with local SIM options on arrival.
After the Fair: Factory Visits & Supplier Verification
A business card collected at a Canton Fair booth is not a supplier. It is a starting point. The step that transforms a promising contact into a verified manufacturing partner happens after the fair closes — with a factory visit.
Most Canton Fair exhibitors come from the Pearl River Delta: Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen. A well-organised factory visit program covers 2–4 plants per day, verifies production capacity in person, inspects tooling and quality control, and gives you the negotiating ground you need to place a confident first order.
The full sourcing chain after the fair covers: factory visits → supplier verification (confirming you are dealing with a factory, not a trading company) → sample and quality control inspection → consolidated shipping from multiple suppliers in a single container. Our Full Sourcing package handles this end to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to plan your Canton Fair 2026 trip?
Tell us your products and phase — we'll confirm your dates, plan your route, and quote within one business day. Our team has been on the ground in Guangzhou since 2013.