Canton Fair — Dates, Phases & Visitor Guide

Currently confirmed dates — Autumn 2026

The Canton Fair Autumn 2026 (Canton Fair 2026 — 140th Canton Fair) takes place in Guangzhou from 15 October to 4 November 2026, in three phases.

Phase	Dates
Phase 1	15–19 October 2026
Phase 2	23–27 October 2026
Phase 3	31 October – 4 November 2026

Venue: Canton Fair Complex — Pazhou, Guangzhou. This card is updated before each session according to the latest dates announced by the Canton Fair.

The Canton Fair, or China Import and Export Fair, is one of the most important trade fairs in China. It has been held in Guangzhou twice a year since 1957: the spring session from April to May, and the autumn session from October to November.

Each season consists of three phases, and the products and sectors on display differ from phase to phase. It is therefore important to identify the right phase for your business before booking your trip.

Quick links: Fair dates · Choosing the right phase · Registration · Location and access · FAQ

Quick facts

Item	Details
Spring session	15 April – 5 May
Autumn session	15 October – 4 November
Session	140 — 140th Canton Fair
Number of phases	3 phases each season
City	Guangzhou – China
Location	Canton Fair Complex – Pazhou
Registration	Via the official buyer system

Canton Fair dates

The Canton Fair is held in two seasons a year, and each season is divided into three phases.

Canton Fair Spring

Phase	Dates
Phase 1	15–19 April
Phase 2	23–27 April
Phase 3	1–5 May

Canton Fair Autumn

Phase	Dates
Phase 1	15–19 October
Phase 2	23–27 October
Phase 3	31 October – 4 November

Details of some sectors or arrangements may change from one session to another, so check the confirmed dates before arranging your travel.

Which Canton Fair phase suits you?

Choosing the right phase saves you time and travel costs, because each phase focuses on different product groups.

Phase 1 — Electronics, industry, and equipment

Suitable if you are looking for:

• Home appliances: refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, microwave ovens, and smart home cleaning devices.
• Consumer electronics: mobile phones, televisions, audio systems, laptops, tablets, networking equipment, and smart security devices.
• Industrial automation and smart manufacturing: CNC machines, robots, control systems, the industrial internet of things, and smart logistics.
• Machinery and processing equipment: metalworking machines, food processing equipment, packaging systems, and construction and textile machinery.
• Power equipment: generators, solar panels, transformers, batteries, and industrial electrical automation.
• Transport and vehicles: electric vehicles, hybrid cars, vehicle components, motorcycles, and two-wheelers.
• Lighting and LED technologies: LED lighting systems, smart control systems, and industrial and automotive lighting solutions.
• Tools and hardware: hand tools, power tools, building fittings, and plumbing and fastening systems.
• Chemicals and new materials: coatings, adhesives, composite materials, and advanced industrial materials.

Especially suitable for: industrial importers, electronics and home appliance traders, industrial procurement managers, construction equipment buyers, and automation solution providers.

Phase 2 — Home, gifts, and furniture

Suitable if you are looking for:

• Household goods and kitchenware: tableware, stainless steel ware, kitchen knives, cookware, and food accessories.
• Household supplies: cleaning products, storage supplies, umbrellas, gloves, and laundry supplies.
• Glassware and ceramics: decorative glassware, artistic glass crafts, art ceramics, and decorative pottery.
• Home decor: candles, photo frames, wall decorations, artificial flowers, and decorative mirrors.
• Garden and outdoor supplies: garden tools, bonsai trees, and outdoor ornaments.
• Celebration and event supplies: holiday decorations, party balloons, and seasonal event supplies.
• Gifts and souvenirs: traditional handicrafts, jewelry, promotional gifts, and packaging products.
• Watches and eyewear: wristwatches and their parts, prescription glasses, and sunglasses.
• Handicrafts: bamboo, wood, straw, and iron products.
• Building and decoration materials: flooring, tiles, wallpaper, windows, doors, and stonework.
• Sanitary ware and bathroom fittings: faucets, bathtubs, showers, and water heaters.
• Furniture: furniture for homes, hotels, offices, schools, medical facilities, and outdoor spaces.

Especially suitable for: gift and promotional product traders, household goods and decor traders, hospitality and hotel buyers, and real estate developers and contractors.

Phase 3 — Fashion, health, and food

Suitable if you are looking for:

• Clothing and fashion: shirts, skirts, trousers, suits, jackets, formal wear, and wedding dresses.
• Sportswear and casual wear: sportswear, hoodies, T-shirts, and jeans.
• Underwear and loungewear: underwear, sleepwear, and bathrobes.
• Leather and fur products: leather garments, winter jackets, and woolen clothing.
• Fashion accessories: hats, gloves, scarves, socks, ties, and belts.
• Shoes and bags: fashion shoes, sports shoes and sandals, travel bags, backpacks, and handbags.
• Textiles and fabrics: cotton, synthetic, silk, and wool fabrics, and industrial textiles.
• Home textiles and carpets: bedding, curtains, towels, pillows, carpets, and upholstery fabrics.
• Baby and maternity products: children’s clothing, care and safety products, strollers, and children’s furniture.
• Toys: children’s toys, electric and remote-control toys, educational toys, and dolls.
• Stationery and office supplies: pens, notebooks, files, organizers, and office automation equipment.
• Medical and healthcare products: medical equipment, dietary supplements, rehabilitation devices, and personal protective equipment.
• Cosmetics and personal care and sports and leisure products.

Especially suitable for: clothing and textile traders, shoe and bag traders, importers of health products and food, and consumer goods traders.

What do you want to import?

To get to the right phase quickly:

• Electronics, machinery, and equipment → Phase 1
• Gifts, home, decor, and furniture → Phase 2
• Clothing, bags, food, and health products → Phase 3

If you work in more than one sector, it may be useful to attend more than one phase.

Canton Fair registration

How do I register to attend the Canton Fair?

International buyers register through the official Canton Fair buyer service system. The process usually involves the following steps:

1. Create an account.
2. Enter your personal and company details.
3. Pre-register.
4. Apply for the buyer badge.
5. Choose the right phase.
6. Collect the badge and enter.

It is best to complete registration before traveling, to save time and paperwork on arrival in Guangzhou.

What documents are required for registration?

The documents you are usually asked to prepare include:

• An original ID document or a valid passport.
• A recent color photo.
• A business card.
• Proof of the activity of the company or organization you represent.
• A copy of the online registration confirmation.

The exact details change from one session to another, so check the official buyer system before traveling for the approved requirements of the session you will visit.

Canton Fair entry badge

Do I need a badge to enter the fair?

Yes. International buyers need an Overseas Buyer Badge to enter the fair, and it is best to apply for it in advance through the official registration system.

Badge collection points may be available inside the exhibition complex and at some arrival points or approved hotels, depending on the arrangements for each session. Check the instructions for the session you will visit before traveling.

Invitation letter and visa

How do I get a Canton Fair invitation?

International buyers can request a Canton Fair invitation letter through the official buyer system when needed; the process usually starts after creating an account and completing the buyer and company details.

Important: an invitation letter does not mean automatic visa approval. Chinese visa requirements vary by nationality and circumstances, so check with the competent official authorities before arranging your travel.

Where is the Canton Fair held?

The fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex in the Pazhou area of Haizhu District, Guangzhou.

Address:
No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China

The complex is large and includes several areas and halls, so it is better to know the supplier’s hall and booth number before you arrive.

Visit the fair’s official website

How do I get to the Canton Fair?

By metro

The metro is one of the easiest ways to reach the Canton Fair Complex, especially on fair days because of the crowds. The main nearby stations include Xingangdong and Pazhou; the best station and exit depend on the area and hall you will visit inside the complex.

Guide to transport, the metro, and apps in Guangzhou · Getting to the fair by metro

Where should I stay during the Canton Fair?

Where to stay depends on your priority: being close to the fair, or easy access to restaurants, services, and the rest of the city.

• Pazhou and Haizhu: suitable if your priority is quick access to the fair and less travel time.
• Zhujiang New Town: suitable if you want a livelier area with more restaurants, services, and shopping centers after the fair day ends.

Demand for hotels rises during the Canton Fair, so it is best to book early.

Browse Guangzhou hotels

How to prepare for your Canton Fair visit

Before going to the fair:

1. Identify the right phase for your products before booking your trip.
2. Complete registration and the badge application before traveling.
3. Prepare a clear list of the products you are looking for.
4. Set a budget and a target price for the product.
5. Prepare your company details and enough business cards.
6. Record the names of the suppliers and the booth numbers you visit.
7. Compare more than one factory or supplier.
8. Ask about the minimum order quantity (MOQ).
9. Ask about the production time.
10. Check the product specifications and materials.
11. Ask for packaging details.
12. Ask about payment terms.
13. Discuss shipping options and costs.
14. Do not rely on the sample alone before verifying the quality and final specifications.

Practical preparations for the visit

• Wear comfortable clothes suited to a professional setting, and make sure your shoes are comfortable, as there is a lot of walking inside the complex.
• Carry a power bank for your devices, as moving between halls drains the battery.
• Leave room in your bag for the catalogs and samples you will collect.
• Keep a digital and a paper copy of your registration confirmation and accommodation details.

On-site tips during the visit

• Do not rush into deals on the first day; explore the options and compare prices and quality first.
• The last day of each phase is usually shorter and exhibitors are busy leaving, so do not leave important negotiations until then.
• The deposit percentage varies by supplier and product type; payment terms must be clearly agreed and put in writing before you transfer any payment.
• Document everything agreed in writing, including specifications, quantities, and dates.

What should I do after finding the supplier or product?

Finding the product or supplier at the Canton Fair is not the end of the decision. Before buying, compare more than one supplier in terms of price, quality, minimum order quantity, production time, packaging, and payment and shipping terms.

If you have found the right product but the price or quality does not suit you, do not stop at the Canton Fair.

Broaden your search

• 1688 guide — to search for more products and suppliers and compare options and prices.
• Wholesale markets in Guangzhou — to compare some products directly in the city.
• Guangzhou exhibitions — to find a specialized exhibition in your field, which may give you more specialized suppliers.

Shipping from China

After choosing the supplier and agreeing on the product, the next step is calculating the cost of shipping and packaging and the required procedures before confirming the order.

Canton Fair FAQ

When is the Canton Fair held?

Twice a year: spring from 15 April to 5 May, and autumn from 15 October to 4 November; each season is divided into three phases.

How many phases does the Canton Fair have?

Three phases each season, each with different sectors and products.

What is the difference between the Canton Fair phases?

Phase 1 is for electronics, machinery and industry; Phase 2 for home, gifts, decor, and furniture; and Phase 3 for clothing, textiles, health, food, and consumer products.

Which phase suits gifts and promotional products?

Phase 2.

Which phase suits electronics and machinery?

Phase 1.

Which phase suits clothing and bags?

Phase 3.

Where is the Canton Fair held?

At the Canton Fair Complex in the Pazhou area of Guangzhou, South China.

How do I register for the Canton Fair?

Through the fair’s official buyer service system, then by applying for the buyer badge.

Do I need a badge to enter?

Yes. International buyers need a fair entry badge.

Do I need an invitation from the Canton Fair?

An official invitation letter can be requested through the buyer system when needed for travel or visa procedures.

Can I visit more than one phase?

Yes. If your products span different sectors, you can attend more than one phase, taking into account the days between phases and accommodation costs.

Is the Canton Fair enough to find a supplier?

Not always. The Canton Fair is excellent for discovering products and factories, but you may find better options in terms of price or specialization at specialized exhibitions, wholesale markets or on the 1688 platform.

Useful links for Canton Fair visitors

• Guangzhou metro and transport guide — to reach the fair and get around the city.
• 1688 guide — to search for suppliers and products online.
• Wholesale markets in Guangzhou — to compare products and prices in the city.
• Guangzhou exhibitions — to find specialized exhibitions held throughout the year.
• Guangzhou hotels — to choose the right area and hotel for your trip.

Plan your trip to the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair can be the start of a complete sourcing trip in Guangzhou, not just an exhibition visit. Identify the right phase, register in advance, compare suppliers, and make use of your time in the city to visit the markets and specialized exhibitions relevant to your business.

Browse exhibitions · Explore wholesale markets · See hotels · Metro guide