Canton Fair 2026 at a glance
- Dates: Phase 1 Oct 15–19 · Phase 2 Oct 23–27 · Phase 3 Oct 31–Nov 4, 2026.
- Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou — Metro Line 8, Xingangdong or Pazhou station.
- Entry: free for overseas buyers who pre-register online and get a buyer badge.
- Invitation letter: free through the official Buyer Service System when you apply for your badge.
- Visa: UK, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, Korea and others — 30 days visa-free; US citizens need an M visa or 240-hour transit.
The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is China's largest and longest-running trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou. For importers, Amazon sellers, retailers and distributors, it is the fastest way to see thousands of manufacturers in one place. It is also huge, crowded and easy to waste. This guide covers everything you need to plan the autumn 2026 session: which phase to attend, how to register, how to handle the visa, and how to turn booth conversations into suppliers you can trust.
Canton Fair 2026 Dates and Phases
Each phase covers different industries, so pick yours by product category — and check the official exhibitor search to confirm where your category sits.
| Phase | Dates | Main categories | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | October 15–19, 2026 | Advanced manufacturing: electronics & appliances, machinery, hardware & tools, lighting & electrical, new energy vehicles & smart mobility, industrial automation, new energy | Service Robots Zone |
| Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2026 | Quality home life: building materials & furniture, housewares, gifts & decorations, ceramics | Fashion Jewelry Zone |
| Phase 3 | October 31–November 4, 2026 | Textiles & apparel, shoes, bags, personal care & health, medical, toys & baby products, food, office & recreation | Consumer and lifestyle goods |
The spring 2026 session (139th) set records: 1.55 million square meters, 75,700 booths and more than 32,000 exhibitors, with nine new zones including consumer drones, smart wearables and display technology.
How to Register (Free) and Get Your Buyer Badge
Create a buyer account
On the official Canton Fair website or app, register with your real company details — exhibitors scan your badge and see who you are.
Complete attendance intent
Select the session and products you are interested in. Pre-registration for overseas buyers is free.
Apply for your buyer badge and invitation letter
New buyers apply for the overseas buyer badge online; the system can generate the official invitation letter at the same time. Returning buyers log in, confirm attendance and request a new letter if needed.
Apply for a visa if your passport needs one
Use the invitation letter to apply for a business (M) visa. The consulate makes the final decision, so apply early.
Collect your badge in Guangzhou
Bring your passport to a badge collection point at the Canton Fair Complex or an overseas buyer registration office in selected hotels. Returning buyers can usually reuse an existing badge.
Avoid fake registration sites. Register only on the official Canton Fair website or app. You do not need to pay anyone for a buyer badge, a "VIP pass" or an invitation letter from the fair.
Visa for the Canton Fair
Visa-free (up to 30 days): ordinary passport holders from about 50 countries — including the UK, Canada, most EU countries, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea — can enter China for business without a visa until December 31, 2026.
US citizens are not on that list. Apply for an M business visa using the fair's invitation letter, or use 240-hour visa-free transit if you fly on to a third country or region — Hong Kong is about an hour from Guangzhou by high-speed rail. Details: China visa guide for Americans.
Adding factory visits? If your trip includes supplier and factory visits outside the fair, we can provide an invitation letter that covers your full business itinerary. See China factory & business trips.
Getting to the Canton Fair Complex
- Metro: Line 8 to Xingangdong or Pazhou station, both next to the halls. Expect packed trains at opening time.
- From Baiyun Airport (CAN): Metro Line 3 towards the city, change to Line 8. A taxi or DiDi is simpler with luggage.
- From Hong Kong: high-speed rail from West Kowloon to Guangzhou South or Guangzhou East, then metro or taxi.
- From Shenzhen: frequent high-speed trains to Guangzhou South, under an hour on the fastest services.
Where to Stay
Pazhou and Haizhu put you closest to the halls. Tianhe and Zhujiang New Town offer the widest choice of hotels and restaurants, a short metro ride away. Hotel rates rise sharply during all three phases, so book early and check cancellation terms. Several hotels host official overseas buyer registration offices where you can collect your badge.
How to Work the Fair Like a Pro
- Plan booths before you arrive. Use the official exhibitor search and app to shortlist suppliers by hall and booth number.
- Bring business cards and photograph every booth with the booth number in the frame — after 200 conversations, you won't remember who said what.
- Get on WeChat. Almost every supplier follows up there.
- Ask the same questions everywhere: factory or trading company, MOQ, unit price at your volume, lead time, sample cost, certifications, payment terms.
- Don't pay deposits at the booth. Verify the supplier first — business license, factory visit, samples — and pay only to the company's verified business account.
- Set up payments and data first: Alipay, WeChat Pay and a VPN before you fly.
After the Fair: Visit the Factories
A booth shows you samples; a factory shows you the business. Guangzhou sits in the middle of the Pearl River Delta manufacturing belt — Foshan for furniture, lighting and ceramics, Dongguan and Shenzhen for electronics and hardware, Zhongshan for lighting and appliances. The break days between phases are ideal for supplier visits.
Example: 5 days for a Phase 1 buyer
- Day 1 (Oct 14) — Arrive Guangzhou, collect badge, walk the halls map.
- Days 2–3 (Oct 15–16) — Canton Fair Phase 1: shortlisted booths, then open exploration.
- Day 4 (Oct 17) — Factory visits in Dongguan or Foshan with interpreter and driver.
- Day 5 (Oct 18) — Second round of booth meetings; Hong Kong or home.
Your Canton Fair Trip, Handled
Private, custom Canton Fair trips: hotel near the halls, interpreter-guide, driver, factory visits between phases, and invitation letters for your business visa. Premium service, built around your sourcing goals.
Plan My Canton Fair TripFrequently Asked Questions
When is the Canton Fair 2026?
The 140th Canton Fair (autumn 2026) runs in three phases in Guangzhou: Phase 1 from October 15–19, Phase 2 from October 23–27 and Phase 3 from October 31–November 4, 2026. The next spring session is normally held from mid-April to early May.
Is the Canton Fair free to attend?
Yes, for overseas buyers who complete free online pre-registration and obtain their first buyer badge. On-site badge processing fees may apply in some situations, so register online before you travel.
How do I get a Canton Fair invitation letter?
Apply through the Buyer Service System on the official Canton Fair website. New buyers can request the invitation letter while applying for the overseas buyer badge; returning buyers log in and submit a new request. The letter supports a Chinese visa application, but the consulate decides.
Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair?
It depends on your passport. Citizens of about 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, most of the EU, Australia, Japan and South Korea, can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business until December 31, 2026. US citizens need a visa — usually an M business visa — or can use 240-hour visa-free transit if they fly on to a third country or region such as Hong Kong.
Which phase of the Canton Fair should I attend?
Choose by product category: Phase 1 for electronics, machinery, tools, vehicles and new energy; Phase 2 for furniture, building materials, housewares and gifts; Phase 3 for textiles, apparel, personal care, medical, toys and food. Check the official exhibitor search to confirm where your category sits.
How do I get to the Canton Fair Complex?
The China Import and Export Fair Complex is in Pazhou, Haizhu District, Guangzhou. Take Guangzhou Metro Line 8 to Xingangdong or Pazhou station. From Baiyun International Airport, take Metro Line 3 and change to Line 8, or take a taxi.
Where should I stay for the Canton Fair?
Pazhou and nearby Haizhu hotels are closest to the halls; Tianhe and Zhujiang New Town offer more choice and are a short metro ride away along Line 8 and Line 3. Rates rise sharply during the fair, so book as early as possible.
Can I visit factories after the Canton Fair?
Yes, and it is the best way to verify a supplier. Guangzhou is surrounded by manufacturing cities such as Foshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen and Zhongshan. We arrange private factory visits with interpreter and driver between or after phases, and provide invitation letters for business visa applications.
How can I avoid Canton Fair scams?
Register only through the official Canton Fair website or app, never pay third parties for a buyer badge or 'VIP registration', and verify suppliers before paying deposits — ideally with a factory visit, business-license check and samples. Pay to the company's own verified business account, not a personal account.
Sources
- Ministry of Commerce: 140th Canton Fair highlights and schedule
- Hunan Provincial Government / Xinhua: 139th Canton Fair record scale
- Chinese Consulate General in Perth: buyer pre-registration and invitation letters
- Beijing Municipal Government: visa-free policy extended to December 31, 2026
- Official Canton Fair website