2026 Simple Guide to Canton Fair
- Leo Xia
- Mar 15
- 6 min read
The Canton Fair, officially the China Import and Export Fair, is Asia's largest trade show and a crucial event for global sourcing professionals. With over 28,000 exhibitors across 51 product categories and more than 300,000 international buyers, it occurs annually in three phases at Guangzhou's Pazhou Complex. Attending Canton Fair 2026 requires strategic planning, as the phased structure impacts the suppliers you meet, the products you see, and the success of your visit.
This guide includes crucial details on session dates, registration, transportation, and practical advice for a successful visit.
Quick Content Reach:
When is Canton Fair in 2026
The 139th Canton Fair Spring 2026 will take place in Guangzhou, China, spanning three phases: April 15–19, April 23–27, and May 1–5, 2026. This event represents the 139th China Import and Export Fair, showcasing a wide variety of products across its different phases.
Phase 1 (April 15–19, 2026): Electronics, electrical appliances, machinery, tools, new energy, and vehicles.
Phase 2 (April 23–27, 2026): Home products, furniture, gifts, decorations, and building materials.
Phase 3 (May 1–5, 2026): Consumer goods, textiles, personal care products, medical supplies, toys, and stationery & office supplies.
What is the Fair Location and Layout
The Canton Fair Complex is situated at 380 Yuejiang Zhong Lu Road, Hai Zhu, Guangzhou. It covers an area of 1,100,000 square meters, including 338,000 square meters of indoor space and 43,600 square meters of outdoor space.
The Stationery and Office Supplies exhibits during Phase 3.
What to Prepare for the Fair
Here are the crucial preparations you should be aware of!
1. Visa Requirements
Visit the Visa for China website for comprehensive guidelines. You will need the following documents:
Valid Passport
Passport-sized Photo
Invitation Card
Business Card
Visa Application Timeline
Multi-entry Visa
Visa Extensions
2. Registration for the Canton Fair Options
Pre-register to save 200 RMB (about 30 USD) on the event registration fee. First-time attendees should pre-register to receive an invitation letter, aiding in business visa acquisition.
3. Important dates
Pre-registration is open from August 12 to November 4, 2025. We recommend completing it before arriving in Guangzhou to enhance your experience.
4. Verify Your Canton Fair Buyer Account
Before participating in the Canton Fair, ensure your buyer account is fully verified and your information is current. This guarantees complete access to the buyer platform and prevents delays when picking up your badge onsite.
Buyers should log into the Buyer Service System or the Canton Fair App and verify the following details:
Email verification
Personal identification information (such as passport details)
Company name and job title
Contact details and sourcing interests
If you have previously attended the Canton Fair, your account might already exist. Just log in and update any outdated information before registering for the upcoming session.
Completing these steps in advance helps streamline badge collection and ensures exhibitors can better understand your sourcing needs.
5. Registration Steps for Overseas Buyers
Go to the official Canton Fair website, select the "Buyer" tab, and set up an account.
Provide your passport and business card to apply for an invitation letter.
Finish registration once approved.
For Returning Buyers
You have two options:
Option 1: Pre-register using the Canton Fair App
Download the Canton Fair App.
Open the app, tap “My”, then select “Login/Register” in the top left corner.
Choose “Buyer Badge”.
Pick the phases you intend to attend.
Your pre-registration is now complete.
Option 2: Pre-register through the Buyer Service System (Official Website)
Visit the Canton Fair official website and sign in to the Buyer Service System with your account.
On the homepage, choose the phase(s) you wish to attend.
Submit your selection to finish pre-registration.
For New Buyers
You have two choices:
Option 1: Pre-register using the Canton Fair App
First, download the Canton Fair App.
Open the app, tap “My”, and then choose “Login/Register”.
Select “Buyer Badge”.
Choose the phases you wish to attend to finalize your registration.
Option 2: Pre-register through the Buyer Service System (Official Website)
Visit the Canton Fair official website and access the Buyer Service System with your account.
On the homepage, select the phase(s) you wish to attend.
Submit your selection to complete pre-registration.
Onsite Badge Collection:
Your Buyer Badge (IC Card) can be used for multiple sessions. Attendees who have pre-registered can utilize express channels at registration offices located at the main complex and in 40 designated hotels.
Additional registration offices are available at key locations in Areas B, C, and D of the Canton Fair Complex.
There are two overseas buyer registration offices in Area B of the Canton Fair Complex (Exit A/B, Pazhou Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 8).
One overseas buyer registration office is situated in Area C of the Canton Fair Complex (Exit C, Pazhou Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 8).
Another overseas buyer registration office is located in Area D of the Canton Fair Complex (Exit A, Xingangdong Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 8).
Customer Service Telephone: (852) 2877 1318 | Email: cs@cantonfair.org.cn
How to Get to Canton Fair
Air Travel: Arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which hosts international flights from major airlines such as American Airlines, Air China, China Southern, and Delta.
Metro: Board Line 3 from the airport to Tiyu Xi Station, then switch to Line 8 to get to either Xingang Dong or Pazhou Station. The trip lasts approximately 43 minutes.
Taxi: The rate is 2.6 RMB per km, with a 50% increase for distances over 35 km. Mention "Pa Zhou" or "Canton Fair" to the driver.
Shuttle Bus: The Guangzhou Airport Express shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the airport to the fair complex between 13:00 and 18:00.
Tips for Attending the Canton Fair
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: While food is available, it's beneficial to have water and snacks, especially during long meetings.
Dining Options: Areas A, B, and C offer restaurants with Cantonese and Western cuisines. To reduce wait times, consider eating outside peak lunch hours.
Scheduling Meetings: Use the Canton Fair website to prioritize booths and schedule meetings in advance. The venue is extensive, so planning saves time.
Connectivity Essentials: WiFi is available on-site, but a VPN is required for accessing Google and other restricted sites. WeChat is essential for communication.
Business Cards: Bring both physical and digital business cards, as some suppliers prefer physical ones.
Attire and Essentials: Choose comfortable shoes and smart casual clothing. A light sweater might be necessary indoors. A carry-on bag is ideal for brochures and supplies, including a power bank, chargers, and a notebook.
Exploring Guangzhou: Be sure to explore Guangzhou’s top attractions. For inspiration, refer to this Guangzhou attractions guide.
Helpful Apps Recommendation
—Leo Xia, CEO, Lion Paper Products
You design, we deliver.
FAQs:
Q1: Is a Chinese business visa required, or is an invitation to the Canton Fair enough?
The Canton Fair invitation letter does not qualify you for a visa exemption. You must apply for an M-visa (business) at your nearest Chinese embassy, providing the invitation, company registration documents, and flight/hotel reservations. Processing takes 4–7 working days. The 72/144-hour visa-free transit is only for air passengers transiting through Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, not for fair attendees.
Q2: Is it better to negotiate prices during the fair or wait until it ends??
Negotiate directly at the site and secure terms with written confirmation. Exhibitors at the Canton Fair often offer exclusive "fair-only" discounts of 3–8% below usual rates to expedite deals. Insist on a signed "Price Lock Letter" detailing the validity period (e.g., "valid for orders placed within 30 days"), payment terms, and sample approval process. Without this, prices typically increase by 5.7% after the fair, according to the Canton Fair 2025 Supplier Survey.
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer? Reach out to Lion Paper for a free quote and consultation. Let’s collaborate on creating custom writing paper products that will set your brand apart from the competition!
About Lion Paper
Company Name: Lion Paper Products
Office Address: 20th floor, Chuangyedasha Building, No. 135, Jinsui Road, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China
Factory Address: No.135, Xuri Road, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang, China
Email: Leoxia@lion-paper.com
Audit Certifications: ISO9001:2015/FSC/SEDEX SMETA/Disney FAMA/GSV/SQP