- Phase 1 runs 15–19 October, Phase 2 runs 23–27 October and Phase 3 runs 31 October–4 November 2026.
- Electronics, machinery and vehicles lead Phase 1; home and construction products lead Phase 2; fashion, health, food and leisure goods lead Phase 3.
- Overseas visitors need a buyer badge, and first-time buyers should apply through the official Buyer Service System before arrival.
- The fair is at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, with direct metro access.
Canton Fair Autumn 2026 dates and phases
The 140th Canton Fair is split into three five-day exhibition periods, with three-day breaks between them. No exhibition phase is scheduled on 20–22 or 28–30 October.
| Period | Dates | Official product groups |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15–19 October 2026 | Electronics and electrical products; household appliances; lighting; machinery and manufacturing equipment; hardware and tools; vehicles, mobility and vehicle parts; new energy and chemical products |
| Break | 20–22 October 2026 | No exhibition phase |
| Phase 2 | 23–27 October 2026 | Building and decorative materials; sanitary and bathroom equipment; furniture; household goods; ceramics, kitchenware and tableware; gardening products; home decorations; gifts and festival products |
| Break | 28–30 October 2026 | No exhibition phase |
| Phase 3 | 31 October–4 November 2026 | Clothing, textiles and footwear; personal care and health products; medicines and medical devices; maternity, baby and pet products; toys; food; office supplies; bags; sports and leisure products |
How to choose the right Canton Fair phase
Choose by product category, not by whichever flight dates are cheapest. The complex is vast, so a focused shortlist of halls and exhibitors will save more time than trying to browse every area.
Electronics, manufacturing and mobility
Phase 1 suits buyers sourcing household appliances, consumer electronics, industrial automation, machinery, new materials, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, lighting, electrical products, hardware and tools.
It is also the main phase for new-energy products and manufacturing equipment. Technical buyers should prepare specifications, target standards and expected order volumes before meetings.
Home, gifts and construction
Phase 2 concentrates on ceramics, kitchenware, household goods, gifts, festival products, home decoration, gardening, building materials, sanitary equipment and furniture.
Bring measurements, material requirements and packaging expectations when sourcing home or construction products. Ask the exhibitor before photographing samples.
Fashion, health, food and leisure
Phase 3 covers toys, maternity and children’s goods, clothing, textiles, footwear, bags, sports and leisure goods, medicines, medical devices, personal care, pet products, food and office supplies.
Buyers in regulated categories should prepare questions about certifications, testing and destination-market compliance. A fair meeting is a starting point for due diligence, not a substitute for it.
Canton Fair registration for overseas buyers
Overseas buyers need a buyer badge to enter the fair.
The official registration page routes overseas visitors to the Canton Fair Buyer Service System, where new buyers can create an account and apply for a badge.
- Create or sign in to your official buyer account.
- Complete the company and personal-information fields.
- Submit the overseas buyer badge application for verification.
- After approval, check the 140th-session instructions for the designated badge-collection point.
- Collect the QR-code buyer badge using the required original identity document and any other items specified in the current official notice.
China entry documents
Buyer registration does not replace the travel documents required to enter China. Check the current requirements for your nationality and place of residence before booking.
Buyers should match flight arrival times with hotel check-in and badge collection plans. If the itinerary connects through another Chinese city or Hong Kong, allow a realistic buffer for immigration, baggage and onward transport.
Carry digital and printed copies of confirmations, supplier contacts and your daily hall plan. Keep business cards and product specifications accessible, but store passport and payment details securely.
Guangzhou travel planning for the Canton Fair
Book travel after confirming the correct phase and allowing at least one arrival day before your first fair day. Compare flights to Guangzhou, then keep your airport, hotel and fair-complex transfers in one itinerary.
Book early if you want to stay near Pazhou. Search hotels in Guangzhou, prioritising easy access to Metro Line 8 or Line 11 rather than distance alone.
Getting to the Canton Fair Complex
The venue is the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou. Metro Line 8 serves Xingangdong and Pazhou stations, while Line 11 also serves Pazhou.
Check your hall location before leaving the station. Build extra time into the journey for walking, venue entry and finding the correct exhibition area.
A practical Canton Fair pre-trip sequence
| When | Action | Output |
|---|---|---|
| First | Choose the phase from the official product-category list | Target dates and product sections |
| Next | Register as an overseas buyer and apply for the badge | Application submitted for verification |
| Then | Check passport and entry requirements | Entry-document plan |
| After that | Book flights and a metro-convenient hotel | Confirmed Guangzhou itinerary |
| Before travel | Shortlist exhibitors, halls and meeting times | Daily route through the complex |
| Final check | Reconfirm registration points, fair notices and metro service | Current arrival and access plan |
How to use your time at the fair
- Set daily priorities: Separate must-see suppliers from optional visits.
- Group by hall: Avoid crossing the complex repeatedly for back-to-back meetings.
- Record every conversation: Note the supplier, product, contact, quotation basis and next step.
- Confirm commercial terms: Ask about minimum orders, lead times, samples, packaging and payment conditions.
- Leave follow-up time: Use the evening to organise contacts while details are fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Canton Fair Autumn 2026?
Phase 1 is 15–19 October, Phase 2 is 23–27 October and Phase 3 is 31 October–4 November 2026.
Which Canton Fair phase should I attend?
Attend Phase 1 for electronics, machinery and vehicles; Phase 2 for home, gifts and construction products; or Phase 3 for fashion, health, food and leisure categories.
Do overseas buyers need to register?
Yes. Overseas buyers need a buyer badge and should use the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System to apply before travelling.
Where is the Canton Fair held?
It is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou, with access from Xingangdong and Pazhou metro stations.
Can I plan a trip across more than one phase?
Yes. Account for the non-exhibition periods on 20–22 and 28–30 October when planning accommodation and supplier meetings outside the fair.
Sources
- China Import and Export Fair — Official 2026 phase dates and exhibit categories
- China Import and Export Fair — Buyer Service System badge and invitation guide
- China Import and Export Fair — 140th-session export-exhibition booth-application notice
- Guangzhou Municipal Government — Metro guide for the 139th Canton Fair
- Wikimedia Commons — “Aerial View, Zone B, Canton Fair Complex 20230701-C.jpg” by Tim Wu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
