If you're doing business with Chinese suppliers, the Canton Fair is like your annual pilgrimage. Keep reading to learn how to register and attend Canton Fair, with 2026 Canton Fair dates, location and more! When planning your visit to Guangzhou, consider booking your Guangzhou hotels in advance to secure the best rates!
About Canton Fair 2026: Dates + 3 Phases
Credit: Canton Fair Official
Need reliable manufacturers for your business? The Canton Fair, or China Import and Export Fair, is the world’s oldest and one of the top trade events. The Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, during the Spring (April/May) and Autumn (October/November).
2026 Canton Fair Dates
- 📅 Spring Edition: April 15 - May 5, 2026
- 📅 Autumn Edition: October 15 - November 4, 2026
2026 Canton Fair Phase 1-3 (Onsite)
In 2026, both the Spring and Autumn editions will follow the same structure for the 3 offline phases.
Phase | Spring Dates | Autumn Dates | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | April 15-19, 2026 | October 15-19, 2026 | Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, International Pavilion |
Phase 2 | April 23-27, 2026 | October 23-27, 2026 | Houseware, Gifts & Decorations, Building & Furniture, International Pavilion |
Phase 3 | May 1-5, 2026 | October 31-November 4, 2026 | Toys & Children, Baby and Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, International Pavilion |
Online Fair:
- The 139th Canton Fair online will run from March to September 2026.
- The 140th Canton Fair online will be available from September 2026 to March 2027.
🚌 Canton Fair Nearby Hotel with Shuttle
For anyone going to the Canton Fair, some hotels on Trip.com have shuttle buses to and from the fair—just check if a hotel has this service when you book. Here’s a simple breakdown of 3 such hotels:
- Langyi Hotel: It’s super close to the Canton Fair’s Pazhou venue and Chigang Metro Station (Line 2, Exit C—you can walk there). They have a wine bar with French food and wine, plus a business center and rooms for meetings. The shuttle runs Oct 15-19, 23-27, and 31-Nov 4: leaves at 8:30 AM every day, and comes back at 5:45 PM except the last day of each fair phase (no return that day).
No. 468 Xingang Middle Road
- Betterdream Garden Yijing Hotel Guangzhou Xingchen: This one has a gym, two parking lots (you have to pay for them), a front desk open 24/7, free luggage storage and kid care, service robots, and rooms for meetings (those cost extra). The shuttle works like this: Oct 15-18, 22-26, and Nov 1-4—there are 2 morning rides to the fair and 1 evening ride back. But on Oct 19, 27, and Nov 5, there’s no return shuttle, only 2 rides to the fair.
No. 281 Chigang East Road, Chigang Subdistrict
- Super 8 Hotel Guangzhou Gangbei Road: They have paid private parking, free public parking, a 24/7 front desk, places to store your luggage, a tea room, a restaurant, can help book taxis, and meeting rooms (those cost extra). The shuttle runs Oct 15-19, 23-27, and 31-Nov 4—but on the last day of each fair phase, it only takes you to the fair, no ride back.
Canton Fair 2026 Registration for First-time Buyer
Source from cantonfair.net
The Canton Fair 2026 offers an easy registration process for attendees, with no general registration fee. However, specific service charges apply for physical entry badges and other services.
For first-time buyers, the registration at the Canton Fair will cost 100 RMB (approximately $15 USD) if you don't register in advance. Registering online in advance saves this fee and also gives you an official invitation letter, which is required when applying for a business visa to enter China for the fair.
- Visit the Official Canton Fair Website and click on the top "Buyer" section. Click "Register"
- Choose "Overseas Buyer" and fill in your details, including your name, email, contact number, and company information.
- Verify Your Account: After registration, you'll receive a verification email. Click the link in the email to confirm your account.
- Apply for Buyer Badge: Once verified, log in and click on the "I don't have a buyer badge" option. Fill in the required details and submit your application.
- Get Your Buyer Badge: The buyer badge is your official entry pass to the fair. It works for multiple sessions and lasts for several years.
Note: If you need more details, you can check the official guidelines for further procedures.
Click on the top "Buyer" section, Click "Register"
Choose Overseas Buyer
fill in your details
Canton Fair 2026 Registration for Regular Buyer
Choose your Buyer Badge
For regular buyers, the process is simple and quick.
- Sign In: Go to the Canton Fair website and log in using your existing account.
- Update Your Details: Make sure your account information is up to date. If needed, request a new invitation letter or update the one you already have.
- Use Your Badge: After receiving your badge, you can use it to access the fair. The badge is valid for future sessions, so keep it safe.
If you lose your badge, a replacement fee of 200 RMB (approximately $30 USD) applies. You'll need to go through the same process to get a new badge, either at the fair complex or at one of the registration offices in hotels.
Canton Fair Registration: Costs & Requirement 2026
While the registration process is generally free, there are specific costs for physical entry badges and additional services. Here's a breakdown of the types and costs:
1. Basic Registration (Free)
- Online Pre-Registration: Required for all attendees.
- No fee through the official portal.
- E-invitation provided for visa application.
2. Physical Entry Badge (IC Card) Costs
Attendee Type | Fee | Required Documents |
First-Time (With Invitation) | Free | 1. E-invitation 2. Passport copy 3. 5x4cm photo 4. Business card |
First-Time (No Invitation) | 100 RMB | 1. Passport copy 2. 5x4cm photo 3. Business card |
Returning Attendees | Free | 1. Previous IC Card 2. Passport copy 3. Business card |
China-Based Reps | 300 RMB/day + 30 RMB service | 1. Company registration cert 2. Employee ID 3. Business card |
Important Notes:
- Free if using a previous IC Card.
- 200 RMB replacement fee if the card is lost.
691230 booked
Who Needs to Register for Canton Fair?
Source from Unsplash
Anyone planning to attend the Canton Fair needs to register, but it’s especially important for:
- Buyers: People or companies looking to source products from Chinese suppliers.
- Exhibitors: Companies wanting to showcase their products at the fair.
- Overseas Visitors: Non-China residents who wish to visit for business purposes.
- Purchasing Agents: Chinese staff working for foreign companies attending on behalf of their clients.
Canton Fair Registration Deadlines 2026
Phase 1-3 Registration Dates
The Canton Fair 2026 is divided into three phases, each with its own set of dates for registration:
- Phase 1 (Electronics, Machinery, etc.): April 15–19, 2026
- Phase 2 (Home Goods, Gifts, etc.): April 23–27, 2026
- Phase 3 (Textiles, Toys, etc.): May 1–5, 2026
Make sure to register well before the start of each phase to avoid any delays and to ensure you get your official buyer badge in time.
What to do if I Register Late
If you miss the early registration deadline, don’t worry—late registration is still available. However, please note that:
- Late registrations may incur an additional service fee (typically around 200 RMB).
- On-site registration is also possible at the Canton Fair complex or designated hotel registration offices, but the process may take longer.
Also Confirm Registration Timeline
After submitting your registration:
- You should receive a confirmation email within 3–5 business days.
- If you’re applying for a business visa, the official invitation letter will be sent to you shortly after confirmation.
- If you're using pre-registered details or a previous badge, badge pickup at the venue is quick (around 5 minutes).
[10% Off] Best Hotels near Canton Fair
Finding where to stay near Canton Fair? Check out Trip.com Canton Fair nearby hotels. Don't forget to claim the 10% Off coupon below!
1. The Westin Pazhou: This hotel offers a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant. It is just a few steps away from the Canton Fair.
2. Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a health club, outdoor tennis court, full-service spa, and several restaurants. It's located just a kilometer away from the Canton Fair.
3. Langham Place Guangzhou: This hotel offers a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and several dining options. It is only a few steps away from the Canton Fair.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: This luxury hotel has a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool and several restaurants. It is only a few minutes' drive from the Canton Fair.
5. Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou: This hotel has a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options. It is only a short drive from the Canton Fair.
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Canton Fair Registration
How do I register for the Canton Fair?
To register, visit the official Canton Fair buyer e-service platform and complete the online pre-registration by submitting personal and company details. After approval, print the pre-application receipt. At the fair, present this receipt, a valid passport (or equivalent ID), and a business card at the overseas buyer registration counter to collect your free entry badge . For on-site registration, visit the overseas buyer office with your passport, business card, and a photo, but note that this incurs a fee of 100 RMB.How much does it cost to register at the Canton Fair 2026?
The registration cost for the 2026 Canton Fair varies based on your attendee type and registration method, with detailed breakdowns as follows:
Online Pre-Registration (Free): All attendees can register for free through the official Canton Fair website in advance, and you will receive an official e-invitation for visa application.
On-site Registration (First-Time Buyers without Advance Registration): 100 RMB (approximately $15 USD) for on-site registration if you do not complete pre-registration online.
Physical Buyer Badge Costs:
First-Time Buyers (with advance registration & e-invitation): Free.
Returning Buyers (with previous valid IC card): Free.
China-Based Representatives (without foreign business credentials): 300 RMB per day + 30 RMB service fee.
Badge Replacement Fee: 200 RMB (approximately $30 USD) if you lose your physical buyer badge.Is the Canton Fair free to enter?
Yes, pre-registered overseas buyers enter free of charge . However, on-site registration carries a 100 RMB fee for non-pre-registered attendees . Chinese citizens or residents without foreign business credentials typically pay 300 RMB/day plus service fees unless accompanied by an overseas buyer . Travel, accommodation, and optional services (e.g., translators) are additional expenses.Can I go to Canton Fair on a tourist visa?
No, you cannot attend the Canton Fair on a tourist visa. The Canton Fair is a professional international trade event, and attendees (especially overseas buyers, exhibitors, and business visitors) are required to hold a business visa (M visa) to enter China for this purpose. A tourist visa (L visa) is intended for tourism and leisure activities only, and it will not be accepted for entry to the Canton Fair venue. If you only have a tourist visa, you need to apply for a business visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country in advance, and the official invitation letter from the Canton Fair can help simplify the visa application process.How to apply for a China Canton Fair visa?
- Obtain an invitation: Use the Canton Fair’s buyer e-service tool to generate an official e-invitation letter, which is mandatory for visa applications .
- Submit documents: Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate with the invitation, passport, visa application form, and proof of business purpose (e.g., company registration) .
- Processing time: Allow 3–5 business days for processing. Multi-entry visas are recommended for frequent attendees .
Do I need a translator for Canton Fair?
While not mandatory, language support is widely available: On-site services: Hire professional translators at the International Business Center (English, Spanish, Italian, etc.) or freelance interpreters at the fair’s entrance . Digital tools: Use WeChat’s real-time translation feature (supporting 18 languages) or the Guangzhou Multilingual Public Service Platform’s free 9-language assistance . Volunteers: Multilingual volunteers at registration desks and hotels provide guidance . Most exhibitors in international zones also speak basic English.