Canton Fair 2026: When & Where, How to Attend

Planning to visit Canton Fair in Guangzhou? In this article, I'll give you best guide to Canton Fair, including the when and where for Canton Fair, how to attend Canton fair, cost, transportation guide, where to stay, and everything you need to know! Stay with us till the end!

What is Canton Fair?

Source from cantonfair.org

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a comprehensive international trading event with the longest history. The fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, during the spring and autumn seasons, usually during April/May and October/November.

It is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the government of Guangdong Province, and organized by China Foreign Trade Centre.

Where is China Canton Fair Held?

Source from cantonfair.net

China Canton Fair is held in the Canton Fair Complex, also known as the China Import and Export Fair Complex, on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou.

The complex has since grown into one of Asia's largest exhibition venues: after the completion of Area D, it now has a total construction area of over 1,620,000 square meters and an exhibition area of 620,000 square meters, spread across 45 exhibition halls in four areas (Area A, B, C and D), together with the Canton Fair Convention Center and Canton Fair Tower A & B.

• Address: China Import and Export Fair (Pazhou) Complex, Yuejiangzhong Road 382, Haizhu, Guangzhou
• Chinese address: 中国广州市海珠区阅江中路382号、中国进出口商品交易会展馆

When is Canton Fair 2026-2027? (Autumn 2026 & Spring 2027 Sessions)

The 139th Canton Fair (Spring 2026) ran from 15 April to 5 May 2026 and has now closed — the next session to plan for is the 140th Canton Fair (Autumn 2026), which runs from 15 October to 4 November 2026. Check out the following table to learn more:

Offline Fair 2026–2027

Canton Fair opening hours: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM.

Online Fair 2026–2027

The 140th Canton Fair online platform runs from 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027, and the 141st online session is expected to follow from around March to September 2027. (The 139th online fair closed in mid-September 2026.)

Note: the Spring 2027 dates follow the fair's customary schedule and are still subject to official confirmation — always check cantonfair.org.cn before booking flights or hotels.

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3 Phases of Canton Fair Autumn 2026 & Spring 2027

The Canton Fair is split into three phases, each dedicated to a specific industry. Both the upcoming Autumn 2026 session and the following Spring 2027 session run the same three-phase structure for the offline phases.

Canton Fair Phase 1 (Autumn 2026 & Spring 2027)

Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, and the International Pavilion. (Note: Phase 1 focuses on "advanced manufacturing", with intelligent manufacturing and new energy-related exhibits)

Canton Fair Phase 2 (Autumn 2026 & Spring 2027)

Houseware, Gifts & Decorations, Building & Furniture, and the International Pavilion. (Note: This session focuses on "quality home furnishings" with more green and smart home products)

Canton Fair Phase 3 (Autumn 2026 & Spring 2027)

Toys & Children, Baby and Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, and the International Pavilion. (Note: This session focuses on "better life" with more innovative and personalized consumer products)

How to Attend the Canton Fair?

To attend the China Canton Fair, you need the following:

• Invitation from the Canton Fair (or Chinese company)
• A Chinese visa — or visa-free entry, if your passport qualifies
• Registration and Buyer badge

Many buyers no longer need a visa at all: China's visa-free entry policy covers business travel, so ordinary passport holders from around 50 countries. The policy currently runs to the end of 2026, so if you are travelling for the Spring 2027 session, check the latest rules with your nearest Chinese embassy first.

The fair's invitation can help you get both the visa and the badge.

How to Register and Get a Buyer Badge for Canton Fair?

The procedures for applying for a buyer badge may differ based on whether you're first-time buyer or regular buyer. Here is a registration proccess chart:

Source from cantonfair.net

First-time Buyer

Registering at the fair will cost you 200 RMB or about 30 USD. Registering in advance will save you this service fee.

Additionally, note that when you register online in advance, you receive an official invitation letter. This invitation is helpful when applying for a business visa to enter China for the Canton Fair.

• 1. The first step is to visit the official website of Canton Fair and click on the "Buyers" section
• 2. Click on the "Register" button and fill in the required details like your name, email address, contact number, and company information.
• 3. After registration, you will receive a verification email. Click on the link provided in the email to verify your account.
• 4. Once your account is verified, log in to your account and click on the "Apply for Buyer Badge" option. Fill in the required details and submit the application.
• 5. Get your Buyer badge. The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for multiple sessions and lasts for several years.

For more information, please check out the related article for more detailed procedures.

Regular Buyer

For regular buyers, the procedure is very easy:

• 1. Go to the website of the Canton Fair and sign in using your current account.
• 2. Check whether your account details are current. If necessary, request a new invitation letter or revise the one you have.
• 3. Access the Canton Fair directly using your badge. Once you have it, it's valid for future sessions, so make sure to keep it secure.

However, if you misplace or lose your badge, a replacement will cost 200 RMB (approximately $30 USD). You'll also need to adhere to the standard process to get a Buyer’s badge, either at the Canton Fair Complex or at the specified Registration Offices in hotels.

How to Apply for the Canton Fair Invitation?

As previously stated, possessing an invitation letter is crucial. This letter allows international buyers to:

• 1. Apply for a Chinese visa(the final decision rests with the Chinese Embassy in your home country).
• 2. Obtain a unique badge that grants free access to the Canton Fair via the Registration Express Channel.

To accquire the invitation letter, you need to:

• By BEST (Buyer E-Service Tool)
• By contacting Canton Fair Call Centre, China Foreign Trade Centre
• By contacting the Economic & Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Embassy (The Economic & Commercial Section of the Consulate General) of P.R. China in your region
• By contacting Overseas cooperative organizations of China Foreign Trade Centre

How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Canton Fair 2026?

Costs work the same way for the upcoming Autumn 2026 session and the Spring 2027 session. The expenses of attending the Canton Fair can vary based on your mode of travel, hotel choices, and registration methods.

Usually, online registration for the Canton Fair is free. However, if you opt for on-site registration at the fair, you will be charged a fee of 200 RMB or around 30 USD.

The fair does not sell admission tickets: buyers pay no entry fee as long as they pre-register online through the official Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST), and the 200 RMB above applies only to on-site registration or to replacing a lost badge. Be wary of third-party sellers offering "Canton Fair tickets" or "guaranteed entry" — these are not official, and passes bought from agents may not scan at the gate.

Travel costs include flight tickets, local transportation, and accommodation during your time at the Canton Fair. These expenses can vary based on your locations and the type of hotels you select, with prices ranging from 20 USD to several hundred dollars per night. Moreover, costs can vary based on the season.

In conclusion, it is difficult to provide a precise estimate of the cost to attend the Canton Fair due to these varying factors. Nevertheless, we advise that you arrange your travel, accommodation, and registration ahead of time to ensure a smooth business trip.

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Canton Fair Transportation Guide

Transportation from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Canton Fair

1. Taxi

The most convenient option is to take a taxi directly from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to the Canton Fair. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and costs around 120-150 RMB.

2. Metro

Guangzhou metro system is also a viable option. From the airport, you can take Line 3 to Kecun Station, then transfer to Line 8 and get off at Pazhou Station, which is close to the Canton Fair. The journey takes about 30 minutes (optimized this year) and costs around 7 RMB. Metro Line 8 has increased frequency, and you can directly enter the station by swiping an international bank card.

3. Airport Express Bus

The Airport Express Bus Line 10 can take you directly to the Canton Fair complex. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs around 25 RMB.

4. Private Car Service

For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, you can book a private car service. The cost varies depending on the car type and service provider, but it usually ranges from 200-300 RMB.

Transportation from Hong Kong to Canton Fair

1. Direct Flight

The quickest way to travel from Hong Kong to Canton Fair is by direct flight. The average travel time from Hong Kong airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is about 1 hour. The average cost is around 1000-1500 CNY.

2. Train

The China high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou South Railway Station takes about 1-2 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or metro to the Canton Fair. The average cost for the train ticket is around 200-300 CNY. See China high speed train booking guide.

3. Bus

There are direct buses from Hong Kong to Guangzhou which take about 3-4 hours. The average cost is around 100-200 CNY.

4. Ferry

You can also take a ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The journey takes about 2 hours. The average cost is around 200-300 CNY. Pazhou Hong Kong and Macao Terminal adds evening return trips to Hong Kong Airport during the Canton Fair, with clearance hours extended to 21:30.

[10% Off] Where to stay at Canton Fair - Best Hotels Nearby

The Canton Fair is located at the Pazhou Exhibition Center. There are many hotels nearby, offering a range of choices from budget-friendly to high-end options. Before you book, make sure to claim 10% OFF coupon above!

To get your Buyer’s Badge easily, check the official Canton Fair website for a list of confirmed hotels with Overseas Buyers’ Registration Offices. Guangzhou Baiyun Airport has also launched a convenience service center for foreign nationals, providing visa assistance, accommodation and transportation inquiries in 13 languages.

1. The Westin Pazhou: This hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and a restaurant. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair complex.

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 pool, and several dining options. It's located just a short walk from the Canton Fair.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several restaurants. It's located just a few minutes drive from the Canton Fair.

5. Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou: This hotel features a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and several dining options. It's located just a short drive from the Canton Fair.