Canton Fair 2026: When & Where, How to Attend

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Canton Fair 2026

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!

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This summary is AI-generated by Trip.com. For the complete guide, please refer to the article below.

Canton Fair occurs twice annually in Guangzhou at the Pazhou Complex, charging 200 RMB for on-site buyer badge registration. The event spans three phases, focusing on manufacturing, home goods, and consumer products. Travelers access the venue via Guangzhou Metro Line 8 or airport express buses, with proximity to hotels like The Westin Pazhou.

What is Canton Fair?

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?

Where is China Canton Fair Held?

Source from cantonfair.net

China Canton Fair is held in Canton fair complex, also known as Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, is located on Pazhou Island in the Guangzhou.

It covers a total construction area of 1,100,000 square meters with the indoor exhibition area of 338,000 square meters and the outdoor exhibition area of 43,600 square meters. The complex is divided into three main sections: the exhibition halls, the convention center, and the business center.

  • 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
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When is Canton Fair 2026?

Canton Fair 2026 is divided into spring session and autumn session, check out the following table to learn more:

Offline Fair 2026

Session

Phase

Dates

The 139th Canton Fair (Spring)

Phase 1

15th-19th April 2026

Phase 2

23rd-27th April 2026

Phase 3

1st-5th May 2026

The 140th Canton Fair (Autumn)

Phase 1

15th-19th October 2026

Phase 2

23rd-27th October 2026

Phase 3

31st Oct.-4th Nov. 2026

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

Online Fair 2026

  • 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.

[10% Off] Best Hotels near Canton Fair

Wondering where to stay near Canton Fair, check out Trip.com featured hotels now. Don't forget to claim the 10% Off coupon below!

Featured Canton Fair Hotels

Hotel Name

Star

Distance from Canton Fair

Services & Amenities

Price

Langham Place Guangzhou

5 Star

0.8 km (approx. 7-minute drive)

Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(Engligh&Italian), Restaurants, Bar, etc.

Click for Price

The Westin Pazhou

5 Star

0.45 km (approx. 5-minute drive)

Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(English&Cantonese), Café, Restaurants, etc.

Click for Price

Shangri-La Guangzhou

5 Star

3.1 km (approx. 7-minute drive)

Airport Pick-up Service, Language Support(English&Japanese), 2 Restaurants, Café, etc.

Click for Price

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou

5 Star

6.1 km (approx. 13-minute drive)

Airport Pick-up Service, Laguage Support(English&German&French), Restaurant, Café, etc.

Click for Price

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🚌 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).
  • 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.
From BRL 145
  • 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.
From BRL 120

3 Phases of Canton Fair 2026

3 Phases of Canton Fair China

The Canton Fair is split into three phases, each dedicated to a specific industry. In 2026, the fair will be held in both Spring and Autumn, with each session following the same structure for the offline phases.

2026 Canton Fair Phase 1 (Spring & Autumn Editions)

Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two Wheels, Light & Electrical, Hardware, and the International Pavilion. (Note: This session focuses on "advanced manufacturing" and adds more intelligent manufacturing and new energy-related exhibits this year)

2026 Canton Fair Phase 2 (Spring & Autumn Editions)

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

2026 Canton Fair Phase 3 (Spring & Autumn Editions)

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)
  • Chinese visa
  • Registration and Buyer badge

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

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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:

How to Register and Get a Buyer Badge for Canton Fair

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.

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How to Apply for the Canton Fair Invitation?

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:

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

Canton Fair 2026 cost

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 2026 Autumn Canton Fair (Phase II) general admission costs about 3,800 RMB or 520 USD (10.23-10.27), while exhibitors can enjoy a 50% reduction in booth rental fees (excluding rural revitalization zones, which are fully free) based on size and location.
  • Travel cost include flight tickets, local transportation, and accomodation 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 eastimte of the cost to attend the Canton Fair due to these varying factors. Nevertheless, we advise that you arrange your travel, accomodations, and registration ahead of time to ensure a smooth business trip.

✨If you're curious about how to stay connected in China, learn more about SIM card, eSIM, and pocket Wi-Fi

Canton Fair Transportation Guide

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

Where to stay at Canton Fair?

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.

From BRL 431

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.

From BRL 562

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.

From BRL 1,097

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.

From BRL 329

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

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Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

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Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

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Canton Fair