The Canton Fair is one of the biggest trade fairs in the world. Its official name is the China Import and Export Fair.
If you plan to source products from China, meet manufacturers, or compare suppliers in person, this is one of the key events to attend.
This guide covers the Canton Fair 2026 dates, registration, venue, and visa invitation letter.
What is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair was established in spring 1957.
It is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province.
It is organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre.
The fair takes place in Guangzhou every spring and autumn.
It is often called China’s No.1 Fair and is widely seen as a key indicator of China’s foreign trade activity.
Canton Fair 2026 Dates (140th Session)
The 140th Canton Fair will run in three phases.
Phase 1
October 15–19, 2026
Phase 2
October 23–27, 2026
Phase 3
October 31 –November 4, 2026
Opening Hours
9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (09:30–18:00)
Pick the phase that matches your product category. That should be your first step.
Canton Fair 2026 Venue
China Import and Export Fair Complex, No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335, China.
This is the official venue for the Canton Fair.
Canton Fair 2026 Product Categories by Phase
The fair is split by product type. Check your category before you book your trip.
Phase 1 (October 15–19, 2026)
- Electronics & Appliance
- Household Electrical Appliances
- Consumer Electronics and Information Products
- Manufacturing
- Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
- Processing Machinery Equipment
- Power Machinery and Electric Power
- General Machinery and Mechanical Basic Parts
- Construction Machinery
- Agricultural Machinery
- New Materials and Chemical Products
- Vehicles & Two Wheels
- New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility
- Vehicles
- Vehicle Spare Parts
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Light & Electrical
- Lighting Equipment
- Electronic and Electrical Products
- New Energy Resources
- Hardware
- Hardware
- Tools
Phase 2 (October 23–27, 2026)
- Houseware
- General Ceramics
- Kitchenware and Tableware
- Household Items
- Gift & Decorations
- Glass Artware
- Home Decorations
- Gardening Products
- Festival Products
- Gifts and Premiums
- Clocks, Watches and Optical Instruments
- Art Ceramics
- Weaving, Rattan and Iron Products
- Building & Furniture
- Building and Decorative Materials
- Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment
- Furniture
- Stone/Iron Decoration and Outdoor Spa Equipment
Phase 3 (October 31 –November 4, 2026)
- Toys & Children, Baby and Maternity
- Toys
- Children, Baby and Maternity Products
- Kids’ Wear
- Fashion
- Men and Women’s Clothing
- Underwear
- Sports and Casual Wear
- Furs, Leather, Downs and Related Products
- Fashion Accessories and Fittings
- Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics
- Shoes
- Cases and Bags
- Home Textiles
- Home Textiles
- Carpets and Tapestries
- Stationery
- Office Supplies
- Health & Recreation
- Medicines
- Health Products and Medical Devices
- Food
- Sports, Travel and Recreation Products
- Personal Care Products
- Toiletries
- Pet Products and Food
- Traditional Chinese Specialties
Canton Fair 2026 Registration
Register before you travel. Start early, especially if you need a visa.
Official Registration Link
Buyer registration: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/index
What you need for registration
Keep these ready:
- Valid passport
- Company name and business details
- Job title
- Email address
- Phone number
- Product category / phase you want to attend
Registering early helps you avoid delays with visa documents and travel planning.
Canton Fair 2026 Visa Invitation Letter
Many buyers need a visa invitation letter when applying for a China business visa for the Canton Fair. The invitation letter supports your visa application and shows:
- Your reason for travel
- Event name
- Venue
- Dates of attendance
Visa process is complicated. You can contact Akesse Sanza at https://wa.me/jetsanza/ for assistance in obtaining a China visa for the fair.
Important check before submission
Make sure your details match your passport exactly:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Travel dates
- Fair phase
Small errors can delay a visa application.
Key Canton Fair Facts
Official name: China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)
Hosts: Ministry of Commerce of the PRC; People’s Government of Guangdong Province
Organizer: China Foreign Trade Centre
Exhibition area: 1.55 million square meters
Exhibitors: 32,000+
The fair has also built trade links with more than 229 countries and regions, and its total export turnover has passed USD 1.5 trillion across its long history.
Why buyers attend the Canton Fair
The biggest benefit is scale.
You can meet many suppliers in one place. You can compare prices, product quality, and options in person. That saves time and helps you make better buying decisions.
It is also a good place to spot trends and find new products before your competitors do.
Final tips for first-time visitors
- Pick the right phase first
- Register early
- Request your visa invitation letter early
- Book your hotel early (Guangzhou gets busy during the fair)
- Keep your passport and registration details with you
- Set meetings with suppliers before you arrive
The Canton Fair 2026 remains one of the best events for global sourcing. If you want to import from China, this fair gives you access to thousands of suppliers in one trip.
Start with the right phase. Then complete your registration. After that, sort out your visa documents and travel plans.
That order makes the process much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Canton Fair
What date is the Canton Fair 2026?
The 140th Canton Fair will be held in three phases:
Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026, Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026, and
Phase 3: October 31– November 4, 2026. Opening hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair?
Many international buyers need a China visa to attend the Canton Fair.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the current China entry rules.
In most cases, buyers apply for a business visa and may use a Canton Fair visa invitation letter
and other documents to support the application.
What is the purpose of the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair is a large international trade fair where buyers and suppliers meet to do business.
It helps importers, wholesalers, and retailers find products, meet manufacturers, compare suppliers,
and place orders across many product categories.
How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair?
The main costs are usually travel, visa, hotel, local transport, food, and sourcing expenses.
Registration procedures and buyer badge rules can change, so check the official buyer registration portal before travel.
Your total cost depends on your country, flight prices, hotel choice, and how many days you stay in Guangzhou.
Where is the Canton Fair 2026 held?
The Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou at the
China Import and Export Fair Complex,
No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335, China.
(This is also the official venue used for the 2026 sessions.)
How long does it take to get a visa for the Canton Fair?
Visa processing time varies by country, embassy or consulate workload, and the type of application.
It can take several working days to a few weeks. Apply early, especially during busy travel periods,
and make sure your passport details match your invitation and registration information exactly. Contact Akesse Sanza for assistance if you are not sure of what you are doing.
Is there a dress code for the Canton Fair?
There is no strict formal dress code for most attendees, but smart casual or business casual is a good choice.
Wear comfortable shoes because the exhibition grounds are large and you may walk a lot.
Is 2 days enough for the Canton Fair?
Two days can be enough for a focused visit if you already know your product category and target suppliers.
If you want to compare many suppliers, explore different halls, or attend multiple phases, you may need more time.
What does Canton mean in China?
“Canton” is the old Western name commonly used for Guangzhou (and historically linked to the wider Guangdong region).
That is why the China Import and Export Fair is popularly called the Canton Fair.
Still have some travel questions? Ask in our Travel WhatsApp Group .
Want travel tips and news sent directly to you on WhatsApp? Join our Travel WhatsApp Channel .
