

Canton Fair 2026: Dates, Registration, Visa & Travel Guide

By Tina
September 21, 2026

Planning to attend the Canton Fair 2026 in Guangzhou? Whether you are looking for suppliers, new products, manufacturing partners or business opportunities in China, the Canton Fair brings thousands of companies together in one place.
For Filipino business travelers, preparing early is important. This guide covers the official 2026 dates, three phases, venue, buyer registration, China visa requirements, transportation and useful tips for attending the fair.
What Is the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair, officially called the China Import and Export Fair, is one of China's major international trade exhibitions. It has been held in Guangzhou since 1957.
The fair is jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, with the China Foreign Trade Centre serving as the organizer.
It is held twice a year:
- Spring Session: April to May
- Autumn Session: October to November
Each session is divided into three phases covering different product categories.
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Canton Fair 2026 Dates
There are two Canton Fair sessions in 2026. The spring session was the 139th Canton Fair, while the upcoming autumn session is the 140th Canton Fair.
140th Canton Fair Autumn 2026
Phase | Dates | Main Product Categories |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | October 15 to 19, 2026 | Electronics, appliances, machinery, industrial equipment, vehicles, auto parts, lighting, new energy, hardware and tools |
Phase 2 | October 23 to 27, 2026 | Household goods, kitchenware, ceramics, gifts, home decorations, furniture, building materials and bathroom products |
Phase 3 | October 31 to November 4, 2026 | Clothing, textiles, shoes, bags, toys, baby products, food, health products, medical equipment, stationery, personal care and travel products |
The official Canton Fair website confirms these dates and product categories for the 140th session.
Which Canton Fair Phase Should You Attend?
Choosing the correct phase is important because not all products are displayed at the same time.
Phase 1: Advanced Manufacturing
Best for buyers interested in:
- Consumer electronics
- Home appliances
- Industrial machinery
- Manufacturing equipment
- Construction machinery
- Agricultural machinery
- Electric vehicles and auto parts
- Motorcycles and bicycles
- Lighting
- Electrical products
- New energy
- Hardware and tools
Phase 2: Quality Home Life
Best for:
- Kitchenware
- Tableware
- Household products
- Ceramics
- Home decorations
- Gardening products
- Gifts and souvenirs
- Furniture
- Building materials
- Bathroom equipment
Phase 3: Better Life
Best for:
- Men's and women's clothing
- Sportswear
- Shoes
- Bags
- Fabrics and textiles
- Home textiles
- Toys
- Baby and maternity products
- Office supplies
- Food
- Health products
- Medical equipment
- Personal care products
- Pet products
- Sports and travel products
Check your target products before booking your trip so you can attend the most relevant phase.





Where Is the Canton Fair Held?

The Canton Fair is held at the:
China Import and Export Fair Complex
Address: No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
The complex is also commonly known as the Canton Fair Complex or Pazhou Complex. It covers around 1.55 million square metres, so checking your exhibition hall before arriving can save a lot of walking time.
The complex is divided into several areas, including Areas A, B, C and D.
How to Attend the Canton Fair
Overseas buyers attending the Canton Fair should prepare:
- A valid passport
- Canton Fair pre-registration
- Buyer Badge
- Appropriate Chinese visa, if required
- Business and company information
- Hotel and transportation arrangements
Overseas buyers can register through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
How to Register for Canton Fair 2026
First-Time Buyers


If this is your first Canton Fair:
- Register for an account through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
- Complete your personal information.
- Add your company information.
- Apply for an Overseas Buyer Badge.
- Upload the required passport, photo and business information.
- Submit your application for review.
- Save your registration or badge collection information after approval.
The official registration system accepts foreign passports for overseas buyer registration.
Returning Buyers

If you have attended the Canton Fair before:
- Log in using your existing account.
- Check that your passport and company information are still correct.
- Update your information if needed.
- Bring your existing Buyer Badge if it is still valid.
Canton Fair Buyer Badges can be used for multiple sessions, so returning visitors should keep them safely.
Is the Canton Fair Buyer Badge Free?

The Canton Fair's official buyer guidance states that applying for, replacing or renewing an overseas Buyer Badge is currently free of charge. Buyers should only use official registration channels and avoid unauthorized badge services.
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Hotel in GuangzhouChina Visa Requirements for Filipino Travelers
Filipino travelers using ordinary Philippine passports should check China's current visa requirements before their trip.
For visitors attending the Canton Fair for commercial or trade activities, the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Manila lists the M Visa as the visa category for commercial trade.
The current basic requirements for an M Visa application include:
- Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- At least two blank visa pages
- Passport photocopy
- Completed China visa application form
- Recent passport photo
- Invitation letter from a Chinese business partner or trade fair
- Additional supporting documents when required
The official Manila visa information also states that first-time travelers to China may need additional financial or employment documents, such as bank records and proof of employment, business ownership, professional status or study.
China's Manila Visa Application Center now uses an online application process. Applicants complete the form and upload supporting documents online before submitting their passport and required documents after review.
Tip: Visa rules and required documents can change. Check the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Manila before applying.
How to Get a Canton Fair Invitation Letter

Sources: visitchinavisa.com
A Canton Fair invitation letter may be useful when preparing your Chinese visa application.
New overseas buyers can apply for an invitation after creating an account and completing their Buyer Badge application.
Returning buyers can log in to the Buyer Service System and select the invitation letter section.
The official Canton Fair guide allows approved users to view, download and print their invitation letter through the system.
Remember that the invitation letter and Buyer Badge serve different purposes.
- Invitation letter: May support your visa application
- Buyer Badge: Used to enter the Canton Fair
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How to Get From Guangzhou Airport to Canton Fair
Metro
Guangzhou Metro is one of the most practical ways to reach the exhibition area.
The Canton Fair Complex is served mainly by Metro Line 8.
Useful stations include:
- Xingangdong Station: Convenient for Area A
- Pazhou Station: Convenient for Areas B and C
Official Canton Fair transport guidance recommends Xingangdong or Pazhou stations depending on which exhibition area you need.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxi and ride-hailing services are useful if:
- You have large luggage
- You are traveling with colleagues
- Your hotel is not close to a metro station
- You are traveling early in the morning or late at night
Keep the Chinese address of your hotel and the Canton Fair Complex on your phone so you can easily show it to the driver.
Chinese address of Canton Fair Complex:
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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Where to Stay for the Canton Fair
Hotels around Pazhou and Haizhu District are convenient for Canton Fair visitors because they offer easier access to the exhibition complex, metro stations and nearby business areas.
The Westin Pazhou
Located inside the Canton Fair Complex, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, dining options and very convenient access to the exhibition halls.
Shangri-La Guangzhou
A comfortable hotel near the Canton Fair Complex with spacious rooms, restaurants, leisure facilities and convenient access to nearby transport.
Langham Place Guangzhou
Located close to the Canton Fair Complex, this hotel offers modern rooms, Pearl River views and convenient access to the exhibition halls.
The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou
A luxury hotel in Zhujiang New Town with elegant rooms, restaurants and spa facilities, suitable for business travelers who prefer staying in the city centre.
Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou
Located in Tianhe District near Tianhe Park, this hotel offers modern rooms, dining facilities and convenient transport links to the Canton Fair area.
Some Guangzhou hotels may provide Canton Fair shuttle services during selected exhibition dates. Shuttle schedules and availability can change, so check with the hotel before booking.
Hotels near the Canton Fair Complex can also sell out quickly or become more expensive during the event period.
Secure Your Stay near Canton Fair
5 star
Family friendly
Guangzhou FA WanHao Hotel Apartment (Pazhou Convention and Exhibition Center Modisha Subway Station)
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Useful Apps for Your Guangzhou Trip
Downloading useful apps before arriving can make your business trip much easier.
Alipay and WeChat Pay
Mobile payments are widely used throughout China. Travelers can prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay before the trip and check whether their international bank card is supported.
It is also useful to keep some Chinese yuan as backup.
Amap or Baidu Maps
These apps are widely used for navigation in mainland China and can help with:
- Metro routes
- Walking directions
- Driving routes
- Finding restaurants and businesses
DiDi
DiDi is one of the commonly used ride-hailing services in China.
Save your hotel address and the Canton Fair Complex address before requesting your ride.
Trip.com
Trip.com can help you organize different parts of your China trip, including:
- Flights
- Hotels
- China train tickets
- Airport transfers
- Attractions
- eSIMs
Internet and eSIM in China
Having mobile data is especially useful during the Canton Fair because you may need to contact suppliers, translate information, navigate around Guangzhou or access your bookings.
Before traveling, check whether your phone supports eSIM and compare China data packages.
Access to some international websites and apps may be different in mainland China, so check your eSIM or roaming provider's service details before purchasing.
1873117 booked
182775 booked
216722 booked
872225 booked
48096 booked
Tips for Filipino Travelers Attending the Canton Fair
- Choose the correct phase. Each phase has different product categories.
- Register before traveling. Completing your buyer registration early can save time in Guangzhou.
- Apply for your China visa early. First-time applicants may need additional documents.
- Book your hotel early. Rooms near Pazhou can fill quickly during the fair.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The Canton Fair Complex is very large.
- Prepare business cards. They are still useful when meeting suppliers and exchanging company details.
- Save important addresses in Chinese. This makes taking taxis and asking for directions easier.
- Bring a power bank. You may spend most of the day inside the exhibition halls.
- Prepare mobile payment apps. Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used.
- Plan your supplier list before arriving. Check exhibitors and product categories in advance instead of walking through every hall.
FAQs About Canton FairCan tourists enter the Canton Fair?
-
Can tourists enter the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair is mainly for business buyers and trade visitors. Overseas visitors should complete buyer registration and obtain a Buyer Badge before entering. -
Can I attend more than one Canton Fair phase?
Yes. You can attend multiple phases if you are interested in different product categories. Keep your Buyer Badge with you for entry. -
What should I bring to the Canton Fair?
Bring your passport, Buyer Badge, phone, power bank, business cards, comfortable shoes and any supplier or product information you prepared in advance. -
Is English commonly used at the Canton Fair?
Many exhibitors have staff who can communicate in English, but translation apps can still be useful when discussing detailed product specifications or business terms.c -
How many days should I spend at the Canton Fair?
Two to three days per phase is usually more comfortable if you want time to compare suppliers, visit multiple halls and discuss products in detail.
Related products
Canton Fair
- 1. What Is the Canton Fair?
- 2. Canton Fair 2026 Dates
- 3. Where Is the Canton Fair Held?
- 4. How to Attend the Canton Fair
- 5. How to Register for Canton Fair 2026
- 6. China Visa Requirements for Filipino Travelers
- 7. How to Get a Canton Fair Invitation Letter
- 8. How to Get From Guangzhou Airport to Canton Fair
- 9. Where to Stay for the Canton Fair
- 10. Useful Apps for Your Guangzhou Trip
- 11. Internet and eSIM in China
- 12. Tips for Filipino Travelers Attending the Canton Fair
- 13. FAQs About Canton FairCan tourists enter the Canton Fair?
I’m someone who loves turning real travel experiences into helpful stories. From figuring out transport to planning smooth trips, I share practical tips that help Filipino travelers feel more confident wherever they go.