The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) in Guangzhou is the largest trade show in the world — over 25,000 exhibitors across three phases, twice a year. If you are planning your first visit, this guide covers everything: dates, badges, hotels, and how to actually get results from the fair instead of just collecting business cards.
Canton Fair Autumn 2026 dates
The autumn session runs in three phases, each with its own product focus:
- Phase 1 (Oct 15–19): electronics, home appliances, lighting, machinery, hardware, vehicles
- Phase 2 (Oct 23–27): consumer goods, gifts, home decorations, ceramics
- Phase 3 (Oct 31–Nov 4): textiles, garments, shoes, office supplies, recreation, food, health products
Always double-check the current schedule on the official cantonfair.org.cn site before booking flights — phases and halls occasionally shift.
Getting your buyer badge
Register online in advance with your passport and business card — the badge is free and valid for multiple sessions. On-site registration exists but queues are long during Phase 1 mornings. The venue is the Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), directly on Metro Line 8.
Where to stay
Hotels near Pazhou triple their rates during the fair. Book 2–3 months ahead, or stay one metro line away (Zhujiang New Town, Kecun) for better value. Expect 15–30 minutes door-to-door by metro.
How to work the fair effectively
- Plan halls in advance. The complex is enormous — 1.5 million m². Pick your product zones before you arrive and map them.
- Qualify, don’t collect. Talking to 15 relevant suppliers beats grabbing 200 catalogues. Ask about MOQ, export markets, and certifications right away.
- Photograph everything — booth number, products, price boards, and the business card together, or you will never match them later.
- Negotiate after the fair. Booth prices are opening positions. Real negotiation happens in follow-up emails and factory visits.
- Verify before you pay. A polished booth does not equal a real factory. Many exhibitors are trading companies — fine for small orders, but check what you are dealing with before wiring a deposit.
The language problem
English levels at booths vary wildly, and the moment technical details or prices get complicated, deals stall. A trilingual interpreter who knows the fair pays for itself in a single negotiation — our Canton Fair interpreter service covers English, French, and Russian, plus factory visits after the fair.
After the fair: from contact to container
The fair is only step one. Sample orders, supplier verification, quality control, and shipping from China are where most first-time buyers lose money. If you want a local team in Guangzhou handling that end-to-end, that is exactly what we do — get in touch.