Canton Fair 2026: Our complete Guide for Visitors (Dates, Transport, Hotels & Tips)
Spring Session 2026 : from April 15 to May 5. The Canton Fair is the largest trade exhibition in the world and the most important sourcing event in China. Held twice a year in Guangzhou, the fair attracts thousands of global buyers, importers, and manufacturers looking for new suppliers and products.
# Overall Presentation
## Event Overview
The Canton Fair is officially known as the China Import and Export Fair and has been organized since 1957. It is considered the largest trade fair in China, covering nearly every industrial sector.
The event takes place at the massive China Import and Export Fair Complex, one of the largest exhibition centers in the world with more than 1.2 million square meters of exhibition space.
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Each edition gathers:
- more than 25,000 exhibitors
- over 200,000 international buyers
- companies from 200+ countries
## Address
No. 380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
## Canton Fair 2026 Dates
The Spring Session of the Canton Fair 2026 will take place in three phases between April 15 and May 5, 2026.
### Phase 1. Electronics & Machinery : from April 15 to April 19
Main industries:
- electronics and electrical appliances
- industrial machinery
- vehicles and energy equipment
- hardware and tools
- building materials
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### Phase 2. Consumer Goods & Home Products : from April 23 to April 27
Main industries:
- furniture and home decoration
- kitchenware and tableware
- gifts and crafts
- household items
- building materials
### Phase 3. Fashion, Textiles & Health : from May 1 to May 5
Main industries:
- clothing and textiles
- shoes and bags
- office supplies
- toys and baby products
- medical and health products
Opening hours are typically 09:30 to 18:00.
# Are you a professional ?
The Canton Fair is primarily designed for importers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers, and sourcing professionals looking to develop new business partnerships.
## Registration for Buyers
Professional visitors must register to obtain a Buyer Badge, which allows access to the exhibition halls.
Registration can be completed:
- online before arriving (Check this link on the Canton Fair official website)
- at the registration counters at the fair complex
- through Canton Fair overseas offices
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Once issued, the buyer badge is valid for multiple sessions of the fair.
How to Prepare Your Visit
- identify which phase matches your industry
- research suppliers before attending
- schedule meetings with manufacturers
- prepare business cards
- plan your daily hall visits
We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes, as visitors often walk several kilometers per day inside the complex.
# Are you a visitor ?
The fair is divided into several themed halls , you can spend hours exploring new products and innovations from manufacturers across China.
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Popular areas to explore include:
- consumer electronics and smart devices
- home decoration and furniture
- kitchenware and household products
- fashion and textiles
- toys and creative products
Walking through these halls is a great way to discover upcoming product trends and manufacturing innovations.
Best Things to do in Guangzhou after the Fair
Let's take time to explore one of China’s most dynamic cities.
You'll find all the places that deserve to be explored in the section below 👇
Discover Guangzhou
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3 Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make at the Canton Fair
1. Trying to see everything in one or two days is unrealistic, so we advice you to focus on specific halls or product categories you like.
2. Attending the wrong phase of the Canton Fair, since each phase features different industries. Be sure you'll go during the accurate phase.
3. Booking accommodation too late in Guangzhou can make hotels expensive or difficult to find during the fair.
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# Transportation to the Canton Fair
The closest airport is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located about 45 km from the exhibition center.
## Subway
From the Airport to the Canton Fair
The Guangzhou Metro is one of the easiest ways to reach the fair.
Travel time:
45–60 minutes
Airport → Metro Line 3 → Transfer at Kecun Station → Metro Line 8
Stations serving the fair:
- Pazhou Station – Areas B and C
- Xingangdong Station – Area A
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxi or ride-hailing services such as DiDi are widely available.
Travel time:
45–60 minutes depending on traffic
Estimated cost:
150–200 RMB
Airport Shuttle Bus
Direct shuttle buses connect the airport to the exhibition complex during the fair.
Operating hours:
Airport → Fair: 09:00 – 16:00
Fair → Airport: 11:00 – 18:00
Stays near the Canton Fair
Hotels sell out quickly during the event, we recommend you to book early (at least 2-3 months in advance)
Pazhou District (Closest to the Fair)
This is the best area if you want to stay within walking distance of the exhibition halls.
Distance: about 5 -10 minutes from the fair complex
### Tianhe District
The main business district of Guangzhou, many restaurants and shopping centers.
- excellent metro access
- many international hotels
Distance: around 15–25 minutes to the fair by metro
More about Accommodation
Final tips to prepare the Canton Fair
✔ book accommodation early
✔ check which phase matches your industry
✔ use the metro for fast access to the fair
✔ carry business cards if you plan to meet suppliers
✔ allow extra time for travel during peak days
For more information, please visit the official Canton Fair website
Thumbnail photo by Tim Wu . CC License