Canton Fair 2026 Guide: Dates, Registration, Hotels & Tips

Are you looking to expand your business, explore new products, and connect with suppliers and manufacturers from around the world? Then attending the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is a golden opportunity for you. As one of the largest trade fairs globally, the Canton Fair attracts business professionals from all over the world, including Malaysia. If you're planning to visit this prestigious event, here’s everything you need to know, from where to stay to how to register.

What is the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a bi-annual trade event held in Guangzhou, China. It’s one of the largest and most significant trade fairs globally, showcasing a vast range of products including electronics, textiles, machinery, home appliances, and more. With a history dating back to 1957, the Canton Fair provides a platform for international buyers to meet Chinese suppliers and manufacturers, explore new trends, and engage in lucrative trade opportunities.

Best Hotels Near Canton Fair

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Choosing the right hotel near the Canton Fair can make your trip much more convenient and comfortable. Here are some of the best hotels to stay at during the event:

• The Garden Hotel Guangzhou – A five-star hotel located near the Canton Fair Complex, offering modern amenities and exceptional services.
• Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou – A luxurious hotel located along the Pearl River, it’s just a short distance from the fairgrounds, providing world-class comfort.
• Holiday Inn Guangzhou Science City – A mid-range hotel offering convenient access to the Canton Fair and a variety of services for business travelers.
• Grand Hyatt Guangzhou – With a modern design and excellent facilities, this hotel provides easy access to the fairgrounds and other attractions in Guangzhou.

Where is the Canton Fair Held?

The Canton Fair takes place at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.

Located in the Pazhou district, this modern exhibition center is one of the largest in Asia and is well-connected by metro, taxis, and shuttle services, making it convenient for international visitors.

When is the 140th Canton Fair 2026?

The Canton Fair 2026 is divided into Spring and Autumn sessions, each with three phases:

Offline Fair 2026

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Online Fair 2026

• Online participation: The Canton Fair also provides online services for buyers, allowing international buyers to explore exhibitors and products through the official platform.

3 Phases of the Canton Fair 2026

The Canton Fair 2026 continues its three-phase structure:

• Phase 1 (April 15–19, 2026):
• • Electronics & appliances
  • Industrial automation
  • Machinery
  • Vehicles & two-wheelers
  • New energy
  • Hardware & tools
  • Lighting
  • Electrical products

• Phase 2 (April 23–27, 2026):
• • Ceramics
  • Kitchenware
  • Household items
  • Home decorations
  • Gifts & premiums
  • Garden products
  • Building & decorative materials
  • Bathroom equipment
  • Furniture

• Phase 3 (May 1–5, 2026):
• • Toys
  • Baby & maternity products
  • Clothing
  • Textiles
  • Shoes
  • Bags
  • Food
  • Medical & healthcare products
  • Sports & travel products
  • Personal care
  • Pet products

How to Attend the Canton Fair?

Attending the Canton Fair is straightforward for Malaysian business owners and entrepreneurs. Here’s what you need to do:

• Register online via the official Canton Fair website
• Apply for a China visa (Check the latest China visa requirements for Malaysian travellers before your trip. If you need a visa, make sure to prepare your invitation letter and supporting documents in advance.)
• Book flights to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Reserve accommodation near the Canton Fair Complex

How to Register and Get a Buyer Badge for Canton Fair?

To attend as a buyer, you must register and obtain a buyer badge:

• Register through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System and complete your personal and company information.
• • First-time overseas buyers can apply for a buyer badge through the system before attending the fair.
• Complete the registration form
• Receive your buyer badge (digital or on-site collection)

Registration Fee: Free for international buyers

How to Apply for the Canton Fair Invitation?

📝 Step 1: Register Online

Visit: buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
Create an account and fill in your personal and company details

📄 Step 2: Apply for Invitation Letter

• Log in to the Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST)
• Select your session
• Submit your application

🎫 Step 3: Use the Invitation Letter

• Apply for a Chinese visa
• Use it to collect your buyer badge on-site

💡 Tips:

• Apply early, especially if you need an invitation letter for your China visa application.
• Ensure details match your passport
• Use official or trusted agents if needed

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

Here’s a breakdown of expected costs:

• Registration: Free
• Flights: Varies depending on departure city
• Accommodation: Budget to luxury options available
• Daily Expenses: Food, transport, and business costs

Canton Fair Transportation Guide

Getting around Guangzhou during the Canton Fair is relatively easy, with plenty of transportation options:

• Metro: The Guangzhou Metro Line 8 connects directly to the Canton Fair Complex, making it convenient for visitors.
• Taxi and Ride-hailing: Taxis and services like Didi (China’s version of Uber) are widely available.
• Shuttle Buses: The Canton Fair often provides free shuttle buses between major hotels and the fairgrounds.
• Airport Transfer: The journey from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the Canton Fair Complex usually takes around 40–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

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. Flight times and fares vary depending on the airline and travel date.

2. Train

High-speed trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South take around 1–2 hours, depending on the service. From there, you can take a taxi or metro to the Canton Fair. See China high speed train booking guide.

3. Bus

There are direct buses from Hong Kong to Guangzhou which take about 3-4 hours.

Final Thoughts

grey clouds hovering over city lights Via Unsplash (by Derch)

The Canton Fair 2026 offers Malaysian businesses an incredible opportunity to discover new products, connect with reliable suppliers, and grow internationally. With both offline and online participation options, it’s more accessible than ever.

By preparing early—registering, securing accommodation, and planning logistics—you can maximize your success at one of the world’s most important trade events.

Safe travels, and best of luck with your business ventures at the Canton Fair 2026! ✨

Finding a good hotel near the Canton Fair Complex can save you time and make your trip more comfortable. The following hotels are conveniently located and highly rated by attendees: