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 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

• The 139th Canton Fair online platform runs from March to September 2026
• The 140th Canton Fair online platform runs from September 2026 to March 2027

3 Phases of the Canton Fair 2026

The Canton Fair 2026 continues its three-phase structure:

• Phase 1 (April 15–19, 2026): Electronics, machinery, vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial products
• Phase 2 (April 23–27, 2026): Consumer goods, gifts, home decor, building materials
• Phase 3 (May 1–5, 2026): Textiles, apparel, medical devices, food products

✅ Need Internet in China? Get a China eSIM card to quickly access services like Instagram/YouTube/WhatsApp without the need for a VPN! (Many foreign apps are blocked in China 😱)

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 (business visa recommended)
• 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:

• Visit the official Canton Fair website
• 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: https://invitation.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

Processing time: 1–3 working days

🎫 Step 3: Use the Invitation Letter

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

💡 Tips:

• Apply at least 4–6 weeks early
• 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 is easy:

• Metro: Line 8 goes directly to the Canton Fair Complex
• Taxi/Didi: Convenient ride-hailing options
• Shuttle Buses: Free services between hotels and fairgrounds
• Airport Transfer: ~40 minutes from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

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: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is around 40 minutes away from the Canton Fair Complex. There are shuttle buses and taxis available to reach the fairground.

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. The average travel time from Hong Kong airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is about 1 hour. The average cost is around 1000-1500 CNY.

2. Train

The China high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou South Railway Station takes about 1-2 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or metro to the Canton Fair. The average cost for the train ticket is around 200-300 CNY. See China high speed train booking guide.

3. Bus

There are direct buses from Hong Kong to Guangzhou which take about 3-4 hours. The average cost is around 100-200 CNY.

4. Ferry

You can also take a ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The journey takes about 2 hours. The average cost is around 200-300 CNY.

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: