If you're doing business with Chinese suppliers, the Canton Fair is like your annual pilgrimage. Keep reading to learn how to register and attend the Canton Fair, including the 2026 dates, location, and more! When planning your visit to Guangzhou, be sure to book your hotel in advance to snag the best rates!
NO.1
![Lawatan Sehari di Tarikan Pelancongan Gu Long Gorge, Qingyuan, Guangdong [Laluan Pantas Tanpa Beratur Pilihan - Berlepas dari Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Dongguan]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352j12000scbwux6E2D2_C_568_320.jpg)
![Lawatan Sehari Tarikan Pelancongan Qingyuan Gulongxia [Berlepas Setiap Hari dari Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Dongguan dalam Lawatan Berkumpulan]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353s12000rxyln7f32A5_C_568_320.jpg)
All About the Canton Fair 2026: Dates & 3 Phases
Looking for reliable manufacturers for your business? The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the world's oldest and one of the premier trade events. It’s held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, during the Spring (April/May) and Autumn (October/November).
2026 & 2027 Canton Fair: Official Dates
📅 Autumn Edition: October 15 - November 4, 2026 (next session, October 15 - November 4)
📅 Spring Edition: April 15 - May 5, 2027 (tentative)
The Spring 2026 edition (April 15 - May 5, 2026) has wrapped up—if you're currently dreaming up your next adventure, the Autumn 2026 edition is the one you'll want to book!
2026 & 2027 Canton Fair: Dates for All 3 Phases (Onsite)
Both the upcoming Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 editions will feature the same exciting structure across all 3 offline phases.
Phase | Autumn 2026 Dates | Spring 2027 Dates (tentative) | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | October 15–19, 2026 | April 15–19, 2027 | Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two-Wheelers, Lighting & Electrical, Hardware, International Pavilion |
Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2026 | April 23–27, 2027 | Housewares, Gifts & Decor, Home Improvement & Furniture, International Pavilion |
Phase 3 | October 31–November 4, 2026 | May 1–5, 2027 | Toys & Children, Baby & Maternity, Fashion, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation, Traditional Chinese Specialties, International Pavilion |
2026 & 2027 Canton Fair: Online Dates
The 139th Canton Fair online session ran from March to September 2026 and has now concluded. The 140th Canton Fair online platform is active from 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027, and the 141st is expected to run from approximately March to September 2027.
Note: The Spring 2027 dates follow the fair's customary schedule but are still subject to official confirmation—be sure to check cantonfair.org.cn before you book your flights or hotels.
🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users
Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.
🔥Save More with Up to 5% Off
Use our promo code to enjoy up to 5% OFF on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs!
🚌 Canton Fair Nearby Hotel with Shuttle
For anyone going to the Canton Fair, some hotels on Trip.com have shuttle buses to and from the fair—just check if a hotel has this service when you book. Here’s a simple breakdown of 3 such hotels:
- Langyi Hotel: It’s super close to the Canton Fair’s Pazhou venue and Chigang Metro Station (Line 2, Exit C—you can walk there). They have a wine bar with French food and wine, plus a business center and rooms for meetings. The shuttle runs Oct 15-19, 23-27, and 31-Nov 4: leaves at 8:30 AM every day, and comes back at 5:45 PM except the last day of each fair phase (no return that day).
No. 468 Xingang Middle Road
- Betterdream Garden Yijing Hotel Guangzhou Xingchen: This one has a gym, two parking lots (you have to pay for them), a front desk open 24/7, free luggage storage and kid care, service robots, and rooms for meetings (those cost extra). The shuttle works like this: Oct 15-18, 22-26, and Nov 1-4—there are 2 morning rides to the fair and 1 evening ride back. But on Oct 19, 27, and Nov 5, there’s no return shuttle, only 2 rides to the fair.
No. 281 Chigang East Road, Chigang Subdistrict
- Super 8 Hotel Guangzhou Gangbei Road: They have paid private parking, free public parking, a 24/7 front desk, places to store your luggage, a tea room, a restaurant, can help book taxis, and meeting rooms (those cost extra). The shuttle runs Oct 15-19, 23-27, and 31-Nov 4—but on the last day of each fair phase, it only takes you to the fair, no ride back.
Register for the Canton Fair 2026 as a first-time buyer
Source: cantonfair.net
The Canton Fair makes registration a breeze for attendees—the process is identical for both the Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 sessions—and there’s no general registration fee. Just keep in mind that specific service charges do apply for physical entry badges and other select services.
If you're a first-time buyer, registering at the Canton Fair on-site will cost 100 RMB (about $15 USD). But here's a pro tip: register online in advance to skip that fee! Plus, you'll receive an official invitation letter, which is essential for your business visa application to enter China for the fair.
- Head over to the official Canton Fair website, navigate to the "Buyer" section at the top, and click "Register" to start your journey!
- Select "International Buyer" and fill in your details, including your name, email, contact number, and company information.
- Verify Your Account: Once you've registered, keep an eye on your inbox for a verification email. Just click the link inside to confirm your account and start your journey!
- Apply for your Buyer Badge: After you're verified, just log in and click the "I don't have a buyer badge" option. Simply fill in the details and send off your application—you'll be ready to go in no time!
- Grab Your Buyer Badge: Think of this badge as your all-access pass to the fair. It’s valid for multiple sessions and stays active for several years, so you're set for future adventures!
Heads up: If you're looking for the nitty-gritty details, feel free to peek at the official guidelines for the next steps!
Head over to the "Buyer" section at the top and click "Register" to get started!
Select Your International Buyer
add your details
Register for the Canton Fair 2026 as a regular buyer
Pick your perfect Buyer Badge
For our frequent travelers, the process is quick and effortless.
- Sign In: Head over to the Canton Fair website and log in with your existing account to get started!
- Update Your Details: Keep your account info current. Need a fresh invitation letter or a quick update to your existing one? You can easily handle that right here.
- Use Your Badge: Once you've got your badge in hand, you're all set to explore the fair! Be sure to tuck it away safely—it's your golden ticket for future sessions, too.
If you happen to misplace your badge, don't worry—you can get a replacement for a fee of 200 RMB (about $30 USD). Simply head back to the fair complex or one of the hotel registration offices and follow the same steps to get yourself sorted and back to exploring!
Canton Fair Registration: Costs & Requirements for 2026
While registration is usually free, keep in mind that there are some costs for physical entry badges and extra services. Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
1. Basic Registration (Free)
- Online Pre-Registration: A must for all adventurers joining us!
- There's no fee when you book through the official portal.
- Digital invitation provided for your visa application.
2. Costs for Physical Entry Badges (IC Cards)
Attendee Category | Fee | Required Documents |
First-Time Visitor (With Invitation) | Free | 1. Digital Invitation 2. Passport copy 3. 5x4cm photo 4. Business card |
First-Time Visitor (No Invitation Needed) | 100 RMB | 1. Passport copy 2. 5x4cm photo 3. Business card |
Welcome Back, Travelers | Free | 1. Previous IC Card 2. Passport copy 3. Business card |
China-Based Representatives | 300 RMB per day + 30 RMB service | 1. Company registration certificate 2. Employee ID 3. Business card |
Important notes:
- It's free if you're using an existing IC Card!
- If you happen to misplace your card, don't worry—a 200 RMB replacement fee applies.
Who Needs to Register for the Canton Fair?
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
If you're dreaming of experiencing the Canton Fair, you'll need to register first—but it's absolutely essential for:
- Buyers: Individuals or businesses eager to source products directly from Chinese suppliers.
- Exhibitors: Companies eager to spotlight their latest products at the fair.
- International Travelers: If you're a non-China resident planning a business trip, this is for you.
- Purchasing Agents: Chinese professionals working for foreign firms who attend on behalf of their clients.
Canton Fair Registration Deadlines for 2026
Phase 1-3 Registration Dates
The Canton Fair is split into three distinct phases, each with its own schedule. Here’s a look at the dates for the upcoming Autumn 2026 session and the Spring 2027 session that follows:
- Phase 1 (Electronics, Machinery, and more): October 15–19, 2026 / April 15–19, 2027 (tentative)
- Phase 2 (Home Goods, Gifts, and more): October 23–27, 2026 / April 23–27, 2027 (tentative)
- Phase 3 (Textiles, Toys, and more): October 31–November 4, 2026 / May 1–5, 2027 (tentative)
Be sure to register well ahead of each phase to avoid any hold-ups and make sure your official buyer badge arrives right on time!
What to Do If You Register Late
Missed the early bird deadline? No worries—late registration is still open! Just keep in mind that:
- Late registrations might come with a small extra service fee (usually around 200 RMB), so be sure to sign up early!
- You can also register on-site at the Canton Fair complex or at designated hotel registration offices, though keep in mind that the process might take a little longer.
Also, Be Sure to Check the Registration Timeline
Once you've finished your registration:
- Keep an eye on your inbox! You’ll receive a confirmation email within 3–5 business days.
- If you’re applying for a business visa, we’ll send your official invitation letter your way shortly after your booking is confirmed!
- If you've already registered or are reusing a previous badge, picking up your badge at the venue is a breeze—it only takes about 5 minutes!
[10% OFF] Top Hotel Picks near the Canton Fair
Looking for a place to stay near the Canton Fair? Check out Trip.com's nearby hotel options. Don't forget to claim the 10% OFF coupon below!
🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users
Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.
🔥Save More with Up to 5% Off
Use our promo code to enjoy up to 5% OFF on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs!
1. The Westin Pazhou: This hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, a relaxing spa, and an on-site restaurant. Plus, you're just steps away from the Canton Fair!
2. Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou: Treat yourself to luxury at this stunning hotel, which boasts a health club, an outdoor tennis court, a full-service spa, and a variety of dining options. Plus, you're just a kilometer away from the excitement of the Canton Fair!
3. Langham Place Guangzhou: This hotel features a full-service spa, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. Plus, you're just steps away from the Canton Fair!
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: Experience true luxury at this hotel, which features a full-service spa, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. Plus, you're just a few minutes' drive from the Canton Fair!
5. Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou: This hotel features a fitness center, an indoor pool, a spa, and a variety of dining options. Plus, you're just a short drive from the Canton Fair!
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips Malaysians transiting through China to a third country can usually apply for a 24-hour or 240-hour visa-free transit; in addition, a 30-day visa-free period has been implemented between China and Malaysia. Learn more about China Arrival Card to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Canton Fair Registration
-
How do I register for the Canton Fair?
-
How much does it cost to register at the Canton Fair 2026?
-
Is the Canton Fair free to enter?
-
Can I go to Canton Fair on a tourist visa?
-
How to apply for a China Canton Fair visa?
-
Do I need a translator for Canton Fair?