Canton Fair 2026: Dates, Phases and Buyer Guide
By Hasan Olwan · Last updated: September 24, 2026
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is China’s largest trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou. The autumn 2026 session, the 140th Canton Fair, runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026, in three phases, each covering different product categories. Overseas buyers register online in advance and collect their badge with a passport and proof of business. Our team covers many specialized trade fairs across China, and this guide covers what to plan before you go.
When is Canton Fair 2026?
| Phase | Dates (140th session, autumn 2026) | Main categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | October 15–19, 2026 | Consumer electronics, home appliances, lighting, machinery, hardware, vehicles, new energy |
| Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2026 | Housewares, gifts, decorations, building materials, furniture, home storage |
| Phase 3 | October 31 – November 4, 2026 | Textiles, apparel, footwear, office supplies, medical products, food |
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou.
Dates and categories from the official Canton Fair site and published 2026 guides, checked September 24, 2026. Confirm on cantonfair.org.cn before booking travel. The spring 2027 session will be added here when dates are announced.
How to register for the Canton Fair
- Pre-register online on the official Canton Fair website or app, as an overseas buyer.
- Prepare your documents: passport, proof of business (such as a business card or company registration), and a passport-style photo.
- Collect your buyer badge with the QR code you get after pre-registration. You can collect it at the registration offices at the Canton Fair Complex, or at extra points such as airports, Guangzhou South Railway Station and designated hotels. The badge is free.
- Book your hotel early. Hotels near Pazhou fill up and prices rise during the fair.
How to choose the right phase
Go to the phase that matches your products. If you buy housewares and gifts, Phase 2 is your phase. If you’re comparing several categories, plan for two phases, or pair the fair with a trip to Yiwu Market, where small-commodity suppliers show products all year round.
After the fair: the part most buyers get wrong
This is the part most people get wrong: they collect 200 business cards and follow up with none. The fair is where you find suppliers. The real work starts after:
- Shortlist the 5–10 suppliers that match your price and MOQ.
- Verify them before paying anything. A booth at the fair doesn’t prove a supplier is a factory. → Supplier verification
- Order samples and compare them side by side.
- Inspect before you pay the balance.
Visit with a sourcing team
We can go with you to the fair, and follow up with suppliers after you leave: verification, samples, production and shipping.
Related: Yiwu, China · Supplier verification · China sourcing agent