Complete Guide to the Canton Fair

Canton Fair Guide for International Buyers (2026)

The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is China’s largest and most influential international trade exhibition, attracting buyers and suppliers from more than 200 countries and regions every year.

Whether you are sourcing products, visiting factories, or exploring new business opportunities in China, the Canton Fair is one of the best platforms to connect with reliable manufacturers and discover the latest market trends.

This guide covers everything overseas visitors need to know — including registration, visa applications, hotels, transportation, airport pickup, business travel arrangements, factory visits, and private transportation services.

What Is the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair is held twice every year in Guangzhou, China - once in spring and once in autumn.

2026 Canton Fair Dates

139th Canton Fair (Spring 2026)

April 15 – May 5, 2026

140th Canton Fair (Autumn 2026)

Expected: October 15 – November 4, 2026

Each session is divided into 3 phases focusing on different industries.

Canton Fair Venue

China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex)

Address:
No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China (CN: 中国广东省广州市海珠区阅江中路382号)

The exhibition complex is located beside the Pearl River and is directly connected by Guangzhou Metro Line 8.

Nearest metro stations:

• Pazhou Station

• Xingangdong Station

Canton Fair Scale

The Canton Fair is one of the world's largest trade exhibitions.

Estimated 2026 Statistics

• Exhibition Area: 1.55 million sqm

• More than 75,000 booths

• Over 32,000 exhibitors

• More than 4.6 million products displayed

• Buyers from over 200 countries and regions

The fair is widely regarded as one of the best sourcing platforms for global importers and wholesalers.

How to Attend the Canton Fair

For Overseas Buyers

International buyers must complete online pre-registration before arriving in Guangzhou.

Registration Process

1. Visit the official Canton Fair website

2. Register a buyer account

3. Submit company and passport information

4. Select your interested product categories

5. Apply for invitation letter and pre-registration approval

Benefits of Pre-Registration

• Faster badge collection onsite

• Access to exhibitor directories

• Invitation letter for visa application

• Trade matching activities

• Latest exhibition updates

Important:
Onsite walk-in registration is not recommended. Early online registration is highly advised.

Official Canton Fair Website

Official Website:
www.cantonfair.org.cn

The website provides:

• Buyer registration

• Invitation letter applications

• Exhibitor directory

• Product search

• Event schedules

• Fair news and updates

Always use the official website to avoid scams or fake registration platforms.

China Visa for Canton Fair Visitors

Most overseas buyers require a Chinese Business Visa (M Visa) to attend the Canton Fair.

Required Documents

• Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Canton Fair invitation letter

• Visa application form

• Passport photo

• Flight reservation

• Hotel booking confirmation

Processing Time

Usually 4–5 working days.

It is strongly recommended to apply at least 1 month before departure.

Some countries may qualify for visa-free entry or transit policies. Please check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest regulations.

Hotel Booking During the Canton Fair

Early Booking Is Highly Recommended

Hotels in Guangzhou become extremely busy during the Canton Fair, especially around Pazhou Exhibition Center and Metro Line 8.

Prices often increase significantly during exhibition periods.

Recommended Hotel Areas

Hotel Booking Tips

• Book hotels 2–3 months in advance

• Choose hotels with Canton Fair shuttle buses

• Confirm cancellation policy carefully

• Breakfast-inclusive rates are recommended

We also provide:
Canton Fair Cooperative Hotel Booking (check hotel at Cantona Fair hotels)
Early-bird negotiated hotel rates
Business hotel recommendations
Group hotel arrangements

Transportation to the Canton Fair

Metro (Most Efficient)

Guangzhou Metro Line 8 is the easiest way to reach the exhibition halls.

Stations:

• Xingangdong Station

• Pazhou Station

Travel Tips:

• Avoid peak hours (8:00–9:30 AM)

• Expect heavy crowds after closing hours

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Didi are widely available.

However, traffic congestion around the exhibition complex can be severe during closing hours.

Private Car Rental with Driver (Highly Recommended)

For business travelers, teams, VIP guests, or buyers carrying samples, private transportation is often the most comfortable and efficient solution.

We provide:

• Airport pickup & drop-off

• Daily hotel ↔ Canton Fair transfers (check hotel free shuttle first)

• Business MPV & van rental

• Chauffeur services

• Minibus & coach rental for groups

• Executive transportation services

Advance booking is highly recommended during the Canton Fair period.

Check car service in Guangzhou: Guangzhou Transfer Services, Car Rental & Coach Hiring.

Factory Visits & Business Trips After the Canton Fair

For many buyers, the Canton Fair is only the beginning of their China sourcing trip.

After the exhibition, many visitors continue to:

• Visit factories

• Inspect suppliers

• Explore manufacturing regions

• Attend business meetings in nearby cities

Popular destinations include:

• Foshan

• Shenzhen

• Dongguan

• Zhongshan

• Yiwu

• Shanghai

• Hangzhou

• Ningbo

• Suzhou

Extended Business Travel Across China

We help international buyers arrange:

• High-speed train tickets

• Domestic flights

• Intercity transfers

• Private business transportation

• Hotel bookings nationwide

• Factory appointment coordination

Customized business itineraries can include:

• Greater Bay Area factory tours

• Yangtze River Delta sourcing trips

• Textile and garment factory visits

• Furniture sourcing in Foshan

• Electronics sourcing in Shenzhen

• Hardware & lighting factories in Zhongshan

Why Choose Our Canton Fair Services?

We specialize in providing one-stop business travel solutions for overseas buyers visiting China.

Our services include:
Airport pickup & transfers
Canton Fair transportation
Hotel booking assistance
Car rental with driver
Factory visit arrangements
Translation services
Business travel planning across China

With years of experience serving Canton Fair visitors, we help make your business trip smoother, more efficient, and stress-free.

Quick Tips for Canton Fair Visitors

The Canton Fair is not only a trade exhibition - it is one of the world's most important gateways to Chinese manufacturing and global business opportunities.

Good preparation and reliable local support can make your Guangzhou business trip far more productive and comfortable.