Canton Fair Autumn 2026: Dates, Schedule & Registration

The Canton Fair Autumn 2026 is one of China's biggest international trade events, bringing together overseas buyers and Chinese suppliers in Guangzhou. The 140th edition will run from 15 October to 4 November 2026 across three phases, covering a wide range of products and industries.

Planning to visit? This guide covers the key information you need, including dates and phases, venue, registration, invitations, transport, hotels and practical tips to help you prepare for the Canton Fair Autumn 2026.

What is the Canton Fair Autumn 2026?

When is the Canton Fair Autumn 2026?

The 140th Canton Fair Autumn 2026 will be held from 15 October to 4 November 2026 at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou. The fair is divided into three phases, with different product categories featured in each phase. There are also changeover periods between the phases.

The calendar below gives a quick overview of the Canton Fair Autumn 2026 dates and phases, making it easier to plan your visit. Exhibition arrangements and opening times may be updated, so it is best to check the official Canton Fair website for the latest information before travelling.

Canton Fair Autumn 2026: three phases explained

The Canton Fair Autumn 2026 runs from 15 October to 4 November 2026 and is divided into three phases. Each phase focuses on different product groups, so you do not usually need to attend all three. Choose the phase that matches your products or sourcing needs, or attend more than one if you need to meet suppliers across different categories.

Source from cantonfair.net

Where is the Canton Fair Autumn 2026 held?

How to register for the Canton Fair Autumn 2026

If you plan to attend the Canton Fair Autumn 2026 as an overseas buyer, you should complete pre-registration before travelling to Guangzhou. The registration is available year-round, and you can use the official Canton Fair website or app to create an account, complete your details and apply for a Buyer Badge. After pre-registration, eligible overseas buyers can collect the badge free of charge at selected registration offices or at the Canton Fair Complex.

Step 1: create or log in to your account

Go to the Canton Fair official website and open the Buyer or Overseas Buyer Pre-registration section. You can also use the official Canton Fair app.

If this is your first time attending the fair, create an account with your email address and password. Existing buyers can log in with their current account.

Step 2: complete your pre-registration

Fill in your personal and company information, including your name, contact details, company details and sourcing interests. You may also need to provide your valid identification information.

For overseas buyers, accepted documents include a passport, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, or Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. Certain overseas Chinese buyers can also register with a Chinese passport together with the required overseas residence or work documents.

• If you are a first-time buyer, the usual process is: Create an account → Complete pre-registration → Apply for a Buyer Badge
• Returning buyers can generally: Log in → Confirm your information → Complete the pre-registration

Source from cantonfair.net

Step 3: apply for your Buyer Badge

After completing your information, apply for an Overseas Buyer Badge through the Buyer Service System. The Buyer Badge is the official entry credential for overseas buyers attending the physical Canton Fair.

The badge application itself is free for eligible overseas buyers. This is why it is worth registering in advance rather than relying on on-site registration.

Step 4: collect your Buyer Badge

After successful pre-registration, you can collect your badge at an eligible registration office. For the Autumn 2026 fair, the official guide lists alternative registration locations including:

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport — collect your badge after arriving in Guangzhou.
• Guangzhou South Railway Station — convenient if you arrive by high-speed train.
• Pazhou Ferry Terminal — suitable for buyers arriving by ferry.
• Designated Canton Fair hotels — collect your badge while checking in.
• Canton Fair Hong Kong Office — available for eligible buyers in Hong Kong.
• Badge centres at the Canton Fair Complex — collect your badge when you arrive at the exhibition venue.

Bring your original, valid identification document used for registration. A business card may also be required during badge collection.

Tip: If possible, collect your Buyer Badge at an alternative registration office before going to the exhibition complex. This can help you avoid queues when you first arrive at the fair.

Optional: apply for a Canton Fair invitation

If you need an official Canton Fair invitation letter, you can apply through the Buyer Service System after registration. New overseas buyers can normally apply for the invitation after completing their Buyer Badge application, while returning buyers can apply through their existing account.

If you need the invitation letter for a Chinese business visa, apply as early as possible and check the latest visa requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy or visa centre.

How to apply for a Canton Fair invitation

If you need a Canton Fair Invitation Letter for a Chinese business visa, apply through the official Canton Fair buyer service system or app. The process is mainly for overseas buyers who need a visa to attend the fair. If you do not need a Chinese visa, you can usually complete your buyer pre-registration and badge application without an invitation letter.

Step 1: Check whether you need an invitation letter

If you need a Chinese business visa to attend the Canton Fair, apply for an official invitation letter. Visa approval is decided by the Chinese embassy or consulate.

Step 2: Complete buyer pre-registration

Go to the official Canton Fair website or app and create an account or sign in. Complete your personal and company information.

Step 3: Apply for the invitation

Follow the invitation application option in the buyer service system. Returning overseas buyers can normally apply through their existing account, while first-time buyers may need to complete buyer badge registration first.

Step 4: Check and save your invitation

Make sure your name, passport number, nationality and company details match your documents. Once approved, download or save the electronic invitation letter.

Step 5: Apply for your visa, if needed

Use the invitation letter as part of your Chinese business visa application. The final visa decision is made by the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate.

Step 6: Complete buyer badge registration

After arriving in Guangzhou, follow the latest official instructions to collect your free buyer badge using your valid identification. Overseas buyers can use designated registration points, including selected transport hubs and the Canton Fair Complex.

Invitation application checklist

Before applying, prepare:

• ☐ Passport: a valid passport or other accepted travel document
• ☐ Buyer information: name, contact details and other personal information
• ☐ Company details: company name and relevant business information
• ☐ Invitation details: intended Canton Fair attendance and visa requirements

Important: Invitation letter, pre-registration and buyer badge requirements may change between Canton Fair sessions. Always check the latest requirements on the official Canton Fair website or app before submitting your application.

How to get to the Canton Fair Autumn 2026

The Canton Fair Complex is at 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou. During the fair, metro is usually the easiest option, as roads around the venue can become busy. Taxis, ride-hailing services, buses and airport shuttle services are also available.

From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the Canton Fair

Metro is the recommended option for a reliable journey:

• T2: Take Line 3 towards the city and transfer to Line 8 at Kecun Station or Line 11 (Inner Ring) at Guangzhou East Railway Station, then get off at Xingangdong or Pazhou.
• T3: Take an intercity train from Baiyun Airport East Station to Pazhou Station.
• Get off at Xingangdong Station for Area A/D or Pazhou Station for Areas B/C.
• The journey takes around 1.5 hours and costs about RMB 8 to RMB 25.
• An airport shuttle to the Canton Fair Complex is another option, while a taxi or ride-hailing journey takes around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.

From Guangzhou South Railway Station to the Canton Fair

• Take Line 2 towards Jiahe Wanggang.
• Change at Changgang Station for Line 8 towards Wanshengwei.
• Get off at Xingangdong or Pazhou, depending on your exhibition area.
• The journey takes around 1 hour and costs about RMB 6.
• Taxis and ride-hailing services usually take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Hong Kong to the Canton Fair

Visitors travelling from Hong Kong can reach the fair by high-speed rail or ferry.

• By ferry: travel to Pazhou Ferry Terminal, which is close to the Canton Fair Complex, then walk for around 5–10 minutes.
• By high-speed rail: travel to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then take Line 2 → Changgang → Line 8 to the exhibition area.
• Allow extra time for border and ticket checks when travelling from Hong Kong.

Getting to the Canton Fair by metro

Metro is generally the most convenient way to reach the venue during the fair:

• Areas A/D: Line 8 → Xingangdong Station, Exit A.
• Area B: Line 8 → Pazhou Station, Exits A/B.
• Area C: Line 8 → Pazhou Station, Exit C, followed by a short walk.
• Pazhou Station also connects with Line 11, which can help reduce pressure on Line 8 during busy periods.
• International bank cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay and Yangchengtong can be used for metro travel.

Read our guide to ride the metro like a local

Taxi and ride-hailing options

Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful when travelling with luggage or outside the busiest periods. During the Canton Fair, however, traffic around the exhibition centre can be heavy.

• Set your destination as Gate 5 for Area B or Gate 6 for Area A where appropriate.
• Follow signs and staff instructions for designated pick-up and drop-off areas.
• Allow extra time during peak periods and check traffic before setting off.

Getting around Guangzhou during the fair

The Canton Fair Complex is very large, so check your exhibition area before choosing an entrance or station exit. The exhibition areas are connected internally, but walking between halls can still take time.

• Use Line 8 or Line 11 for the main metro connection.
• Local buses and the Guangzhou Haizhu Tram can provide additional connections.
• Check live routes and crowd levels on the Guangzhou Metro app, Amap or Baidu Maps before travelling.
• During the fair, allow extra time for security checks, queues and transfers.

Where to stay for the Canton Fair Autumn

For the Canton Fair Autumn 2026, Pazhou is the most convenient area to stay, especially if you want to walk to the exhibition halls. Hotels around Pazhou and the Canton Fair Complex can save time during busy fair days. If you also want easy access to Guangzhou's business and shopping areas, Tianhe is a good alternative, while Yuexiu offers more budget-friendly options with good metro connections.

If you're in a rush, here are some recommended hotels near the Canton Fair Complex for a convenient stay during the Canton Fair.

• The Westin Pazhou: Located next to the Canton Fair Complex, with a covered skybridge providing direct access to Areas A, B and C. Around a 10-minute walk from Pazhou Metro Station, the hotel offers Westin Heavenly Beds, several restaurants, a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor heated pool and spa. An excellent choice for exhibitors and buyers who want the easiest possible access to the fair.
• Courtyard by Marriott Guangzhou Pazhou: Located close to Area C, around 230 metres from the exhibition centre. This newer hotel offers modern rooms, river views, a gym and breakfast, making it a practical choice for business travellers who want to walk to the fair.
• Langham Place Guangzhou: Approximately 300 metres from Area C of the Canton Fair venue., with convenient access to the exhibition centre. The hotel offers restaurants, a bar and airport pick-up services, making it a comfortable choice for business travellers.
• Shangri-La Guangzhou: Located close to Area B about 550 metres from the Canton Fair Complex, offering a quieter riverside stay while remaining a short drive from the venue. It features restaurants, a café and airport pick-up services.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: Around 6.1 km from the Canton Fair Complex, this luxury hotel is a good option for visitors who want to combine the fair with business or sightseeing in central Guangzhou. It offers restaurants, a café and airport pick-up services.

What to know before visiting the Canton Fair

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