Canton Fair Registration 2026: How to Register & Get a Badge

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 Canton Fair, with 2026 Canton Fair dates, location and more! When planning your visit to Guangzhou, consider booking your Guangzhou hotels in advance to secure the best rates!

Canton Fair 2026: dates and three phases

Need reliable manufacturers for your business? The Canton Fair, or China Import and Export Fair, is one of China's oldest and most prominent trade events. Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, during the Spring (April/May) and Autumn (October/November).

2026 & 2027 Canton Fair Dates

📅 Autumn Edition: October 15 - November 4, 2026 (next session, 15 October to 4 November)

📅 Spring Edition: April 15 - May 5, 2027 (expected)

The Spring 2026 edition (April 15 - May 5, 2026) has already finished — if you are planning a trip now, the Autumn 2026 edition is the one to book for.

2026 & 2027 Canton Fair Phase 1-3 (Onsite)

Both the upcoming Autumn 2026 edition and the Spring 2027 edition follow the same structure for the 3 offline phases.

2026 & 2027 Canton Fair Online

The 139th Canton Fair online ran from March to September 2026 and has now closed. The 140th Canton Fair online platform runs from 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027, and the 141st is expected to run from around March to September 2027.

Note: the Spring 2027 dates follow the fair's customary schedule and are still subject to official confirmation — check cantonfair.org.cn before booking flights or hotels.

How to register for Canton Fair 2026

The 140th Canton Fair uses a buyer pre-registration system rather than public tickets. Overseas and domestic buyers follow different registration processes.

• Overseas buyers: Pre-register online through the official website or app, then collect your free buyer badge at a designated registration point or the exhibition venue.
• Domestic buyers: Register through the domestic buyer channel and complete the required company and personal checks before getting your badge.
• Visa support: Overseas buyers who need a Chinese visa can apply for an official invitation letter during pre-registration.

Below, you can find the key steps for overseas buyer registration, required documents, badge collection and registration locations.

Canton Fair registration for first-time buyers

Source from cantonfair.net

The Canton Fair offers an easy registration process for attendees — the same for the Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 sessions — with no general registration fee. However, specific service charges apply for physical entry badges and other services.

For first-time buyers, the registration at the Canton Fair will cost 100 RMB (approximately £11 or $15 USD) if you don't register in advance. Registering online in advance saves this fee and also gives you an official invitation letter, which is required when applying for a business visa to enter China for the fair.

1. Visit the Official Canton Fair Website and click on the top "Buyer" section. Click "Register"
2. Choose "Overseas Buyer" and fill in your details, including your name, email, contact number, and company information.
3. Verify Your Account: After registration, you'll receive a verification email. Click the link in the email to confirm your account.
4. Apply for Buyer Badge: Once verified, log in and click on the "I don't have a buyer badge" option. Fill in the required details and submit your application.
5. Get Your Buyer Badge: The buyer badge is your official entry pass to the fair. It works for multiple sessions and lasts for several years.

Note: If you need more details, you can check the official guidelines for further procedures.

Click on the top "Buyer" section, Click "Register"

Choose Overseas Buyer

Fill in your details

Canton Fair registration for regular buyers

Choose your Buyer Badge

For regular buyers, the process is simple and quick.

1. Sign In: Go to the Canton Fair website and log in using your existing account.
2. Update Your Details: Make sure your account information is up to date. If needed, request a new invitation letter or update the one you already have.
3. Use Your Badge: After receiving your badge, you can use it to access the fair. The badge is valid for future sessions, so keep it safe.

If you lose your badge, a replacement fee of 200 RMB (approximately $30 USD) applies. You'll need to go through the same process to get a new badge, either at the fair complex or at one of the registration offices in hotels.

Canton Fair registration requirements and costs

While the registration process is generally free, there are specific costs for physical entry badges and additional services. Here's a breakdown of the types and costs:

1. Basic Registration (Free)

• Online Pre-Registration: Required for all attendees.
• No fee through the official portal.
• E-invitation provided for visa application.

2. Physical Entry Badge (IC Card) Costs

Important Notes:

• Free if using a previous IC Card.
• 200 RMB replacement fee if the card is lost.

Who needs to register for the Canton Fair?

Anyone planning to attend the Canton Fair needs to register, and this requirement applies to:

• Buyers: People or companies looking to source products from Chinese suppliers.
• Exhibitors: Companies wanting to showcase their products at the fair.
• Overseas Visitors: Non-China residents who wish to visit for business purposes.
• Purchasing Agents: Chinese staff working for foreign companies attending on behalf of their clients.

Canton Fair pre-registration and deadlines

Phase 1-3 Registration Dates

The Canton Fair is divided into three phases, each with its own set of dates. Here are the dates for the upcoming Autumn 2026 session and the following Spring 2027 session:

• Phase 1 (Electronics, Machinery, etc.): October 15–19, 2026 / April 15–19, 2027 (expected)
• Phase 2 (Home Goods, Gifts, etc.): October 23–27, 2026 / April 23–27, 2027 (expected)
• Phase 3 (Textiles, Toys, etc.): October 31–November 4, 2026 / May 1–5, 2027 (expected)

Make sure to register well before the start of each phase to avoid any delays and to ensure you get your official buyer badge in time.

What to do if I Register Late

If you miss the early registration deadline, don’t worry—late registration is still available. However, please note that:

• Late registrations may incur an additional service fee (typically around 200 RMB).
• On-site registration is also possible at the Canton Fair complex or designated hotel registration offices, but the process may take longer.

Also Confirm Registration Timeline

After submitting your registration:

• You should receive a confirmation email within 3–5 business days.
• If you’re applying for a business visa, the official invitation letter will be sent to you shortly after confirmation.
• If you're using pre-registered details or a previous badge, badge pickup at the venue is quick (around 5 minutes).

How to get your Canton Fair buyer badge

Overseas buyers are strongly advised to pre-register online and collect their badge before arriving at the exhibition halls. This is the quickest and easiest way to avoid queues at the Canton Fair. Since the paper registration form is no longer available onsite, online pre-registration is now the standard process.

Step 1: Complete online pre-registration

Register in advance through the official Canton Fair website or the Canton Fair App. New buyers can apply for their buyer badge during registration, while returning buyers can confirm attendance using their existing account.

Prepare these documents before registering:

• Original passport, or valid travel document for Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan residents
• Online pre-registration confirmation
• Business card
• Company details

Step 2: Choose where to collect your badge

Overseas buyers can collect their badge at several convenient locations in Guangzhou:

Remote registration points (recommended):

• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Guangzhou South Railway Station
• Pazhou Hong Kong & Macao Passenger Port
• More than 60 designated hotels

At some locations, badge collection takes only around 30 seconds with your passport and pre-registration confirmation.

At the Canton Fair Complex:
Badge collection centres are available in Areas A, B, C and D of the exhibition venue. Buyers who have pre-registered can often use self-service machines for faster processing.

Important information

• New, replacement and renewal buyer badges for overseas buyers are free of charge.
• Buyer badges can be used for multiple sessions, so keep your badge safe for future visits.
• If you need a Chinese business visa, you can apply for an official Canton Fair invitation letter through the Buyer Service System during registration.

[10% Off] Best hotels near Canton Fair

Looking for somewhere to stay near the Canton Fair? Check out Trip.com Canton Fair nearby hotels. Don't forget to claim the 10% Off coupon below!

1. The Westin Pazhou: This hotel offers a fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant. It is just a few steps away from the Canton Fair.

2. Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou: This luxury hotel features a health club, outdoor tennis court, full-service spa, and several restaurants. It's located just a kilometre away from the Canton Fair.

3. Langham Place Guangzhou: This hotel offers a full-service spa, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, and several dining options. It is only a few steps away from the Canton Fair.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: This luxury hotel has a full-service spa, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and several restaurants. It is only a few minutes' drive from the Canton Fair.

5. Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou: This hotel has a fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options. It is only a short drive from the Canton Fair.

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