Canton Fair 2026 is the 139th China Import and Export Fair. Held in Guangzhou twice each year, it is the world’s largest trade exhibition. This guide shows you the key dates, venue information and essential travel tips. It is designed for first-time visitors who want a smooth, productive experience.

Why Attend the Canton Fair?

Attending the Canton Fair gives you direct access to thousands of factories and suppliers. You can:

• Buy products from China, or current importers who want to see what's new in China.

• Learn about new trends for certain products and get ideas for their businesses.

• Connect with major Chinese suppliers and get their contact details for long-term partnerships.

• Start your own business and find unique products from China.

This makes the Canton Fair an essential event for finding products and suppliers.

Time, Dates & Phases

The Canton Fair takes place twice a year—once in spring (April) and once in fall (October). Each fair runs in three distinct phases, making a total of six phases annually. Each phase is held on different dates from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and focuses on different product categories:

Phase 1: Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances

Dates: 

• April 15 –19

• October 15 – 19

This includes:

• Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances

• Vehicles & Spare Parts

• Machinery

• Hardware & Tools

• Chemical Products

• New Energy Resources.

Phase 2: Housewares

Dates: 

• April 23 - 27

• October 23 - 27

This includes:

• Building Materials

• Consumer Goods

• Gifts

• Home Decorations

• Furniture.

Phase 3: Home Textiles

Dates:

• May 1 – 5 

• October 31 - November 4

This includes:

• Toys

• Textiles & Garments

• Shoes

• Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, And Recreation Products

• Medicines, Medical Devices, And Health Products

• Food

Venue & Layout

All phases take place at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China.

• Address: 380, Yuejiang Zhong Lu Road, Hai Zhu, Guangzhou City, China.
  
  
  

• Exhibition space: 1.55 million square meters
  
  
  

• Facilities: Prayer rooms, medical stations, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi

Registration Process 

First-time buyers who register on-site will pay 100 RMB (about $15 USD). You don't have to register in advance for the Canton Fair, but it's a good idea. Registering at the fair costs 100 RMB (about 15 USD), but if you register beforehand, you can skip this fee.

Registration Steps:

1. Go to the Official Canton Fair Website and click "Buyer" at the top, then select "Register"
   
   
   

2. Select "Overseas Buyer" and enter your information, including name, email, phone number, and company details
   
   
   

3. Confirm Your Account: Check your email for a verification link and click it to activate your account
   
   
   

4. Request Your Buyer Badge: Log in and select "I don't have a buyer badge," then complete and submit the application form
   
   
   

5. Receive Your Buyer Badge: This is your official entry pass, valid for multiple sessions and usable for several years

Note: Registration steps remain broadly the same each year, but fees, pickup locations, and document requirements could change—reconfirm on the official Buyer Service tool shortly before you travel.

Reaching the Canton Fair from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Airport Shuttle Bus Service

Take the Guangzhou Airport Express direct shuttle from Baiyun Airport to the Canton Fair Complex; buses run approximately every 30 minutes with a travel time of around 50 minutes to 1 hour.​Pickup is at Lane 1, Complex Middle Road, Area A during fair periods, typically operating 13:00–18:00.​

Metro Rail Connection

From Baiyun Airport, board Line 3 (North Extended Line) at Jichang Nan Station toward Tiyu Xilu, then transfer to Line 3 at Tiyu Xi Station heading to Kecun Station.​

At Kecun Station, switch to Line 8 toward Wanshengwei and exit at Xingang Dong Station (for Area A) or Pazhou Station (for Areas B & C via exits A, B, or C).

Direct Taxi Service

Taxis from Baiyun Airport to the Canton Fair Complex take 45 minutes to 1 hour; communicate your destination to the driver using the words "Canton Fair," "Pazhou."

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Visa: Apply for a visa well in advance, or consider the 144-hour transit visa option if applicable.

• Book Accommodation Early: Hotels near the venue fill up quickly.

• China Canton Fair Map: The Pazhou Complex has shuttle buses, English-speaking staff, and information points, but having a map on hand helps you navigate more easily.

• Arrange Local SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi: Stay connected for maps and messaging.

• Currency Exchange: Exchange some cash at the airport for small expenses.

• Language Support: Consider downloading a translation app

Final Words

With this guide, you're ready to plan your first Canton Fair trip. Prepare in advance, focus on the right phase, and make the most of on-site and online resources for successful sourcing.

Planning your journey from Kerala? Skytime offers a complete Canton Fair 2026 package covering visa assistance, flights, hotels near the venue, and local transportation—so you can focus on growing your business.

Contact Skytime today for a smooth, hassle-free Canton Fair experience. Safe travels!