Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1 returns for the Autumn session from October 15 to October 19, 2026, as the opening phase of the 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China. Officially themed around Advanced Manufacturing, Phase 1 brings together suppliers of electronics, household appliances, industrial machinery, vehicles, auto parts, new energy products, lighting, electrical products, hardware, and tools. The Spring Phase 1 was held from April 15 to April 19, 2026.
140th Canton Fair Phase 1 — Autumn 2026
Dates: October 15–19, 2026
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM daily
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou
Address: No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
Theme: Advanced Manufacturing
Best For: Electronics, appliances, machinery, vehicles, new energy, lighting, electrical products, hardware, and tools
Many buyers visit the Canton Fair first, but later realize that MOQ, supplier follow-up, and product consolidation can still be difficult. If you want a more flexible way to source mixed products after the fair, read our Yiwu market order process guide.
What is Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1?
The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China. The Spring 2026 Phase 1 took place from April 15 to April 19, while the upcoming Autumn Phase 1 will run from October 15 to October 19 as part of the 140th Canton Fair. Phase 1 focuses on advanced manufacturing and technology-related products, including electronics, appliances, machinery, vehicles, new energy products, lighting, electrical products, hardware, and tools.
Why Phase 1 Matters
Phase 1 is particularly valuable for professional buyers sourcing electronics, machinery, automotive products, industrial equipment, new energy products, hardware, and tools. For the 140th Canton Fair, the phase continues to emphasize advanced manufacturing, making it especially relevant to buyers looking for Chinese manufacturers in technology-intensive and industrial product categories.
Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1 Dates & Location
📅 When is Canton Fair Phase 1 Autumn 2026?
Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1 Dates:
- Autumn (140th Canton Fair): October 15–19, 2026
- Spring (139th Canton Fair): April 15–19, 2026 — completed
📍 Where is it held?
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex (Canton Fair Complex)
Address: No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM daily
Make sure to book your hotel in advance. Hotels near the Pazhou Complex fill up quickly due to the large number of attendees.
Product Categories in Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1
The 140th Canton Fair Phase 1 focuses on advanced manufacturing, electronics, machinery, transportation, energy, and industrial products. According to the official 140th Canton Fair exhibition schedule, the main Phase 1 categories include:
Electronics & Household Appliances
Home appliances, consumer electronics and information products.
Electronics & Household Appliances
Industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing, processing machinery, power and electrical equipment, general machinery and mechanical components, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery.
Vehicles & Mobility
New energy vehicles and smart mobility, vehicles, auto parts, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Lighting, Electrical & New Energy
Lighting products, electronic and electrical products, and new energy products.
Hardware & Tools
Hardware products and professional tools for industrial, construction, and commercial applications.
New Materials & Chemical Products
New materials and chemical products serving manufacturing and industrial applications.
These categories are updated every year to reflect market trends, so check the official Canton Fair site before finalizing your visit.
The Canton Fair is excellent for meeting factories and seeing large-scale export products, but many buyers still need a more practical solution for mixed orders, lower MOQs, and easier supplier coordination. To understand the difference, read our full comparison: Canton Fair vs Yiwu Market.
How to Register for Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1
Registration can be done online or onsite. Here are the steps:
Online Pre-Registration
Overseas buyers can prepare for the 140th Canton Fair through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System:
Visit the official Canton Fair website.
Register or sign in to your buyer account.
Complete overseas buyer pre-registration.
Apply for your Canton Fair invitation letter if required for your travel or visa arrangements.
Complete the Buyer Badge application before attending the fair.
Completing these steps before arriving in Guangzhou can reduce time spent handling registration procedures during your visit.
Visa Requirements & Travel Planning
Entry and visa requirements vary by nationality and travel circumstances. Buyers who require a Chinese visa should check the latest requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy, consulate, or official visa application service. Eligible Canton Fair buyers can also apply for an official invitation letter through the Canton Fair Buyer Service System when supporting documentation is required.
Travel Tips:
- Fly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Use the metro (Line 8) to reach the Canton Fair Complex
- Stay at hotels offering shuttle buses to the venue
Tips to Maximize Your Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1 Visit
Do Pre-Show Research
Use the official Canton Fair website or app to research exhibitors and products before arriving, shortlist relevant suppliers, and plan which booths you want to visit.
Schedule Appointments in Advance
Many exhibitors prefer pre-booked appointments to ensure you receive undivided attention.
Carry Business Cards
Exchange cards at every booth. This small gesture is still crucial in Chinese business culture.
Prepare Product Specs
Bring product samples or specification sheets to clarify your sourcing needs.
Onsite Services Available at Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1
- Wi-Fi Zones: Limited free internet zones
- Interpreter Services: Available at designated counters
- Food Courts: Various local and international cuisines
- Freight & Courier Services: Ship your catalogs or samples easily
- Banking Services: Currency exchange and ATMs on-site
Why Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1 is Perfect for Importers
If you’re looking to import directly from manufacturers, this fair is your one-stop shop. It connects you with:
- Verified suppliers
- Competitive pricing
- Large-scale production capabilities
- Customization services
Phase 1 of the Canton Fair is ideal for serious buyers who want to establish long-term supply chain relationships.
After the Fair: What To Do Next
Follow-Up Strategies:
- Email all collected contacts within 3 days
- Request samples if needed
- Finalize order quantities and shipping terms
- Negotiate pricing based on fair offers
Logistics Planning:
Use freight forwarders in Guangzhou to consolidate your cargo and reduce shipping costs. If you’re new to sourcing, consider hiring a sourcing agent to manage inspections and quality control.
Many Canton Fair Phase 1 Buyers Also Plan a Trip to Yiwu Market
Many international buyers attending Canton Fair Phase 1 continue their sourcing trip in Yiwu after Guangzhou. Phase 1 is particularly strong for electronics, machinery, vehicles, new energy products, hardware, and other manufacturing-focused categories, while Yiwu Market offers a much broader selection of small commodities and mixed-product sourcing opportunities.
For buyers sourcing multiple product categories, the two destinations can complement each other. Canton Fair is useful for meeting export-oriented exhibitors and manufacturers, while Yiwu allows buyers to compare products across thousands of permanent wholesale showrooms and combine orders from multiple suppliers.
If you’re attending the 140th Canton Fair in October and considering Yiwu afterward, read our Canton Fair to Yiwu Market guide to plan the next part of your sourcing trip.
Conclusion: Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1
Canton Fair 2026 Phase 1 is not just an event—it’s a gateway to sourcing success. Whether you are looking for advanced electronics, innovative lighting, or heavy machinery, this phase offers unmatched supplier access. With strategic planning, you’ll leave the fair not only with contacts but also with valuable deals that can boost your business growth.
Planning to visit Yiwu after the Canton Fair? Tell us about your visit, product categories and sourcing budget before you arrive.
Related Articles:
How to Apply Chinese Visa | How to Fly to Guangzhou for Canton Fair | | How to Register for Canton Fair | How to Get the Most Out of Canton Fair | Why Importers Visit Yiwu After Canton Fair | Canton Fair 2026 Phase 2 | Canton Fair 2026 Phase 3 | Canton Fair 2026 | Canton Fair Hotels | How to Plan Your Yiwu Sourcing Trip During Canton Fair Season | Visit Yiwu Market after Canton Fair
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