Canton Fair 2026: Spring & Autumn Guide to Dates, Phases & Tips

The Canton Fair 2026, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, returns to Guangzhou this autumn for its 140th edition. The Autumn session will run from October 15 to November 4, 2026, across three phases covering advanced manufacturing, home and lifestyle products, fashion, textiles, health products, toys, and many other sourcing categories.

The Spring 2026 session was held from April 15 to May 5. For buyers planning a China sourcing trip now, the upcoming 140th Autumn Canton Fair is the key event, beginning with Phase 1 on October 15.

According to the official Canton Fair information, the 140th edition covers approximately 1.55 million square meters and brings together around 32,000 exhibitors. This guide covers the confirmed Autumn 2026 dates, phases, product categories, registration, supplier sourcing, travel, and how to continue your sourcing trip in Yiwu after the fair.

Canton Fair 2025 Ultimate Guide to Dates Phases Tips

140th Canton Fair β€” Autumn 2026

Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026 β€” Advanced Manufacturing
Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026 β€” Quality Home Life
Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2026 β€” Better Life
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM daily
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex
Address: No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Exhibition Area: 1.55 million mΒ²
Exhibitors: Around 32,000

Canton Fair Location in Guangzhou

The Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou, China, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex). Located in the Haizhu District, it is one of the largest exhibition centers in the world and is easily accessible by metro, taxi, and shuttle services.

Most international buyers stay in central Guangzhou or near Pazhou for convenience. The exhibition complex is well-connected to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and major train stations, making travel smooth for overseas visitors.

What is the Canton Fair?

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The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is China’s largest and oldest trade exhibition, held twice a year (Spring & Autumn) in Guangzhou. It showcases a vast range of products across multiple industries.

Why Attend Canton Fair 2026?

  1. Large supplier base – The 140th Canton Fair is expected to bring together around 32,000 exhibitors across 54 exhibition sections.
  2. Wide product coverage – Products range from electronics, machinery and vehicles to housewares, furniture, fashion, textiles, health products and toys.
  3. Face-to-face supplier comparison – Buyers can visit multiple exhibitors, inspect products and discuss specifications, MOQ, pricing and production requirements.
  4. New supplier discovery – The fair provides an efficient way to identify and compare export-oriented Chinese suppliers across different industries.
  5. Three specialized phases – Buyers can choose the phase that best matches their sourcing categories.

Canton Fair 2026 Dates & Phases

Canton Fair 2026 is divided into three phases, each focusing on different industries.

πŸ“ Location: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China

Canton Fair 2026 Schedule

SeasonPhaseDatesMain Focus
SpringPhase 1April 15–19, 2026Advanced manufacturing
SpringPhase 2April 23–27, 2026Home, lifestyle, gifts & building products
SpringPhase 3May 1–5, 2026Fashion, textiles, health, food & consumer products
AutumnPhase 1October 15–19, 2026Advanced Manufacturing
AutumnPhase 2October 23–27, 2026Quality Home Life
AutumnPhase 3October 31–November 4, 2026Better Life

The Spring 2026 Canton Fair has concluded. Buyers planning to attend the upcoming Autumn session should use the 140th Canton Fair dates above when arranging flights, hotels, registration, and supplier meetings.

exhibition venue (Pazhou Complex) layout

exhibition venue (Pazhou Complex) phase 1

exhibition venue (Pazhou Complex) phase 2

exhibition venue (Pazhou Complex) phase 3

πŸ’‘ Tip: Check which phase matches your industry before planning your visit.

How to Register for Canton Fair 2026?

To attend the Canton Fair 2026, you must complete online registration and obtain a Buyer Badge.

How Overseas Buyers Can Prepare

Overseas buyers can use the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System to prepare for the 140th Canton Fair:

  1. Register or sign in to your Canton Fair buyer account.
  2. Complete overseas buyer pre-registration.
  3. Complete your Buyer Badge application.
  4. Apply for a Canton Fair invitation letter if required for your travel or visa arrangements.
  5. Check your registration information before traveling to Guangzhou.

Product Categories at Canton Fair 2026

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Each phase of the Canton Fair β€” for both the Spring and Autumn sessions β€” focuses on the same specific product categories, ensuring consistency for buyers attending in April or October.

Canton Fair Phase 1 β€” Advanced Manufacturing

October 15–19, 2026

Phase 1 covers electronics and household appliances, industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing, machinery, power and electrical equipment, construction and agricultural machinery, new materials, new energy vehicles, vehicles and auto parts, motorcycles, bicycles, lighting, new energy, hardware, and tools.

Canton Fair Phase 2 β€” Quality Home Life

October 23–27, 2026

Phase 2 covers ceramics, kitchenware and tableware, household products, home decorations, gardening products, festival products, gifts and premiums, clocks and watches, building and decorative materials, sanitary equipment, furniture, and related home products.

Canton Fair Phase 3 β€” Better Life

October 31–November 4, 2026

Phase 3 covers toys, baby and maternity products, clothing, fashion accessories, textiles and fabrics, shoes, bags, home textiles, office supplies, health and medical products, food, sports and recreation products, personal care, bathroom products, and pet products.

Canton Fair Official Website

Overseas buyers should use the official Canton Fair website for current dates, pre-registration, invitation applications, Buyer Badge applications, exhibitor information, and product searches.

How to Find the Best Suppliers at Canton Fair 2026?

Sourcing high-quality products requires effective supplier selection.

Key Supplier Selection Tips

  1. Compare multiple suppliers – Don’t make a decision based on one booth. Compare product specifications, pricing, MOQ and lead times.
  2. Confirm product compliance – Ask for certifications, test reports, or compliance documentation relevant to your specific product and destination market.
  3. Check samples carefully – Confirm materials, dimensions, functions, packaging and workmanship before placing a bulk order.
  4. Clarify MOQ and pricing – Ask how pricing changes according to quantity, customization and packaging.
  5. Verify production and export capability – Understand whether you’re dealing with a manufacturer or trading company and whether they have experience with your destination market.

Shipping & Logistics for Canton Fair Orders

After placing orders, you need to arrange shipping & customs clearance.

Best Shipping Options

  1. Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) – Cost-effective for bulk orders. Suitable for larger commercial shipments and available as FCL or LCL depending on shipment volume.
  2. Air Freight – Fast but more expensive. Best for small, urgent shipments.
  3. Express Shipping (DHL, FedEx) – Ideal for samples & small packages.

Customs & Import Regulations

  • Check HS codes for tariff calculations.
  • Check the import, labeling, testing, certification, and documentation requirements that apply to your specific product and destination market before placing the order.
  • Work with a freight forwarder to simplify shipping & customs clearance.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Always calculate total landed cost (product + shipping + customs duties) before finalizing orders.

Canton Fair 2026: Travel & Accommodation Guide

How to Get to Canton Fair Complex

By Air: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is Guangzhou’s main international airport.

By Metro: The Canton Fair Complex is served by Guangzhou Metro Line 8.

By Taxi: Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, but allow extra travel time during busy exhibition periods.

Why Many Canton Fair Buyers Also Visit Yiwu Market

Many international buyers combine the Canton Fair in Guangzhou with a sourcing trip to Yiwu. The two destinations offer different sourcing environments and can complement each other during the same China business trip.

Canton Fair is particularly useful for meeting export-oriented exhibitors, discovering manufacturers, comparing products, and discussing larger or customized orders. Yiwu Market, by comparison, provides permanent access to thousands of wholesale showrooms covering a broad range of consumer goods and is especially useful for buyers sourcing multiple product categories.

For mixed-product orders, buyers can source from different Yiwu suppliers and arrange inspection, warehousing, consolidation, and combined shipping. This can be particularly useful for LCL shipments or mixed containers involving several product categories.

Final Thoughts

The 140th Canton Fair will take place in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026, across three phases covering different sourcing industries. Before traveling, confirm which phase matches your product categories, complete your buyer registration, research exhibitors, prepare clear sourcing requirements, and arrange supplier follow-up after the exhibition.

For buyers sourcing multiple consumer product categories, the Canton Fair can also be combined with a Yiwu Market visit, allowing you to continue supplier comparison and organize mixed-product purchasing after the exhibition.

More Canton Fair Guides for Buyers

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