The Canton Fair is one of the most important trade events in China and one of the best-known sourcing fairs in the world. If you are planning to visit Guangzhou for sourcing, supplier meetings, or market research, this guide will help you understand the phases, registration process, badge requirements, invitation options, and practical travel planning.
The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — has been held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn since 1957. The current official page for the 139th Spring Session in 2026 lists three onsite phases: April 15–19, April 23–27, and May 1–5, held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou.
The Canton Fair is China's best-known comprehensive trade fair and is organized by China Foreign Trade Centre, with the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and the People's Government of Guangdong Province listed as hosts. Official buyer materials describe it as a major platform for international trade cooperation and note that it has attracted buyers from more than 229 countries and regions over time. According to the official Canton Fair site, the fair covers electronics, appliances, machinery, textiles, furniture, food, and dozens of other product categories across three distinct phases.
For the officially published 139th Spring Canton Fair (2026), opening hours are 9:30–18:00 daily:
Electronics, appliances, industrial manufacturing, machinery, vehicles, lighting, hardware & tools
Best for: Tech buyers, industrial sourcing teams, machinery importers
Houseware, gifts & decorations, building materials, bathroom equipment, furniture
Best for: Home goods buyers, interior design sourcing, gift & novelty importers
Textiles & fashion, home textiles, stationery, health products, food, sports & recreation, personal care, pet products
Best for: Fashion buyers, food importers, health & wellness sourcing teams
| Phase | Dates | Core Product Types | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | April 15–19 | Electronics, appliances, industrial manufacturing, machinery, vehicles, lighting, hardware & tools | Tech buyers, industrial sourcing teams, machinery importers |
| Phase 2 | April 23–27 | Houseware, gifts & decorations, building materials, bathroom equipment, furniture | Home goods buyers, interior design sourcing, gift & novelty importers |
| Phase 3 | May 1–5 | Textiles & fashion, home textiles, stationery, health products, food, sports & recreation, personal care, pet products | Fashion buyers, food importers, health & wellness sourcing teams |
Source: official Canton Fair 2026 spring session page.
The Canton Fair is best suited for international buyers who need direct access to Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Attendees typically include:
Official Canton Fair buyer materials state that the online platform and app support services such as invitation letter application and buyer badge registration for overseas buyers. The official buyer system and related pages also indicate:
The official buyer guide notes that the Canton Fair online platform and app allow buyers to:
This means the best visit strategy is not just "show up and walk around," but:
Many international buyers need more than just the fair itself. A well-planned Canton Fair trip typically includes:
BetterChinaTrip provides end-to-end Canton Fair travel support. Learn more on our Canton Fair Services page. Canton Fair Services
BetterChinaTrip can help with hotels, interpreters, airport pickup, daily transfers, factory visits, and practical business travel support in Guangzhou.
The Canton Fair is the China Import and Export Fair, a major trade event held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn since 1957. It is organized by China Foreign Trade Centre and hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and the People's Government of Guangdong Province.
The current official 2026 spring page lists three phases: Phase 1 (April 15–19), Phase 2 (April 23–27), and Phase 3 (May 1–5). Each phase focuses on different product categories.
BetterChinaTrip can help with hotels, interpreters, airport pickup, daily transfers, factory visits, and practical business travel support in Guangzhou.
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