The Canton Fair (officially the China Import and Export Fair) is China's largest trade show, and its 140th session takes place in Guangzhou from 15 October to 4 November 2026, split into three product-themed phases. Entry is free for pre-registered overseas buyers, and most EU passport holders, including French citizens, can attend without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Key takeaways
- The 140th Canton Fair runs in three five-day phases: 15-19 October, 23-27 October and 31 October to 4 November 2026.
- The fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou, on roughly 1.55 million square metres of exhibition space.
- Organisers expect more than 30,000 exhibiting companies; the spring 2026 session (139th) reported around 314,000 overseas buyers from over 200 countries and regions.
- The buyer badge is free when you pre-register online; you collect it at the airport, Guangzhou South station, designated hotels or the venue.
- French and most other EU citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business until 31 December 2026.
- Each phase covers different industries, so pick the phase that matches your products instead of trying to attend all three.
What is the Canton Fair and why does it matter?
Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year, in spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November). It gathers manufacturers and trading companies from every Chinese province under one roof, which makes it the most efficient place to compare dozens of suppliers for the same product in a few hours.
For a European SME, the value is less about "finding a supplier" and more about comparison and verification. Online platforms such as Alibaba show you listings; the fair lets you handle samples, test how fast a salesperson answers technical questions and see whether the company is a real manufacturer or a trading company. Many of the exhibitors are also export-ready: they already know CE marking, REACH and the documentation required by EU customs.
When is the Canton Fair 2026 and what is in each phase?
The autumn 2026 edition follows the same three-phase structure as recent sessions. Between phases there are three-day breaks while the halls are rebuilt.
| Phase | Dates (140th session) | Main product themes |
|---|
| Phase 1 | 15-19 October 2026 | Electronics, household appliances, machinery, tools, hardware, vehicles and spare parts, lighting, new energy, service robots |
| Break | 20-22 October | No exhibition |
| Phase 2 | 23-27 October 2026 | Kitchenware, tableware, ceramics, home decor, gifts, festival products, furniture, building materials, bathroom equipment |
| Break | 28-30 October | No exhibition |
| Phase 3 | 31 October - 4 November 2026 | Toys, baby products, clothing, shoes, bags, textiles, office supplies, food, health and medical products, personal care, pet products |
Opening hours are typically 9:30 to 18:00. For a detailed breakdown of which product categories sit in which phase, read our guide to Canton Fair phases and what to buy.
The next spring session (141st) is expected in mid-April to early May 2027, following the usual calendar; confirm dates on the official site once they are published.
How do you register and get your buyer badge?
Registration is free and done online. The process takes around 20 minutes if your documents are ready.
- Create an account on the official Canton Fair buyer service system and choose the overseas buyer category.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport and upload a passport scan and a recent ID photo.
- Add your company information and a business card, then select the product categories you are interested in.
- Submit and wait for approval, then download your registration receipt or invitation documents.
- On arrival, collect your badge at a pickup point such as Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou South Railway Station, partner hotels or the venue itself.
Buyers who skip pre-registration can still register on site, but they face queues and a processing fee that has been reported at around RMB 100-200. A full walkthrough, including invitation letters and visa paperwork, is in our Canton Fair registration, badge and visa guide.
Do you need a visa to attend?
For most European buyers, no. China's unilateral visa-exemption policy allows holders of ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and most other EU countries to stay up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits or transit. The policy has been extended until 31 December 2026, which covers the entire autumn session.
A few EU nationalities were not on the official list published in early 2026, so check the National Immigration Administration list before booking. Travellers who are not covered can use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy (if flying on to a third country) or apply for an M business visa with an invitation letter.
Since November 2025, China also offers an online arrival card that you can complete before landing via the NIA 12367 app, a web portal or a WeChat or Alipay mini program.
How much does the trip cost?
Hotel prices in Guangzhou often double or triple during fair weeks, which is the biggest budget surprise for first-time visitors.
| Item | Typical range per person |
|---|
| Return flight Paris - Guangzhou (economy, booked 6-8 weeks ahead) | 650-1,200 EUR |
| Hotel near Pazhou, 5 nights during the fair | 400-1,200 EUR |
| Local transport (metro, taxis, DiDi) | 40-100 EUR |
| Meals | 100-250 EUR |
| Interpreter, 1-2 days | 120-400 EUR |
| Samples and excess baggage | 100-500 EUR |
| Total | roughly 1,400-3,600 EUR |
Staying in Tianhe or near Metro Line 8 rather than right next to the venue can save 30 to 50 percent on hotels while keeping your commute under 30 minutes.
How should you prepare before flying?
Preparation is what separates productive visits from tiring walks. Before you leave:
- Define your product brief: target retail price, target FOB price, required certifications (CE, RoHS, EN 71 for toys), packaging and expected order quantities.
- Pre-screen exhibitors using the official exhibitor search and cross-check candidates against a supplier database.
- Prepare payment and connectivity: set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card and buy an eSIM with roaming data.
- Print business cards with a Chinese translation on the back.
Our first-visit checklist covers everything to pack and set up, including apps, payments and transport.
How do you work the fair efficiently?
The halls are huge: you can easily walk 15 kilometres a day. A practical rhythm for a three-day visit:
- Day 1: walk your target sections, collect catalogues and photograph booths and badges. Do not negotiate yet.
- Day 2: return to your 10-15 shortlisted booths with precise questions on MOQ, lead time, certifications and price tiers.
- Day 3: meet your top three to five suppliers again, request samples and agree on next steps, ideally including a factory visit.
Price discussions at the booth are only a first indication. Our Canton Fair negotiation tips explain how to anchor prices, which questions reveal a trading company and how to follow up after the fair.
Is the Canton Fair right for you, or is Yiwu better?
The Canton Fair suits buyers who want manufacturers, customisation and mid-to-large volumes. If you sell small consumer goods in mixed assortments and need low minimums, the permanent Yiwu market, open year-round, may be a better fit. See our comparison of the Canton Fair vs Yiwu market to decide.
How Cina helps
Cina gives you the preparation work a sourcing consultant would otherwise charge thousands of euros for. Before the fair, you can shortlist and cross-check exhibitors in our supplier directory, which lists more than 41,000 Chinese suppliers. Our premium Canton Fair guide and templates in Cina resources cover itineraries, question lists and follow-up emails. After the fair, the freight forwarders directory helps you compare logistics partners for your first order.
Conclusion
The 140th Canton Fair is the most efficient way for a European importer to meet many qualified Chinese suppliers in a few days. Register online early, choose the phase that matches your products and confirm visa-free eligibility for your passport. With a clear product brief and a structured three-day plan, one trip can replace months of online back-and-forth.
