Guide · Canton Fair
Canton Fair 2026: dates, phases and how to shape a product brief
The Canton Fair is China's largest import and export trade show. It runs twice a year in Guangzhou. The autumn 2026 edition takes place from 15 October to 4 November, in three phases. Here is how to prepare, choose a phase and turn what you see into a product brief.
In short
- The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) gathers tens of thousands of exhibitors at the Pazhou complex in Guangzhou.
- Autumn 2026: from 15 October to 4 November, in three phases grouped by product category.
- Entry is free for buyers, with registration and a badge. A passport is required.
- Many exhibitors are trading companies, not factories: verification is still essential.
- Photos, specifications, target quantities and reference prices help you compare what you see and sharpen your request.
What is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair, officially the China Import and Export Fair, is the oldest and largest trade show in China. It is held at the Canton Fair Complex in the Pazhou district of Guangzhou, across a floor area larger than dozens of football pitches.
It takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. Each session is split into three successive phases grouped by product family, because no visitor could see everything at once.
The three phases
Pick your phase by product. Each phase runs about five days.
| Phase | Dates (autumn 2026) | Main categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15 to 19 Oct | Electronics and appliances, lighting, vehicles and parts, machinery, hardware and tools, building materials |
| Phase 2 | 23 to 27 Oct | Consumer goods, home decor, gifts, tableware, toys |
| Phase 3 | 31 Oct to 4 Nov | Textiles and garments, shoes, cases and bags, health and medical, food |
Dates shown subject to the official fair calendar.
How to prepare
1Register and get your badge
Buyer registration is done online before the fair or on site. The badge and passport are required at entry.
2Sort out the visa
French and EU passports get a 30-day visa exemption for business travel. Check the current rule before you travel.
3Target the right halls
Map the zones and halls that match your phase in advance so you do not waste a day walking.
4Prepare your product brief
Photos, specs, target quantities and reference prices: write down what is fixed and what can change.
5Organise your notes
For each exhibitor that fits your need, note the product details, the questions to check and the next step you want. Keep time after the fair for factory visits where a closer check is needed.
Do you need an interpreter?
An interpreter can help you compare specifications and ask precise questions. Whether you use one or not, keep the conversations tied to your product brief. The aim is to return with notes clear enough to decide what to do next.
After the fair: refine the brief
Use your notes to clarify the product, quantity and points that still need checking. Start with the Source Canton catalogue to compare product directions. If your need is not listed, send a structured request. The public catalogue helps frame a request. It is not a public directory of individual sellers.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Canton Fair in 2026?
The autumn 2026 edition runs from 15 October to 4 November in Guangzhou, in three phases of about five days each. A spring edition takes place around April and May.
Is entry to the Canton Fair free?
Yes, access is free for trade buyers, with registration. A badge and a passport are required at entry.
Which phase should I choose?
It depends on your products. Phase 1 for electronics, machinery and building; phase 2 for home, decor and gifts; phase 3 for textiles, footwear and food.
Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair?
French and EU passports get a 30-day visa exemption for business travel. Confirm the rule that applies when you travel.
Are all exhibitors factories?
No. Many are trading companies reselling other workshops' output. Check the business licence and, ideally, visit the factory before committing.
How should I use my notes after the fair?
Return to your photos, specs, target quantities and reference prices, then note the points that still need checking. Browse the Source Canton catalogue or send a structured request if your need is not listed.
Turn your visit into a clear next step
After the fair, return to the product brief you built. Browse the Source Canton catalogue to compare product directions, or send a structured request if your product is not listed.