The Canton Fair, officially the China Import and Export Fair, is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou. The 140th session opened on 15 October 2026 and runs to 4 November in three phases. This guide covers the autumn 2026 schedule, what each phase sells, how to register and how to prepare. If the session has ended by the time you read this, use it to plan for the next one and check the official Canton Fair website for the new dates.
According to a Chinese consulate notice on the 140th session, the 139th Canton Fair drew 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions. For the 140th session it expects over 30,000 participating enterprises across a total exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters.
Buyers range from online sellers placing a first container order to procurement teams sourcing for retail chains. The fair works best when you arrive with a shortlist and a specification.
The session has three phases, with gaps of three days between them (20 to 22 October and 28 to 30 October). Most buyers only need the phase that matches their products.
| Phase | Dates | Theme and main sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15 to 19 October 2026 | Advanced manufacturing: household electrical appliances, consumer electronics, industrial automation, machinery, vehicles, new energy, hardware, tools, lighting |
| Phase 2 | 23 to 27 October 2026 | Quality home life: ceramics, kitchenware and tableware, home decorations, gifts and premiums, building and decorative materials, furniture, fashion jewelry |
| Phase 3 | 31 October to 4 November 2026 | Better life: toys, children, baby and maternity products, clothing, shoes, home textiles, food, health products and medical devices, personal care, pet products |
The notice says the building and furniture, housewares, and gifts and decorations categories each have an exhibition area of over 130,000 square meters in Phase 2. Phase themes change between sessions, so confirm the category list for any future session on the official site before you book travel.
The fair takes place at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou. Metro Line 8 stops at Pazhou and Xingangdong stations near the complex. The complex is large, so plan your route by hall before you arrive.
The consulate notice says pre-registration is open year-round on the official website, and that new overseas buyers can collect badges free of charge at registration offices at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou South Railway Station, Pazhou Ferry Terminal, designated hotels in Guangzhou and the Canton Fair Hong Kong Representative Office. The website and the Canton Fair app run around the clock. Bring your passport when you collect your badge.
Some sourcing agents and trade organizations can issue an invitation letter, which can support a visa application if you need one. Entry rules change, so check the current visa requirements for your passport before you travel.
Most buyers land in Guangzhou and start from scratch on the floor. You will use your time better if you prepare first:
A sourcing agent can contact exhibitors before the fair, check their credentials and book meetings. Home Evolution can help you decide which halls to prioritize, tell manufacturers from trading companies, and pick the booths worth your time. Get in touch before the fair opens and we will help you prepare.
You will speak to dozens of suppliers in a few days, and the conversations blur together quickly. Use the same questions each time and write the answers down straight away.
Experience exporting to your market matters. A supplier who has never handled customs paperwork for your country can cause delays even when the product is good. Photograph samples, price sheets and certificates at every booth you are serious about, unless the booth has posted a restriction.
Follow up within a few days, while suppliers still remember you. Before you pay a deposit, check each shortlisted supplier’s business licence and export history, and order a sample first. Our guide on how to verify suppliers after the Canton Fair lists the checks in order. Many buyers also continue their search in Yiwu once the fair ends; see sourcing in Yiwu after the Canton Fair.
Have questions about the fair or want help preparing? Contact the Home Evolution team.
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