Going to the Canton Fair

The 140th Canton Fair runs 15 October to 4 November 2026 in three phases. Dates for each phase, the break days, opening hours, what shows when, and the spring 2027 dates.

What is in Phase 1 of the Canton Fair (15 to 19 October 2026): consumer electronics, appliances, lighting, machinery, vehicles, hardware and tools. Which halls, how to plan the days.

What is in Phase 2 of the Canton Fair (23 to 27 October 2026): building and decorative materials, bathroom, furniture, kitchenware, ceramics, home decor, gifts and gardening.

What is in Phase 3 of the Canton Fair (31 October to 4 November 2026): toys, baby and maternity, clothing, shoes, bags, home textiles, stationery, health, food and pet products.

The Canton Fair explained without the brochure language: what it is, who exhibits, how big it is, how the three phases work, what it costs to attend, and whether it is worth the trip.

How to register as an overseas buyer for the 140th Canton Fair: the online form, documents, the free buyer badge, where to collect it, the e-invitation for your visa, and the fees you can avoid.

Visa-free entry, 240-hour transit or an M business visa: which one applies to your passport for the Canton Fair, what the invitation letter does, how long to allow, and what happens on arrival.

The Canton Fair Complex address, which metro station serves which area, the route from Baiyun Airport, the high-speed train from Hong Kong, taxis and DiDi, and the shuttle buses.

Which part of Guangzhou to stay in for the Canton Fair, what rooms cost during the fair, hotels with free shuttles, and when to book. Written by people who do it twice a year.

A first-timer’s guide to the Canton Fair: how many days you need, what to bring, how to work a hall, booth etiquette, samples, and the mistakes that cost new buyers the most.

How to use the exhibitor list, tell a factory from a trading company at the booth, the questions worth asking, how MOQ and pricing really work, and how to follow up so quotes actually arrive.

What an interpreter costs at the Canton Fair, how the official service works, how sourcing agents charge, the badge rule for Chinese companions, and when you need neither.

How foreign visitors pay in Guangzhou with Alipay and WeChat Pay, the card limits and fees, whether to carry cash, and how to keep WhatsApp, Gmail and Google Maps working with an eSIM or VPN.

A line-by-line budget for a Canton Fair trip from the US, UK, Europe, India or Australia: flights, hotel during the fair, meals, transport, interpreter, samples and visa, with three example totals.

What goes into the landed cost of a product imported from China to the US or Canada: FOB price, ocean freight, duty, Section 301 tariffs and customs fees.