🌐 What Is the Canton Fair?
The China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, is China’s largest and most comprehensive trade exhibition, organized bi-annually in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. It is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of PRC and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, with execution by the China Foreign Trade Centre. The fair serves as a global sourcing marketplace connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers from around the world since its inception in 1957.
🗓️ Phase 1 Dates & Timing (Spring 2026)
- 🗓 Phase 1: April 15 – 19, 2026 (5 days)
- 🕐 Exhibition Hours: Approximately 09:30 – 18:00 daily.
- 📍 Venue: Canton Fair Complex (also called Pazhou Complex), No. 380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China.
Phase 1 is the first segment of the Spring 2026 fair and focuses heavily on industrial, electronic, and machinery sectors — making it the prime window for B2B sourcing in tech and heavy-industry categories.
📦 Product & Industry Focus — Phase 1
Phase 1 is packed with industry-focused exhibits covering a wide range of high-value export products. Key categories include:
🔌 Electronics & Electrical
- Consumer electronics & information products
- Household electrical appliances
- Lighting equipment
- Electronic & electrical components
🛠 Machinery & Industrial Equipment
- Industrial automation & intelligent manufacturing
- Processing machinery
- Power machinery & electric equipment
- Hardware & tools
- General machinery & mechanical parts
🚗 Vehicles & Mobility
- New energy vehicles & smart mobility products
- Vehicle spare parts
- Motorcycles & bicycles
⚙️ Other Engineering Sectors
- Construction machinery
- Agricultural machinery
- New materials & chemical products
This phase is ideal for tech importers, suppliers of industrial equipment, automotive buyers, and machinery distributors looking to explore the latest innovations and manufacturing capabilities in China.
👥 Who Should Attend Phase 1?
Phase 1 attracts a global audience of professionals focused on:
- International buyers & distributers
- OEM/ODM sourcing managers
- Tech industry procurement teams
- Industrial and mechanical engineers
- Automotive and mobility parts traders
Participation is restricted to professional visitors and business entities — it’s not a consumer trade show.
🧾 Buyer Registration & Badge
To attend the Canton Fair, pre-registration online is essential:
- Register on the official Canton Fair buyer service system (accessible via the official website or Canton Fair mobile app).
- After registration, you can generate an official invitation letter, which is required for applying for a Chinese business (M) visa.
- Overseas buyers must complete pre-registration and apply for the invitation letter before travel.
💡 Tip: Invitation letters normally open on the Canton Fair portal several months ahead of the fair — don’t delay.
🛬 Travel & Venue Logistics
✈️ Best Travel Plan
- Fly into: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Visa: Apply for a Chinese Business Visa (Type M) using your invitation letter from Canton Fair.
🏨 Accommodation
Nearby Pazhou Complex there are multiple hotels ranging from business class to luxury, making it convenient for daily commute to the fair.
🏙️ Explore Guangzhou
Plan a few extra days for business visits to factories in nearby manufacturing hubs such as Foshan (furniture, ceramics) and Shenzhen (electronics), leveraging the Phase 1 downtime (April 20-22) between exhibitions.
❓ FAQs (for SEO Visibility)
Q: What are the official dates of Canton Fair Phase 1 in 2026?
A: April 15 – 19, 2026.
Q: Where is Phase 1 held?
A: At the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China.
Q: Do I need an invitation letter?
A: Yes — it’s required for visa application and smooth entry.
Q: Is Phase 1 suitable for consumer buyers?
A: No. It’s designed for professional and trade buyers in electronics, machinery, and vehicles.