Flying all the way to Guangzhou, only to end up in a fluster upon arrival? This pre-trip guide for Canton Fair buyers has all the answers!
Created on 09.17, Updated on 09.17
Overwhelmed by the massive exhibition and unsure where to start? Confused about visas, transportation, payments and negotiations? Had a full suitcase of samples detained by customs when heading back home? First time attending the Canton Fair, struggling with language barriers and unfamiliar procedures, leaving after three days without finding any suppliers?
Whether you are a new buyer visiting the Canton Fair for the first time or a seasoned purchaser with multiple visits, adequate pre-trip preparation directly determines the efficiency and outcomes of your procurement trip to Guangzhou.
The 140th Canton Fair will be held in three phases at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026. It covers a total exhibition area of approximately 1.55 million square meters, with more than 32,000 exhibiting enterprises. Faced with such a huge exhibition scale, you can easily get lost in the crowds without advance planning.
Every step requires advance preparation, from visa invitations, transportation and accommodation to on-site negotiations and sample exports. Based on official information and practical experience from veteran buyers, we have compiled this pre-trip guide for Canton Fair buyers, covering several key matters you most need to know.
Exhibition Periods & Zones — Three phases feature entirely different sectors; do not go to the wrong hall
The Canton Fair is held in three phases, each showcasing completely different industry categories. If you fail to confirm in advance which phase covers your target procurement categories, you may arrive on-site only to find you have entered the wrong hall.
- October 15–19 — Focused on "Advanced Manufacturing", covering electronics and home appliances, machinery, hardware tools, lighting and electrical products, new energy vehicles and smart mobility, industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing, new energy, etc.
- October 23–27 — Centered on "Quality Home Goods", covering three major sections: building materials and furniture, household items, gifts and decorations.
- October 31–November 4 — Featuring textiles and garments, footwear, office bags and cases, medicines and health products, food, etc.
Important Reminder: The exhibition halls will be closed to the public during the inter-phase move periods (October 20–22 and October 28–30). Confirm the phase corresponding to your product categories on the official Canton Fair website or APP before arranging your itinerary and flights.
Visa & Invitation Letter — Apply early; do not wait until the final week
The official Canton Fair invitation letter is an essential document for buyers from many countries to apply for Chinese visas. For this session, the pre-registration channel for overseas buyers of the Canton Fair will be open year-round for the first time. Buyers worldwide may complete registration anytime via the official Canton Fair website, APP and other channels.
Application Process:
- Returning Buyers: Log in to the Buyer Service System, submit and verify the latest personal and enterprise information in the invitation letter module to complete the invitation application.
- First-time Attending Buyers: Apply for the invitation letter together with your Overseas Buyer Card. The invitation letter will be automatically generated after successful submission in the system, available for viewing, downloading or printing directly in the system.
Additional Convenience: Entry-exit authorities of Guangdong Public Security have set up temporary visa service points at Pazhou Hong Kong-Macao Passenger Port and Nansha Port. Foreign business visitors may directly apply for visa applications, extensions, replacements and reissues with the Canton Fair invitation letter, Buyer Card and Visitor Pass.
Recommendation: Start your visa application at least 4–6 weeks ahead of time to reserve sufficient review time. Do not submit your application only one week before departure.
Transportation & Accommodation — Book hotels half a year in advance; metro is the most reliable option
During the Canton Fair, hotels around the Pazhou Complex are often fully booked 6–12 months in advance. If you have not reserved accommodation yet, act quickly, or consider hotels slightly farther along metro lines for better value for money.
Airport Transfers: During the exhibition period, municipal transport authorities operate shuttle buses between Baiyun International Airport and the Canton Fair Complex. Services run from Baiyun Airport to the complex between 9:00 and 16:00, and from the complex back to the airport between 11:00 and 18:00.
Metro Travel (Most Recommended): Metro Line 8 stops directly at Pazhou Station and Xingangdong Station. Overseas visitors do not need to buy tickets; simply tap contactless UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards to enter and exit stations, with access to nearly 400 metro stations across Guangzhou. Themed one-day tickets can also be purchased inside the exhibition complex or at Pazhou, Xingangdong and Airport South metro stations.
Practical Tip: You may walk 15,000–25,000 steps each day within the exhibition halls. Wear comfortable shoes and carry a power bank with you.
Payments & Currencies — Settle beforehand for hassle-free spending in the complex
Mobile payment is widely adopted across China. Complete the following preparations before departure:
- Download Alipay or WeChat Pay — Scan codes for consumption after binding your overseas bank card.
- Activate the "Nihao China" APP — Overseas buyers may bind overseas UnionPay cards via this APP for seamless QR and card payments inside and outside the exhibition complex.
- Digital Renminbi — Several banks have service outlets within the complex to support opening digital renminbi wallets.
- Cash Backup — Although mobile payment coverage is extensive, carry a small amount of Chinese yuan cash for emergencies.
Multiple banks have set up service points inside the complex offering foreign currency exchange, overseas card cash withdrawal, account opening and other services. The Guangdong Branch of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange has compiled the 2026 Guide to Exchange Services for Foreign Visitors to Guangzhou, available for collection within the exhibition halls.
Pre-show Preparation — Do your homework before touring the halls
With 32,000 exhibitors, it is impossible to visit every booth. Pre-event research is the first step for efficient procurement.
- Define procurement categories and priorities — Make a product list and mark items as "Must-buy" or "For Reference Only".
- Research exhibitors via the Canton Fair APP — The APP provides access to exhibitor directories, booth numbers and product information.
- Schedule supplier meetings in advance — Contact target suppliers via the official website or email to set up on-site negotiation appointments.
- Prepare product specification sheets — Bring detailed specifications including dimensions, functions, target unit prices, required certifications (CE, FCC, RoHS, etc.) and estimated annual procurement volumes.
- Install WeChat — Nearly all Chinese suppliers use WeChat for communication; make sure to install it before departure.
Samples & Exports — Understand customs regulations to avoid detention
Samples obtained at the Canton Fair may face customs issues when you bring them back to your home country. Guangzhou Customs has introduced 11 facilitation measures to streamline Canton Fair customs clearance, including piloting reforms for export batch inspection and quarantine and optimizing clearance procedures.
Notes:
- Small-sized samples (excluding alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and fuels) can enjoy expedited clearance when meeting relevant conditions.
- Learn your home country’s import regulations in advance — Some products may require special import permits or certifications.
- For large samples, arrange international shipping through your supplier instead of carrying them personally.
- Keep sample invoices and packing lists provided by suppliers for customs inspection.
Handy Tips for a Smoother Trip
- Business Cards — Bring plenty of bilingual Chinese-English business cards. Exchanging business cards on-site is fundamental business etiquette.
- Translation Tools — Download translation apps on your phone (such as Google Translate and Baidu Translate). You may also seek help from on-site volunteer translators at the Canton Fair when needed.
- Attire — The Canton Fair is a formal business occasion; business casual wear is recommended. The exhibition halls are air-conditioned and relatively cool, so bring a light jacket.
- Arrive Early — The exhibition halls open at 9:00. Arrive at security checkpoints before 8:30 to avoid peak crowds between 10:00 and 11:00.
- Physical Planning — The complex is enormous; do not attempt to visit all zones in one day. Tour in planned zones and time slots.
- Organise Business Cards — Sort collected business cards each day and add notes on supplier information and negotiation points to avoid forgetting details later.
From visa invitations, transportation and accommodation to payment methods and negotiation strategies, every aspect of the Canton Fair requires advance planning. Pre-registration, early hotel booking, thorough research and prepared negotiation materials — sufficient preparation is the key to precisely sourcing high-quality suppliers among 32,000 exhibitors.
If you are attending the Canton Fair for the first time, start preparing at least 2–3 months in advance. Even for returning visitors, this guide can help you check for missing items and make your trip to Guangzhou more productive.
Feel free to contact us ahead of time to get more practical guides for Canton Fair buyers and supplier matching support!
Contact
Leave your information and we will contact you.
MOB
WHATSAPP
Wechat
EMAIL