1.55 million square metres. 75,700 booths. 54 product zones. Buyers from more than 200 countries and regions. Every October, thousands of overseas buyers land in Guangzhou expecting to “walk the halls and see what happens” — and that plan fails. Here is what actually decides whether your sourcing trip produces suppliers and orders.
Book the right week — then lock your hotel
Show up in the wrong phase and your category simply isn’t on the floor. Match your product to the phase list above before booking flights.
Hotels near the Pazhou complex sell out one to two months ahead, and rates routinely double or triple as the fair approaches. Book early and stay near Metro Line 8 (Pazhou or Xingangdong stations) — you’ll walk 15,000–20,000 steps inside the fair every day.
Bring your own interpreter
Most exhibitors speak workable English — for product chat. For technical specifications, price negotiation and contract details, the booth’s own translator works for the seller.
A professional interpreter works for you: briefed on your industry, present through negotiations, and honest about what the other side is really saying.
Factory visits: where the real deals close
Between phases there are four-day gaps — the ideal window for factory visits: Foshan (ceramics, furniture, lighting), Dongguan (electronics), Shenzhen (consumer tech), Zhongshan (lighting, home goods).
A serious visit covers the business license, the live production line, the QC station, certifications, and a straight answer on whether they’re the manufacturer or a trader.
Your Canton Fair 2026 checklist
- Confirm your phase before booking flights
- Pre-register as a buyer before ~September 30 — free badge plus the official invitation letter for your business (M) visa
- Book Pazhou hotels one to two months out
- Install the official Canton Fair app and WeChat
- Book your interpreter and factory visits three to four weeks ahead
- Carry business cards and a one-page product brief
Frequently asked questions
What is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is the world’s largest trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou since 1957, with over 25,000 exhibitors and buyers from more than 200 countries per session.
When is the Canton Fair 2026?
The 140th Canton Fair runs October 15 – November 4, 2026 at the Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou: Phase 1 (electronics & machinery) Oct 15–19, Phase 2 (consumer goods) Oct 23–27, Phase 3 (textiles & medical) Oct 31 – Nov 4.
How much does a Canton Fair interpreter cost?
Interpreter rates depend on the language and the number of days booked; daily bookings are the most cost-effective. Contact us with your dates and language for an exact quote.
Where should I stay for the Canton Fair?
Near the Pazhou complex along Metro Line 8 (Pazhou/Xingangdong stations). Book one to two months ahead, before rooms sell out and rates rise two to three times.
Can you arrange factory visits during the Canton Fair?
Yes. We schedule factory visits in Foshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen and Zhongshan during the breaks between phases, with transport, interpretation and logistics included.
Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair?
Most nationalities need a China business (M) visa. Pre-registering as a Canton Fair buyer provides the official invitation letter that supports the visa application.
Plan your Canton Fair trip with a local team
Tell us your product category and dates — we’ll confirm your phase and send a full plan with itemized pricing within 24 hours.
Need Hands-On Help at the Fair?
We are a licensed Shenzhen-based operator supporting overseas buyers at the 140th Canton Fair: interpreters, transfers, hotels near Pazhou and factory visits. And when the halls close, see the real China on a private post-fair tour — Shenzhen, Hong Kong & Macau, Guilin, or the Chaoshan food journey.