Canton Fair 2026 Dates and Complete Visitor Schedule

The Canton Fair is the world’s largest international trade fair. It is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China. Every session draws hundreds of thousands of buyers from over 220 countries. For importers, sourcing agents, and procurement professionals, few events offer this concentration of suppliers, products, and deal-making potential under one roof.

Planning your trip well in advance is not optional — it is essential. Hotel rates triple. Flights sell out. And if you arrive at the wrong phase, the suppliers you need may already have packed up and gone home.

This guide is built for three types of readers. First, buyers who need the correct 2026 dates and a clear picture of what happens when. Second, sourcing professionals who want a practical checklist for registration, travel, and logistics. Third, brand owners and legal teams who need to understand how intellectual property protection works at the fair — because with over 4.65 million products on display, counterfeit and IP risks are real and present.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly when to go, how to prepare, and how to protect your business once you arrive.

Official Canton Fair 2026 Dates at a Glance

The Canton Fair runs twice annually — a Spring Session in April–May and an Autumn Session in October–November. In 2026, two full sessions are scheduled, with the Autumn Session marking a landmark milestone for the event.

Spring 2026: The 139th Canton Fair Session

The 139th Canton Fair Spring Session will be held from April 15 to May 5, 2026, at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. This three-week window is divided into three distinct phases, each focused on a different product category cluster. There are short break days between each phase to allow exhibitors to transition in and out.

Buyers should note that not all exhibitors are present for the entire three weeks. Each exhibitor participates in only one phase — the one that matches their product category. This means attending the wrong phase could mean missing your most important suppliers entirely.

Autumn 2026: The 140th Canton Fair Session — A 70th Anniversary Milestone

The 140th Canton Fair Autumn Session is scheduled for October 15 to November 4, 2026. This session carries additional historical significance: it marks the 70th anniversary of the Canton Fair, which was first held in 1957. Expanded activities, ceremonies, and potentially higher-than-usual attendance are expected around this milestone.

If your sourcing calendar allows flexibility, the Autumn Session may offer additional networking and commemorative programming alongside the standard trade activities.

Quick Reference: 2026 Canton Fair Dates

Source: Official Canton Fair website — cantonfair.org.cn ^[1]

Phase-by-Phase Schedule Breakdown

Understanding the three-phase structure is the single most important planning decision you will make before attending. Booking travel for the wrong phase is one of the most common — and most costly — mistakes first-time buyers make. Each phase runs for five days and covers a specific set of product industries.

Phase 1 (April 15–19): Advanced Manufacturing

Phase 1 focuses on technology-intensive and industrial product categories. If your sourcing involves any of the following, this is your phase:

• Electronics and consumer appliances — smartphones, home electronics, audio equipment
• Machinery and industrial equipment — manufacturing tools, automation components
• New energy vehicles and components — EV parts, batteries, charging systems
• Hardware and tools — power tools, precision instruments
• Lighting products — LED systems, smart lighting

This phase typically attracts the highest concentration of technology-forward exhibitors. It is also the phase where IP risks are most acute — patent disputes around electronics and machinery components are among the most litigated categories in China’s intellectual property courts. Read more about IP risks for tech firms in China.

Phase 2 (April 23–27): Quality Home Life

Phase 2 shifts to products designed for the home and living environment. Key categories include:

• Building materials and hardware — flooring, tiles, fittings
• Furniture and interior décor — residential and commercial furniture
• Kitchenware and cookware — utensils, appliances, tableware
• Gifts and premiums — promotional products, corporate gifting
• Home textiles — bedding, curtains, upholstery fabrics

For brands in the home goods space, Phase 2 is where design protection matters most. Product design patents and 3D trademark registrations can protect unique furniture shapes, packaging, and surface ornaments. YCIP’s patent and design service covers exactly these scenarios.

Phase 3 (May 1–5): Lifestyle Products

Phase 3 covers consumer lifestyle goods, which are among the most counterfeited product categories globally. Key categories include:

• Toys and games — children’s toys, educational products, board games
• Maternity and childcare products — baby gear, nursing items, infant safety
• Health and wellness products — supplements, fitness equipment, personal care
• Textiles and apparel — garments, accessories, footwear
• Food and agricultural products — processed foods, organic goods

Phase 3 overlaps with the May 1 national holiday in China. While this may affect some logistics, the fair itself operates on its normal schedule. Plan transportation and accommodation accordingly, as holiday travel demand increases during this window.

Break Days Between Phases: What They Mean for Buyers

There are short break days between each phase — between Phase 1 ending (April 19) and Phase 2 starting (April 23), and again between Phase 2 (April 27) and Phase 3 (May 1). During these break days, exhibitors are dismantling and setting up booths. The halls are closed to buyers.

These break days are actually useful planning time. Use them to review samples, hold factory calls, process notes, or visit nearby suppliers in the Pearl River Delta manufacturing region around Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan.

Canton Fair 2026 by the Numbers

The scale of the Canton Fair is difficult to appreciate until you see the data. This is not a regional trade show — it is the world’s single largest sourcing event. The statistics below are drawn from recent official session data and give you a clear picture of what you are walking into.

Scale and Participation Statistics

Source: Canton Fair official statistics — cantonfair.org.cn ^[2]

What the Numbers Mean for Your IP Strategy

Here is a figure that every buyer and brand owner should sit with: 25% of all products on display — more than 1.16 million items — are backed by proprietary intellectual property rights. That means three out of four products at the fair exist in a space with limited or uncertain IP protection.

For buyers, this is an opportunity. It means that many suppliers are operating without strong patent or trademark portfolios — which can create competitive advantages for brands that do protect their designs and innovations before coming to the fair.

For brand owners attending as exhibitors, the same statistic is a warning. Competitors and copycats can see your products. Without registered trademarks, patents, and copyrights in China, you have limited legal standing if your design is reproduced and sold by a Chinese supplier the following month.

This is why attending the Canton Fair without a solid China IP strategy is not just an oversight — it is a measurable business risk. See our guide on 7 proven IP protection strategies for manufacturing in China for a practical starting point.

Venue Details and Getting There

Knowing the fair’s dates is only half the equation. Getting to the right place, at the right time, without wasting hours on logistics, requires specific local knowledge — particularly for first-time visitors to Guangzhou.

The Canton Fair Complex: Address and Layout

The fair is held exclusively at the Canton Fair Complex, located at:

No. 382, YueJiangZhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China

The complex is one of the largest exhibition centers in the world, spanning 1.55 million square meters of floor space. It is divided into multiple halls organized by product category. Navigation inside the complex requires planning — first-time visitors often underestimate how much walking is involved. Attendees regularly log over 20,000 steps per day during the fair.

Exhibition hall hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Arrive early — the most productive supplier meetings happen in the morning before halls become crowded.

Getting There: Metro, Taxi, and Shuttle Services

Guangzhou significantly increases transport capacity during the fair period. Here is what you need to know:

• Metro (Recommended): Take Metro Line 8 or Metro Line 11 to either Pazhou Station or Xingangdong Station. Both stations connect directly to the complex. The metro avoids traffic entirely and runs reliably during peak fair hours.
• Taxi and Ride-Hailing: At least 2,000 taxis and ride-hailing vehicles are deployed daily around the venue during the fair. Expect queues during peak arrival and departure times (opening hour and closing hour). Use DiDi (China’s ride-hailing app) for easier booking.
• Hotel Shuttles: Several nearby hotels, including the Garden Hotel Guangzhou and Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, offer complimentary shuttle buses tailored for fair attendees. If your accommodation includes a shuttle, this is usually the most stress-free option.

Source: Canton Fair transportation advisories — cantonfair.org.cn ^[3]

Weather and What to Pack

Guangzhou in April and May is hot and humid. Outdoor temperatures regularly reach up to 35°C (95°F). However, exhibition halls are heavily air-conditioned — sometimes to the point of feeling cold. This creates a significant temperature contrast between outdoors and indoors throughout the day.

Pack accordingly:

• A light jacket or cardigan for air-conditioned halls
• Comfortable, supportive walking shoes — you will walk several kilometres daily
• A compact bag for product samples, catalogues, and business cards
• A portable phone charger — navigating the complex and taking photos drains battery quickly

The official 2026 Attendance Guide for Overseas Buyers is available in multiple languages on the Canton Fair website and contains updated logistics information for each session.

Registration and Pre-Visit Preparation

The Canton Fair does not operate like a walk-in trade show. Entry requires advance registration, and for international visitors, visa preparation must begin months before your travel date. Getting this process wrong — or starting too late — can cost you your entire trip. This section walks you through every step in the correct order.

How to Register as an Overseas Buyer

Overseas buyers must complete pre-registration before arriving at the fair. The registration process for the 2026 Spring Session opens on February 14, 2026. You can register through two official channels:

• Canton Fair App — available on iOS and Android, allows registration, badge management, and exhibitor search
• Buyer E-Service System — the official web-based portal at cantonfair.org.cn

New buyers will need to apply for an access badge during registration. Returning buyers can log in with existing credentials. Once registered, you will receive an official invitation letter — this document is critical for your visa application, so do not treat it as optional paperwork.

Prepare the following before you begin registration: your passport details, business registration information, and a clear description of the product categories you intend to source. Matching your registration profile to the correct product phases will help the system connect you with relevant exhibitors. ^[4]

Visa-Free Transit: The 240-Hour Option

China has implemented a visa-free transit policy that significantly simplifies entry for many international buyers. Travelers from 55 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most of the European Union — can enter China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) under the transit exemption.

Key conditions apply:

• You must be transiting through a designated port of entry, including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• You must hold a valid onward ticket to a third country or region
• You must not leave the designated travel zone during your stay

For buyers attending a single phase (five days), the 240-hour policy is more than sufficient and eliminates the need for a formal business visa entirely. However, if you plan to visit factories outside of Guangzhou or travel to other Chinese cities before or after the fair, you will need a standard Chinese business visa instead.

Guangzhou also offers port visa services at points of entry for travelers who did not arrange their visa in advance. This is a last-resort option — processing times and availability can vary. Do not rely on it as your primary entry strategy. ^[5]

Business M Visa: The Invitation Letter Process

If you need a full Chinese Business Visa (M Visa) — for example, because you plan to travel beyond Guangzhou or stay longer than 10 days — you will need your official Canton Fair invitation letter as a key supporting document.

Here is the timeline to follow:

• February 14, 2026 — Pre-registration opens; begin your registration immediately to receive your invitation letter as early as possible
• March 9, 2026 — M Visa applications can begin from this date for the Spring Session
• Allow a minimum of 4–6 weeks for visa processing, depending on your country of residence and the Chinese consulate’s current workload

Submit your M Visa application to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, along with your invitation letter, valid passport, completed application form, and proof of business registration. Processing times can vary significantly — start early to avoid missing your phase dates. ^[5]

Accommodation: Book Early or Pay the Premium

Hotel rates in Guangzhou increase dramatically during Canton Fair periods. Properties within a 5-kilometre radius of the complex can see rates double or triple compared to non-fair weeks. Booking at least three to four months in advance is strongly recommended.

Several hotels offer purpose-built services for fair attendees, including complimentary shuttle buses to the complex, dedicated concierge services for buyers, and extended check-in/check-out flexibility. Notable options include the Garden Hotel Guangzhou and the Grand Hyatt Guangzhou.

If you are on a tighter budget, consider hotels near Pazhou or Xingangdong Metro stations — proximity to Lines 8 or 11 is more important than proximity to the complex itself, since metro access eliminates taxi queues entirely.

IP Protection at the Canton Fair — What Every Buyer Must Know

This section is where most Canton Fair guides stop short. They cover the dates, the logistics, the registration process — and then say nothing about one of the most significant risks international buyers and brand owners face at the world’s largest trade fair.

With over 4.65 million products on display, the Canton Fair is both an extraordinary sourcing opportunity and a concentrated zone of intellectual property risk. 25% of those products are backed by proprietary IP rights — which means the remaining 75% exist in a space where copying, counterfeiting, and design theft can occur with little immediate consequence for the infringing party — unless the rights holder is prepared. ^[6]

The good news is that the Canton Fair has formal, enforceable IP protection mechanisms in place. Knowing how they work — and preparing your IP registrations before you arrive — transforms this risk into a manageable, and even controllable, element of your sourcing strategy.

On-Site IP Complaint Process

The Canton Fair operates a dedicated IP Protection and Trade Dispute Settlement Center at the venue. Rights holders who discover infringing products on display — whether counterfeit goods, copied designs, or unauthorized use of registered trademarks — can file a formal complaint through the following channels:

• On-site complaint desk at the IP Protection Center, located within the Canton Fair Complex
• Online complaint portal at the official Canton Fair website: cantonfair.org.cn
• IP Protection Hotline: 4000-888-999
• Email: [email protected]

The formal complaint process involves submitting evidence of your IP rights (registration certificates, proof of use, or other supporting documentation), along with evidence of the alleged infringement (photographs, product samples, booth location details). The center is empowered to investigate the claim, require the removal of infringing items from display, and impose penalties on exhibitors found to be in violation. ^[6]

Critical preparation step: To file an IP complaint at the Canton Fair, you must be able to prove you hold valid, registered IP rights in China. A trademark registered only in the United States or Europe provides no legal standing at the Canton Fair. This is why registering your trademarks, patents, and copyrights with Chinese authorities before you attend is not optional — it is the foundation of any enforceable complaint.

If you have not yet registered your brand in China, see our guide on China trademark registration for foreign companies and our overview of YCIP’s trademark and copyright services.

Legal Recourse Options: From Injunctions to Arbitration

Beyond the on-site complaint process, rights holders have access to broader legal remedies under Chinese law:

• Temporary injunctions — Rights holders can apply to local courts for emergency injunctive relief to halt the display or sale of infringing products. This is a powerful tool when time is critical, as it can result in a booth being shut down mid-fair pending a full hearing.
• SCIA Mediation and Arbitration — The Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) has provided “mediation + arbitration” services at the Canton Fair for over 19 years, handling more than 1,400 international trade dispute cases. This is a well-established, internationally recognized avenue for resolving disputes that arise from or around the fair. ^[7]
• Civil litigation — For larger-scale or repeat infringement, civil litigation through Chinese IP courts remains an option. China’s IP court system has expanded significantly in recent years, with specialized IP tribunals in Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. See our guide on how to enforce patents in China through civil litigation.

For brands that have already experienced IP theft through Chinese suppliers or manufacturers, our consultation and litigation support service provides direct legal assistance tailored to cross-border IP enforcement. Learn more about cross-border IP enforcement in China.

Key Laws Governing IP at the Canton Fair

The legal framework for IP protection at the Canton Fair is grounded in several specific Chinese laws and regulations. Understanding these gives you — and your legal counsel — the correct statutory foundation for any complaint or enforcement action.

These legal instruments collectively form the enforcement backbone that makes the Canton Fair’s IP protection system functional rather than symbolic. However, they only protect rights holders who have done the necessary groundwork — registered their IP in China, maintained their registrations, and documented their rights ownership properly.

If you are unsure whether your current IP portfolio is adequately protected for Canton Fair participation, YCIP’s full suite of IP services covers every stage — from initial trademark search and registration through to active enforcement and litigation support. Our lead attorney, Peter H. Li, specializes in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters across all major product categories represented at the fair.

People Also Ask: Canton Fair 2026

What are the exact dates for the Canton Fair 2026?

The 139th Spring Session runs from April 15 to May 5, 2026, divided into three five-day phases. The 140th Autumn Session — which marks the fair’s 70th anniversary — runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026. Both sessions are held at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. ^[1]

Can I get a visa on arrival for the Canton Fair?

Not in the traditional sense. However, Guangzhou participates in China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, which applies to travelers from 55 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and most EU nations. This covers most buyers attending a single phase. For longer stays or travel beyond Guangzhou, a formal Business M Visa is required. Port visa services are also available at designated entry points as a backup option. ^[5]

How do I register as a buyer for the Canton Fair?

Overseas buyers must pre-register before arriving. Registration for the 2026 Spring Session opens on February 14, 2026. You can register through the Canton Fair App (iOS/Android) or the Buyer E-Service System on the official website at cantonfair.org.cn. New buyers apply for a badge during registration. Your confirmed registration generates an official invitation letter, which is essential if you need a Business M Visa. ^[4]

What happens if I find a counterfeit product at the fair?

File a formal complaint immediately at the on-site IP Protection and Trade Dispute Settlement Center inside the Canton Fair Complex, or submit online via the official website. You can also call the IP protection hotline at 4000-888-999 or email [email protected]. The center can investigate the complaint, order removal of infringing items from display, and impose penalties. To file a complaint, you must hold valid, registered IP rights in China. If your brand is not yet registered in China, read our complete trademark registration guide for foreign companies. ^[6]

How many days should I plan for my visit?

Each of the three phases runs for five days. If you source products from a single category cluster, one phase is sufficient. If your sourcing spans multiple categories — for example, electronics (Phase 1) and home goods (Phase 2) — you will need to plan for multiple phases, plus the break days in between. Budget at least one to two extra days for factory visits or follow-up meetings in the Pearl River Delta manufacturing region surrounding Guangzhou. Experienced sourcing professionals often plan a full two-week trip when attending multiple phases.

Conclusion: Plan Early, Protect Your Business, Source with Confidence

The Canton Fair 2026 Spring Session opens on April 15 and runs through May 5. The Autumn Session — the fair’s historic 70th edition — follows from October 15 to November 4. With over 32,000 exhibitors, 4.65 million products, and 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries, it remains the world’s most important sourcing event. No other single venue puts you this close to China’s manufacturing base in this concentrated a format.

But the fair rewards preparation and punishes passivity. The buyers who walk away with the best supplier relationships, the sharpest deals, and the cleanest sourcing outcomes are the ones who registered early, identified the right phases, booked their accommodation months in advance, and — critically — protected their intellectual property before stepping onto the floor.

The IP dimension of Canton Fair participation is not a side issue. It is central. With 25% of over 4.65 million displayed products carrying proprietary IP rights, and with the remaining majority existing in a grey zone of uncertain protection, every brand that attends without registered Chinese trademarks, patents, or copyrights is exposed. The fair’s own complaint mechanisms — and China’s broader IP enforcement system — only help those who have done the legal groundwork first.

At Yucheng IP Law (YCIP), we work with foreign companies and brands at every stage of China market entry — from initial IP registration and trademark searches through to active enforcement, dispute resolution, and litigation support. Whether you are attending the Canton Fair for the first time or returning as a seasoned sourcing professional, we can help you ensure your brand is protected before you arrive.

Related Reading from Yucheng IP Law

• China Trademark Registration Guide for Foreign Companies (2025)
• Common IP Mistakes Foreign Businesses Make in China
• OEM Manufacturing in China: Protecting Your IP from Copycats
• How Chinese Customs Block Counterfeits
• China’s First-to-File System: Why It Matters for Foreign Brands
• Doing Business in China: How to Protect Your Intellectual Property

External References and Further Reading

• Canton Fair Official Website — Official schedule, registration, and buyer services
• CNIPA — China National Intellectual Property Administration — Official trademark and patent registration authority
• MOFCOM — Ministry of Commerce of China — Foreign trade law and trade fair policy
• Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) — International trade dispute resolution services
• WIPO Madrid System — International trademark registration covering China via the Madrid Protocol

Citations

1. [1] “Canton Fair 2026 Official Schedule,” cantonfair.org.cn. Source Role: Official organizer. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: Primary source for Spring and Autumn 2026 session dates.
2. [2] “Canton Fair Statistics and Participation Data,” cantonfair.org.cn. Source Role: Official organizer. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: Exhibitor counts, product totals, overseas buyer figures, and booth statistics.
3. [3] “Canton Fair Transportation and Logistics Guide,” cantonfair.org.cn. Source Role: Official organizer. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: Metro line recommendations, taxi deployment figures, and hotel shuttle services.
4. [4] “Overseas Buyer Registration System,” cantonfair.org.cn. Source Role: Official organizer. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: Pre-registration opening date and registration channel details.
5. [5] “China Visa-Free Transit Policy,” visaforchina.cn. Source Role: Official Chinese visa authority. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: 240-hour transit policy eligibility and M Visa application process.
6. [6] “Canton Fair IP Protection Portal,” cantonfair.org.cn. Source Role: Official organizer. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: On-site IP complaint procedures, hotline, and proprietary IP product statistics.
7. [7] “Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration — Canton Fair Services,” scia.org.cn. Source Role: Arbitration institution. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: 19-year SCIA presence at the fair and 1,400+ trade dispute case figure.
8. [8] “State Council Provisions on Handling Foreign-Related IP Disputes (2025),” cnipa.gov.cn. Source Role: Official government regulation. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: 2025 provisions strengthening IP enforcement at major international trade events.
9. [9] “Duty-Free Policy for Canton Fair Imported Exhibits,” mofcom.gov.cn. Source Role: Ministry of Commerce. Support Status: Supports. Relevance: Confirms duty-free exhibit policy through 2030 including import-VAT and consumption tax exemptions.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein reflects publicly available data and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Canton Fair dates, policies, and regulations are subject to change by the official organizers. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified intellectual property attorney. Yucheng IP Law (YCIP) accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this article.