How to Register for the Canton Fair 2026: Cost, Dates, and Requirements

If you do business with Chinese suppliers, the Canton Fair in Guangzhou is one of the best places to find manufacturers and business partners. In this article, we'll break down how to register for the Canton Fair in 2026, get your buyer badge, and prepare for your trip. When planning your trip to Guangzhou, book your hotel in advance: demand increases significantly during the fair.

What Are the Dates and Phases of Canton Fair 2026?

Looking for reliable manufacturers for your business? The Canton Fair, or the China Import and Export Fair, is the oldest and one of the leading trade events in the world. The fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, China: in the spring (April/May) and in the autumn (October/November).

2026 Canton Fair Dates

• 📅 139th Spring Session: April 15 — May 5, 2026.
• 📅 140th Autumn Session: October 15 – November 4, 2026.

Canton Fair 2026: Phases 1–3 (in-person attendance)

In 2026, both the spring and autumn sessions will follow the same structure, consisting of three in-person stages.

The Canton Fair's official website and app are available year-round. You can use them to search for exhibitors and products, take advantage of business matchmaking services, and prepare for your in-person visit even when the fair isn't in session.

How New Buyers to Register for the 2026 Canton Fair?

New overseas buyers can register in advance via the official Buyer Service System or the Canton Fair app. Pre-registration is open year-round. Invitations are processed separately and are primarily needed by attendees who require them for visa applications.

1. Head over to the official Canton Fair buyer service system.
2. Select registration for foreign passport holders and create an account.
3. Enter your personal and contact details, passport and company information, then verify your email address.
4. Submit your application for a buyer badge and select the stages you plan to attend. If the system requests a photo or additional documents, please upload them in the specified format.
5. After the review, keep an eye on your application status and check your email for updates.
6. To pick up your badge, please bring your original valid passport and a business card. You can collect your badge at the official registration point operating for the relevant session.

Your badge is reusable, so be sure to keep it for future sessions! Before you travel, check the latest instructions and pickup locations on our official website.

Select "I am a buyer".

Select the appropriate document type.

Enter your email and create a password.

How Returning Buyers to Register for the 2026 Canton Fair?

Tap "Show QR code" to open your badge.

For returning customers, the process is usually shorter:

1. Go to the official customer service system and log in to your existing account.
2. Check your passport, contact, and corporate details, then select the stages you plan to visit.
3. If you need an invitation for your visa, just request one separately. For buyers who don't need a visa, an invitation isn't a required step.
4. Check the status of your current badge. If it can be reused, be sure to bring it with you and complete the registration or activation required for the current session.

Don't throw away your current badge! According to the published instructions for the 139th session, applying for, replacing, and renewing a badge were all free of charge. Be sure to check the latest guidelines for the final terms before the 140th session.

What Are The Costs and Requirements in 2026 Canton Fair Registration?

1. Pre-registration

• Pre-registration for international buyers is open all year round.
• Registration via the official portal is free.
• An electronic invitation is not automatically issued to all participants. You should request it separately if you truly need it for your visa application.

2. International Buyer Badge

The rate for accompanying citizens of mainland China belongs to a separate category of participants and should not be included in the general registration table for overseas buyers.

Who Needs to Register for the Canton Fair?

The registration described in this article is primarily intended for international buyers who plan to visit the exhibition halls and negotiate with suppliers. These include:

• buyers visiting the Canton Fair for the first time;
• returning international customers;
• employees and representatives of foreign companies;
• procurement specialists representing foreign businesses.

Exhibitors undergo a separate registration process through the exhibition participant system, so they should not be included in the instructions for obtaining a buyer's badge.

What Are The Registration Deadlines for the Canton Fair 2026?

Pre-registration for international buyers is open all year round. The dates for the three stages are not separate registration deadlines.

The following dates have been set for the 140th Autumn Session:

• stage 1 — October 15–19, 2026;
• stage 2 — October 23–27, 2026;
• stage 3 — October 31 – November 4, 2026.

We recommend filling out your application before your trip so there's plenty of time to verify your details and receive your badge pickup notification. Addresses and operating hours for alternative registration points are published separately for each session.

If you didn't register in advance

During the exhibition, registration desks may be available at the exhibition complex, transport hubs, and designated hotels. However, please keep in mind that on-site registration might take a bit longer.

There is no mention of a general fine or mandatory 200 yuan fee for late registration in the current materials for overseas buyers.

After submitting your application, keep an eye on your personal account status and check your email for updates. It's best not to promise fixed processing times or guarantee that you'll get your badge in exactly five minutes.

The Best Hotels Near the Canton Fair

Looking for a place to stay near the Canton Fair? Check out our selection of options on Trip.com and our dedicated article on the best hotels near the Canton Fair. Compare locations, transfer options, and current rates before you book.

Some hotels on Trip.com may offer free round-trip shuttle service to the Canton Fair complex during the event. This service is available only on specific dates and may require advance booking, so be sure to check the schedule, pickup location, and travel terms when making your reservation. Below are three such accommodation options:

Langyi Hotel (Guangzhou Tower & Pazhou Exhibition Center Branch): Located in the Haizhu District, this hotel is just a stone's throw from Chigang Station on Metro Line 8. Guests can enjoy a wine bar serving French cuisine, a business center, and meeting rooms. During certain sessions of the trade fair, the hotel may offer shuttle service to the exhibition complex. Please confirm availability and the schedule directly with the hotel.

BETTERDREAM Garden Yijing Hotel Guangzhou · Xingchen: The hotel features a fitness center, two paid parking lots, a 24-hour front desk, complimentary luggage storage, babysitting services, service robots, and conference rooms available for an additional fee. During the fair, the hotel may provide a shuttle service to the exhibition complex. Please confirm the exact schedule and terms when booking.

Fuyu Hotel (Baiyun District): The hotel offers paid private and free public parking, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, a tea room, a restaurant, taxi booking services, and conference rooms available for an additional fee. During the trade fair, the hotel can arrange shuttle service to and from the exhibition complex. Please confirm the schedule and travel time when booking.