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Canton Fair 2026: Your guide to the China Import and Export Fair

Last update: August 7, 2026

Contents

Planning to visit the Canton Fair 2026? Take a look at the complete guide to the China Import and Export fair to better prepare yourself for it.

Key takeaways

The Canton Fair is one of the world’s largest trade events, connecting buyers and suppliers across various industries
The 140th edition of the Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou, China, in three phases from October 15, 2026 to November 4, 2026
Registration, visa application (if required), and obtaining a Buyer Badge are essential steps to attend the fair
The fair is divided into three phases, each catering to different product categories.
Planning ahead with a list of suppliers, key questions, and negotiation strategies maximises opportunities.

The Canton Fair, or the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the largest trade events where suppliers and manufacturers showcase their products to prospective buyers.

Its 140th edition is scheduled to commence in Autumn of 2026 in Guangzhou, China. The Canton Fair is held in three phases over three weeks so businesses can take optimum advantage of the event.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Canton Fair or a seasoned pro, preparing and getting a game plan together will help you have a successful and fun trip to Guangzhou.

This Canton Fair Guide is packed with essential travel advice, local tips, and Canton Fair knowledge that’ll help you get around more easily, enjoy the local culture, and make sure you make the most out of the trade fair.

What is the Canton Trade Fair?

The Canton Trade Fair is one of the world’s biggest exhibitions that connects sellers and buyers. The trade show occurs twice a year in Guangzhou, China.

The first session kicks off in spring, around April/May, and the second is organised in autumn, around October/November. The event is organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre and co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China.

Here are the event details for the Canton Trade Fair 2026 that was organised in spring:

Date: October 15 to November 4, 2026

Phase 1: October 15-19, 2026
Phase 2: October 23-27, 2026
Phase 3: October 31-November 4, 2026

Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm local time

Location: Canton Fair Complex, No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China1

Interesting trivia:

The Canton Fair Complex is one of the largest exhibition centres in Asia, covering over 1,100,000 square metres

The word Canton comes from the Cantonese language, and it is just another word for the city of Guangzhou. While Mandarin speakers call it Guangzhou, Cantonese speakers call the city Canton

History and significance of the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, has been connecting businesses since 1957. Held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, it’s the country’s longest-running and largest trade fair.

It started as a way to boost China’s foreign trade and has grown into a massive international event where businesses from all over the world focus on product sourcing from China, finding suppliers in China, and finding dropshipping suppliers. The fair provides opportunities to explore new products, build partnerships, and negotiate deals, including understanding how to efficiently pay suppliers in China while ensuring secure transactions.

How to attend the Canton Fair?

Here are the steps to attend the Canton Fair as a new buyer or a seasoned buyer:

1- Register and apply for the e-invitation

Overseas buyers will need a Canton Fair invite to get a Chinese visa. To apply for an e-invitation, use the Buyer E-service tool on the Canton Fair website. Register as a new buyer and add your business and personal details to create an account. You will also be required to add your passport details.

Regular overseas buyers who already have the previous year’s badge can directly apply for the e-invitation by logging into the Buyer E-service tool. The Buyer Badge number (9 digits) will be the login ID, and the 7 or 8-digit number on the backside of the badge will be the initial password.

2- Receive the invitation

It may take a few days to a week to get the invitation letter through email. After you receive the invitation, you can print it out and use it to apply for a Chinese visa.

Here are some of the sources to get a Chinese visa:

Apply online directly through China Online Visa Application (COVA)
Contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country
Get in touch with a local travel agency

3- Get your buyer badge

The Buyer badge is the only official entry pass to the Canton Fair. It works for multiple sessions.

Using your e-invitation, you can pre-register for the buyer badge or get your badge on-site at the event.

To pre-register online, visit the Buyer E-Service tool or scan the QR code below. When you apply for a badge for the first time online, it’s completely free.

To register in person, reach the buyer badge booth at the fair venue and get your badge by showcasing your printed invitation.

You can also apply for your buyer badge in advance at the Appointed Hotels or the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

Note: Regular buyers who already have the previous year’s badge can enter the event directly with their existing badge.

4- Enter the event

With your buyer badge, you are all set to attend the world’s biggest trade fair and expand your business globally. Using a translating app or an interpreter is highly recommended to ensure there aren’t any communication issues.

Overview of the three phases of the Canton Fair

The Canton Trade Fair 2025 has three phases, like all previous editions. The organisers designed the event so that each phase would display different product categories.

Phase 1	Phase 2	Phase 3
October 15–19, 2026	October 23–27, 2026	October 31–November 4, 2026
New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility Hardware, Tools Machining Machinery and Equipment Household Electrical Appliances New Materials and Chemical Products Lighting Equipment Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing Power and Electrical Equipment General Machinery and Mechanical Parts Construction Machinery Agricultural Machinery Motorcycles, Bicycles Vehicle Spare Parts Vehicles Consumer Electronics and Information Products Electronic and Electrical Products New Energy Resources	Iron and Stone Decorations Building and Decoration Materials Kitchen and Tableware Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment Furniture Daily-use Ceramics Household Items Clocks, Watches, and Optical Instruments Gifts and Premiums Festival Products Home Decorations Art Ceramics Glass Artware Gardening Products Woven, Rattan, and Iron Products Outdoor Spa Facilities	Men’s and Women’s Clothing Personal Care Appliances Bathroom Products Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices Pet Products Maternity and Baby Products Toys Children’s Clothing Sportswear and Casual Wear Underwear Fur, Leather, Down and Related Products Clothing Accessories and Fittings Home Textiles Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics Carpets and Tapestries Shoes Office Supplies Bags and Suitcases Sports and Tourism Leisure Products Food Rural Revitalization

How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair?

Attending the Canton Fair from Australia involves these expenses:

Registration Fee: If you pre-register online, the first Buyer Badge is free. Without pre-registration, obtaining the badge on-site costs RMB 100 (approximately AU$20)3

Visa: Australian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days, so, there’s no cost.

Flights: Round-trip flights from major Australian cities to Guangzhou vary between AU$700 and AU$1,500, depending on the season and booking time

Accommodation: Hotels in Guangzhou can charge up to AU$200 per night, depending on their location and amenities. But it’s possible to find affordable options too.

Total: For a 5-day trip, the total cost can depend on choices in accommodation, dining, and other personal preferences

How to get a Chinese visa for the Canton Fair as an Australian

Australian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, transit, and exchange purposes. This policy is effective until December 31, 2026.

If your stay exceeds 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa. For attending the Canton Fair, obtaining an official invitation is essential for the visa application process. You can apply for this invitation through the Canton Fair’s Buyer Service System.

Once you have the invitation, submit your visa application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Australia. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, and a recent photograph.

How to reach the Canton Fair

Once you are in Guangzhou, there are three main ways to reach the Canton Fair:

Direct shuttle service: It takes you directly from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the fair venue. The shuttle services run through all three phases of the trade fair between 1pm to 6pm. You will find a new shuttle every 30 minutes. There are also shuttle buses available from major hotels to the fair venue.

Metro: You can take Line 8 either from the Pazhou Station via exits A, B, or C or from the Xingang Dong Station via exit A.

Taxi: You can also directly get a taxi to the venue using ride-hailing apps like DiDi.

How many days to spend at the Canton Fair

The number of days you should spend at the Canton Fair depends on the types of products you’re interested in and how in-depth you want to explore potential suppliers. Since the fair is divided into three phases, each covering different industries, your visit should align with the industries/ products you’re interested in.

Phase 1 (Electronics, machinery, and vehicles): If you’re sourcing complex or high-tech products, you may need 3-4 days to compare different manufacturers and negotiate terms.
Phase 2 (Consumer goods, home decorations, and gifts): A 2-3-day visit is often enough to browse and discuss pricing for household products, decor, and gifts.
Phase 3 (Textiles, clothing, office supplies, food, and medical products): Since this phase has a broad range of products, 2-4 days might be required depending on the variety of items you’re sourcing.

If you’re visiting multiple phases or want to conduct detailed negotiations with suppliers, a week-long trip can be beneficial. However, if you’re well-prepared with a shortlist of exhibitors, a 2-3 day targeted visit could be sufficient.

Do you need an interpreter at the Canton Fair?

Hiring an interpreter for the Canton Fair can enhance your experience, especially if you’re not fluent in Mandarin. The cost for English-language interpreters typically ranges from RMB 400 to 800 per day. Additionally, bringing an interpreter into the fair requires an interpreter’s badge, which comes at an additional cost.

Please note that these rates can vary based on the interpreter’s experience and the prevailing demand during the fair. It’s best to check these rates while you’re at the fair.

Top tips to conquer the Canton Trade Fair

1. Create a game plan

The Canton Trade Fair is so far and vast that it’s easy to get lost in the wide range of products offered by suppliers from across China. To make the most out of the event, you need to first decide on the type of products you are interested in.

You should also build a short list of suppliers you want to see and find out where they are located. Prepare a list of questions to ask suppliers, including

What are the most popular products?
What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
What are the current delivery time frames?
Which countries do you export to?
What are the preferred payment methods?
Can I get exclusivity on a specific product or product range?
Can I get products in a specific colour or size?

It’s important to choose reputed and reliable suppliers and build deep business relationships with them. You may not get a lot of opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with so many suppliers. Use your time to learn about them and their major capabilities. Ask direct questions, be confident, and learn some negotiation skills.

→ Pro tip: If you are going to visit the Canton Trade Fair for a particular phase, you can create a daily game plan like this:

Day 1-2: Explore and engage by heading to your shortlisted exhibitors and schedule talks and forums that might benefit your business.
Day 3 & beyond: Deepen connections and learn more by revisiting any preferred suppliers for further discussions and plans, and meet other exhibitors to see what else is on offer.

2. Consider getting a translator

You will find that most booths at the Canton Fair will have someone who can speak English. But if you want your own translator, you can partner with a translation service agency or even book Canton Fair’s on-site translators, who are often in high demand, so booking early is necessary.

→ Pro tip: Digital translation apps, like Alibaba Translate, can be handy for simple conversations.

3. Stack up your business cards

Exchanging business cards is a common practice in China. You should bring plenty of business cards with all your contact information, including, phone number, email address, and WeChat ID.

Networking is one of the main reasons many overseas buyers attend the Canton Fair in China. You should use this opportunity to build your network of suppliers.

→Pro tip: Receive all business cards with two hands to show respect, and keep it in sight during your meeting.

4. Download useful apps

China has its own range of apps for making payments, sending messages, and managing transportation. Make sure you have all the important apps downloaded on your phone when you land in China.

Alipay: It is a leading platform for payments and digital services in China. Accepted by millions of merchants, foreign visitors can connect their credit cards to pay for nearly everything. To pay, open the app and either scan the QR code or the merchant will scan your one-time QR code in the ‘Pay/Receive’ tab.

→ Pro tip: The popular question, “I scan or you scan me?” is often asked in stores.

If you have an Alipay account, you can also make a small deposit instantly to show that you are a serious buyer and then make your first payment later on. Learn how to use Alipay as a foreigner

WeChat: It is the main communication app used in China. Stay in touch with suppliers, taxi drivers, and official business accounts with it. Create a profile and get verified by an existing user to get started.
Amap: Amap is a navigation app that provides details about real-time traffic in China
Baidu Map: Another navigation app that provides a street view function and helps people find their way across the different Chinese cities.
DiDi: It is a taxi-hailing app that allows users to request real-time rides from partnered drivers.
Metroman China: It provides up-to-date and accurate information about metros in China, including metro maps and running schedules.

→ Pro Tip: Install a VPN before you land in China because global apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and Instagram don’t work in the country.

5. Learn some handy Chinese phrases

It’s good to show appreciation for Chinese culture by learning a few common phrases. It can also help you travel the country with convenience.

→ Pro tip: Create a checklist for everything you will need before you board and arrive in China. Here’s our ultimate checklist to help you navigate through the city:

6. Negotiate the best deals

The Canton Import Export Fair is one of the few chances you’ll get to meet suppliers face-to-face, so make the most of it. Negotiating in person gives you a better chance to secure favourable terms. Focus on:

Pricing: Don’t accept the first quote. Suppliers expect negotiations, so be prepared to bargain.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Many suppliers list high MOQs, but if you negotiate, they may be willing to lower them, especially for first-time orders.
Payment terms: Discuss whether you can get better terms, such as a lower deposit or extended payment periods.
Cost of shipping from China to Australia: Factor in shipping costs when negotiating prices, as they can significantly impact your total expenses. Consider different shipping options and ask suppliers if they can offer better rates or share shipping costs.

7. Take your time to check sample products

When you source products from China while running a business overseas, getting samples shipped takes time and adds costs. The Canton Expo gives you the chance to inspect products up close, compare quality, and even request customisations on the spot.

8. Build relationships for long-term success

Chinese business culture values relationships, and meeting suppliers in person helps build trust. A good relationship can lead to better pricing, priority production, and more flexible terms in the future.

9. Gather supplier information and compare options

Don’t rush into a deal with the first supplier you meet. You can also consider sourcing from 1688.com or buying from Alibaba . Make sure to collect business cards, take notes, and compare multiple suppliers before making any commitments. The Guangzhou Trade Fair is huge, and there’s always another booth offering similar products, so shop around.

10. Plan for smooth international transactions

Managing transactions efficiently is key when buying from the Canton Exhibition. Setting up a foreign currency account in Australia can help you pay suppliers in China in their preferred currencies, with better exchange rates.

11. Check the schedule in advance

Before attending, review the Canton Fair Complex layout and the schedule for the expo in Guangzhou to maximise your time. Since the China Guangzhou Fair runs in three phases, each catering to different industries, arriving prepared ensures you get the most out of the fair.

How to pay suppliers and make payments in China

While attending the Canton Fair, businesses also need to consider how they will pay Chinese suppliers for any advance payments and manage their day-to-day expenses while travelling in China.

Many Chinese suppliers accept payment in either US Dollars (USD) or Chinese Yuan (CNH, the offshore version of the Chinese currency used for international settlement). Local businesses throughout China increasingly rely on digital payment platforms such as Alipay instead of cash.

Planning both supplier payments and travel spending before arriving can help business operations run more efficiently during and after the fair.

Paying Chinese suppliers

Once orders have been negotiated, suppliers will typically issue invoices in USD or CNH rather than Australian Dollars.

Traditional international bank transfers can be suitable for overseas payments, but they may involve multiple intermediary banks, longer settlement times and additional transfer or foreign exchange fees depending on the payment route.

WorldFirst is a global payments provider offering the World Account, a multi-currency account designed for globe businesses that make ongoing international payments.

Australian businesses can hold 20+ currencies, including USD and CNH, and send payments in 100+ currencies to more than 200 countries and regions. There is no setup fee, no monthly fee and no fee to receive payments into the account.

How to pay a Chinese supplier through the World Account:

Open a World Account and complete verification
Fund the account in AUD or another held currency
Convert AUD into USD or CNH within the account, or hold AUD and convert closer to the payment date
Enter the supplier’s bank details and send USD or CNH directly

For businesses sourcing products through 1688.com, World Pay is the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com. Businesses can pay suppliers directly from their World Account without opening a Chinese bank account. World Pay is integrated at checkout on 1688.com once the buyer ID is linked, and buyers retain 1688.com buyer protection on eligible orders.

Making payments in China during your trip

China has become largely cashless in recent years. Many taxis, restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, shopping centres and even street vendors primarily accept digital payments through Alipay or WeChat Pay. While international cards are accepted at some hotels, airports and larger retailers, they may not be accepted by smaller merchants.

For visitors attending the Canton Fair, this means planning how to pay for:

Metro fares
Taxis and ride-hailing services
Meals and cafés
Accommodation
Interpreters
Supplier samples
Local business purchases

Setting up a supported digital payment method with WorldFirst or Alipay before travelling can help make day-to-day spending more convenient.

Can you use Alipay as a foreigner in China?

Yes. Foreign visitors can link an eligible international debit or credit card, or a supported international bank account, to the Alipay app and use it at participating merchants across China. Depending on the payment method linked, foreign transaction fees and currency conversion fees may apply.

The World Card is a Mastercard-powered business payment card connected to the World Account. When you pay in one of 15 supported currencies and hold enough of that currency in your account, the payment comes straight from that balance with no conversion or no foreign exchange fee. So you could convert AUD to CNH at competitive rates before travelling to China and then link the World Card to Alipay to make payments while travelling–all without worrying about real-time exchange rates.

Outside those 15 currencies, the card works wherever Mastercard is accepted, with support for payments in 150+ currencies.

Businesses can issue up to 20 cards at no additional cost, set individual spending limits, freeze and unfreeze cards instantly through the WorldFirst dashboard, and track transactions in real time.

How to link the World Card to Alipay:

Download the Alipay app before travelling and complete the international user setup
Add the World Card as a linked payment method
Pay at participating merchants. Purchases in supported currencies draw from the matching World Account balance where available

Where to stay when attending the Canton Fair?

Paying Chinese suppliers

You will find accommodation options all across the city of Guangzhou, ready to host people worldwide. Most hotels offer pickup and drop facilities from the airport and the fair venue. It’s also better to book a hotel well in advance and preferably book a place closer to the fair venue to lower your travel time.

Hotel Name	Star	Distance from Canton Fair venue
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts	5 star	2.8 km
Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou	5 star	2 km
Langham Place, Guangzhou	5 star	3.6 km
The Westin Pazhou	5 star	3.8 km
The Mulian Hotel	5 star	6.9km
The Xanadu Guangzhou	5 star	6.3 km
Royal Mediterranean Hotel Guangzhou	5 star	7.5 km
Ramada Plaza Guangzhou	5 star	8.5 km
Yuwa Hotel	4 star	9.7 km

Where to eat when attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou?

Guangzhou is the home of Cantonese food, so we definitely recommend trying out the local cuisine here. The city also offers flavours from around the world for international travellers.

Restaurant	Cuisine	About the place
Five Zen5es	Cantonese	The restaurant has been awarded Michelin plates for over five consecutive years, making it a must-try.
Ming Court	Cantonese	The restaurant offers an antique, fine-dine experience to patrons.
Panxi restaurant	Cantonese	The serene and peaceful interiors of Panxi can be perfect after a long day at the fair.
Jiang restaurant	Cantonese	The place offers a high-end dining experience with private dining booths that can be perfect for business meetings or just for some much-needed alone time.
Wilber’s	Western	A staple among Western travellers, Wilber’s is located in a colonial-era villa. The place offers great Western food and a cocktail area.
La Seine	French	Experience authentic French cuisine coupled with great service in this fine-dine restaurant
The Oakroom	Chinese and European	Located on the rooftop of a 16-floor building, Oakroom offers panoramic city views and great food.

Beyond Canton Trade Fair: Sightseeing in Guangzhou

Here are the top tour routes in Guangzhou to experience the modern cityscapes and deep culture of the city:

1. A tour of the thousand-year-old Guangzhou: Take a walk through its history. Explore major landmarks, including:

Guangzhou Museum of Art Yuexiu Park (Five Goats Statue, Zhenhai Tower)
Nanyue King Museum (Site of King’s Tomb)
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou —
Ximen Wengcheng Ruins
Beijing Road Cultural Tour Route
Tianzi Wharf
Shamian Island
Yongqingfang

2. A shopping Tour in Guangzhou

Go shopping in the fashionable city of commerce and trade. Explore major shopping malls, including:

Grandview Mall
Teemall
Fashion Tianhe Plaza
Taikoo Hui

3. An artistic tour in Guangzhou

Explore the artistic tour of the beautiful town through landmarks, including:

Beicun Village
Chen Clan Temple
Shamian Island
Xiguan Yongqingfang
Dongshankou Area
Taikoo Shed Quay Taigucang Wharf
Ancient Whampoa Anchorage (Huangpu Ancient Port)
Hengsha
Scholar Street

4. A passionate tour of Guangzhou, a city of vitality

Relax in these hotels and water parks after a long day at the Canton Trade fair:

Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort
Chimelong Safari Park
International Circus
Chimelong Paradise
Chimelong Water Park
Chimelong Hotel
Chimelong Panda Hotel

5. A folk cultural tour of Guangzhou

Take a cultural tour of the city and walk through its history with these landmarks:

Shamian Historical and Cultural Blocks
Yongqingfang Intangible Cultural Heritage Area
Nanyue King Museum (Site of King’s Tomb)
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou
Guangdong Museum
Canton Tower
Haizhu National Wetland Park
Rice Noodles Experience Centre
Shawan Ancient Town

6. A romantic tour in Guangzhou

Experience the fragrant spring blossoms and reconnect with nature through these beautiful places:

Conghua Liuxihe National Forest Park (Liuxi Fragrant Snow)
Shimen National Forest Park
Jindong Peach Blossom Town
Trendsee Cherry
Blossom Park
Luogang Xiangxue Park

7. A tasty tour in Guangzhou, a city for gourmets

Explore local cuisine restaurants to better understand why Guangzhou is known as the city for gourmets.

Lychee Bay Scenic Area
Panxi Restaurant
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Chentian Fish Skin
Beijing Road Cultural Tour Route
Guangzhou Restaurant

8. A slow, healthy tour in Guangzho

Relax and unwind as you walk through the different nature points around the city:

Xitang Fairy Village
Conghua Hot Spring Tourist Resort
Shimen National Forest Park
Nanping Seclusion Town

9. A cultural heritage tour in Guangzhou

Seep into the culture of Guangzhou through these major landmarks:

Langtou Ancient Village
Shitouji Mineral Park
Formal Residence of Hong Xiuquan
Yuen Yuen Taoist Temple
Guangzhou Folk Custom
Museum (Zizheng DaifuCi Temple)

Streamline cross-border payments with WorldFirst and build good supplier relationships

While the Canton Trade Fair makes finding the right products and suppliers easy, the challenge you will face with an international supplier is making quick and cost-effective cross-border payments. Payment methods with high FX costs can reduce margins, and repeated delays in settling supplier invoices can strain those relationships.

WorldFirst is a global payments provider that helps businesses send, receive, convert and hold multiple currencies through the World Account, a multi-currency account designed for international trade. Businesses can hold 20+ currencies, send payments in 100+ currencies to more than 200 countries and regions, and manage international transactions from a single platform.

The World Account supports local currency accounts in 20+ currencies, including CNH, GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, NZD, CAD, JPY, HKD and SGD. Each local currency account is issued in your business’s name with its own account details, making it easier to receive, hold, convert and send funds.

With a World Account, businesses can:

Pay suppliers in multiple currencies: Send same-day or next-day international payments, subject to cut-off times
Pay 1688.com suppliers: World Pay is the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com, allowing eligible businesses to pay suppliers in CNH from their World Account without opening a Chinese bank account
Manage foreign exchange risk: Eligible businesses can access forward contracts and firm orders to lock in exchange rates for future international payments, subject to applicable terms
Transfer funds between World Accounts: Payments between eligible World Accounts are at no cost and instant
Collect global marketplace payments: Receive payments from 130+ global marketplaces, including Amazon, AliExpress and Etsy, then hold funds, convert currencies or withdraw them to a linked bank account

FAQs

When is the Canton Fair 2026?

The Autumn 2026 Canton Fair is expected to take place from 15 October to 4 November 2026 across three phases.

Where is the Canton Fair held in Guangzhou?

The Canton Fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex, located at No. 380 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China. The venue is accessible via Guangzhou Metro Line 8 and is one of the largest exhibition centres in Asia.

Can anyone go to the Canton Fair?

Yes. Overseas buyers can attend the Canton Fair after completing the required registration process and obtaining a Buyer Badge. Depending on your nationality and the current Chinese immigration policy, you may also need a valid visa before travelling.

Is the Canton Fair free?

Entry to the Canton Fair itself is generally free for overseas buyers who complete online pre-registration and obtain their first Buyer Badge. On-site badge processing fees may apply in certain circumstances.

How do you get a Canton Fair invitation?

You can apply for an official Canton Fair invitation through the Buyer E-Service on the Canton Fair website. The invitation may be required when applying for a Chinese business visa if one is needed for your trip.

How do you get a Canton Fair Buyer Badge?

First-time visitors can obtain a Buyer Badge by completing registration through the Buyer E-Service and collecting the badge at an approved collection point, such as the Canton Fair Complex or selected hotels. Returning buyers may be able to reuse their existing badge, subject to the organiser’s current policy.

Can you go to the Canton Fair on a tourist visa?

China’s visa requirements vary depending on nationality and current immigration policies. Before travelling, Australian passport holders should check the latest entry requirements with the Chinese Embassy in Australia or the relevant visa authority to determine whether a tourist visa or business visa is appropriate.

How do you get from Hong Kong to the Canton Fair?

Travelling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou can be done via high-speed rail, ferry or coach services. The Guangzhou South Railway Station is connected to the city’s metro network, providing convenient access to the Canton Fair Complex.

Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.

Based in Sydney, Jim is responsible for the WorldFirst business across Australia and New Zealand. He brings with him over 25 years of experience helping Business Owners, CFO’s and Treasury Managers overcome the challenges with cross border payments and navigating volatile foreign exchange markets.

Jim Vrondas

Author

Country Manager ANZ at WorldFirst

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Canton Fair 2026: Your guide to the China Import and Export Fair

Key takeaways

What is the Canton Trade Fair?

History and significance of the Canton Fair

How to attend the Canton Fair?

1- Register and apply for the e-invitation

2- Receive the invitation

3- Get your buyer badge

4- Enter the event

Overview of the three phases of the Canton Fair

How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair?

How to get a Chinese visa for the Canton Fair as an Australian

How to reach the Canton Fair

How many days to spend at the Canton Fair

Do you need an interpreter at the Canton Fair?

Top tips to conquer the Canton Trade Fair

1. Create a game plan

2. Consider getting a translator

3. Stack up your business cards

4. Download useful apps

5. Learn some handy Chinese phrases

6. Negotiate the best deals

7. Take your time to check sample products

8. Build relationships for long-term success

9. Gather supplier information and compare options

10. Plan for smooth international transactions

11. Check the schedule in advance

How to pay suppliers and make payments in China

Paying Chinese suppliers

How to pay a Chinese supplier through the World Account:

Making payments in China during your trip

Can you use Alipay as a foreigner in China?

How to link the World Card to Alipay:

Where to stay when attending the Canton Fair?

Paying Chinese suppliers

Where to eat when attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou?

Beyond Canton Trade Fair: Sightseeing in Guangzhou

Streamline cross-border payments with WorldFirst and build good supplier relationships

FAQs

When is the Canton Fair 2026?

Where is the Canton Fair held in Guangzhou?

Can anyone go to the Canton Fair?

Is the Canton Fair free?

How do you get a Canton Fair invitation?

How do you get a Canton Fair Buyer Badge?

Can you go to the Canton Fair on a tourist visa?

How do you get from Hong Kong to the Canton Fair?

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