中文 · English · Español · Français · العربية · Português · 日本語

139th Canton Fair 2026 Complete Playbook | Canton Fair 2026 Insider Guide

Updated April 2026 · By Jing — bilingual, based in Guangdong, China

As a bilingual guide based long-term in Guangdong, I’ve attended the Canton Fair for many editions. This guide isn’t the generic fluff you see on travel blogs — it’s a practical playbook to help you attend efficiently and lock in the best possible prices.

Basic Information for the 139th Canton Fair

• Official Name: 中国进出口商品交易会 (China Import and Export Fair)
• Venue: 广州琶洲·中国进出口商品交易会展馆 (Pazhou Complex)
• Address: 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
• Scale: 13 industry sectors, 54 exhibition zones, the largest trade fair in the world
• Official Website: cantonfair.org.cn
• Buyer Registration: buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
• Service Hotline: 4000-888-999

Phase Schedule

Registration & Entry

Overseas buyers need to complete online registration in advance:

1. Visit buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
2. Prepare your passport information, company documents, and a photo of your business card
3. The registration system uses dynamic JS rendering, so you need to complete it in a regular browser (opening via WeChat in-app browser is not supported)
4. After successful registration, scan your passport or show your e-confirmation letter on-site to collect your visitor badge

Transportation Guide: Getting to Pazhou

From Baiyun Airport

• Metro: Line 3 North Extension → Transfer to Line 1 at Tiyu Xilu → Transfer to Line 8 at Wanshengwei → Pazhou Station (approx 90 mins, ¥9)
• Taxi/DiDi: Approx 60-90 mins, ¥150-250 (depends on traffic)
• Airport Shuttle Bus: There are direct routes to Pazhou, follow the official "Guangzhou Baiyun Airport" WeChat public account for schedule queries

From Guangzhou South Railway Station

• Metro: Line 2 → Transfer to Line 8 at Changgang → Pazhou Station (approx 40 mins, ¥5)

From Shenzhen

• High-speed Rail: Shenzhen North/Futian → Guangzhou South (30-40 mins, ¥75-100), then transfer to metro
• Intercity Bus: Direct buses to Guangzhou are available at all Shenzhen ports

Accommodation Recommendations

Walking Distance (Within 1km)

Value Options (2-4 Metro Stops Away)

Exhibition Must-Have Checklist

Bring With You

• Lots of business cards — at least 200, double-sided with Chinese and English is best
• Portable charger — the venue is huge, your phone battery will drain extremely fast
• Comfortable shoes — walking 20,000 steps a day is standard
• Personal water bottle — there are water dispensers in the venue, but lines are long
• Lightweight backpack — to hold catalogs, samples, and business cards
• RMB cash + mobile payment — activate WeChat Pay / Alipay in advance

Prepare in Advance

• WeChat — almost all Chinese suppliers only communicate via WeChat, register an account and set up your profile photo and company info beforehand
• VPN — if you need to use overseas services like Google, WhatsApp etc.
• Chinese SIM card or eSIM — sold at the airport, we recommend buying a data-inclusive package
• Translation app — we recommend Baidu Translate or Google Translate offline package
• Product demand list — list out your target sourcing categories, specifications, target price, expected MOQ in advance

Pro Tips: Make Your Canton Fair Trip More Efficient

1. Skip Day 1

The first day of each phase is packed, with over 100,000 people flooding in. Days 2 and 3 are the best sourcing days — exhibitors are warmed up, and serious buyers start negotiations. On Days 4 and 5, exhibitors are more willing to make concessions on price and MOQ, as they’ve already hit most of their outreach targets.

2. Scout First, Negotiate Later

Spend the first day (or your first day at the fair) quickly browsing all your target exhibition zones, mark the booths you’re interested in. Come back on the second day with clear requirements for in-depth talks. Don’t place an order at the first booth you visit.

3. Get Written Quotes

Verbal quotes are meaningless. Ask the exhibitor to write down: Unit Price, MOQ, Sample Cost, Lead Time, FOB Port. Take a photo of it and attach their business card for records.

4. Scan WeChat, Not Just Exchange Cards

Business cards get lost or mixed up easily after you leave. Add each other on WeChat on the spot, note down their booth number and product type in the contact remark. This makes post-fair follow-up 10x more efficient.

5. Use the Online Exhibition Platform

The Canton Fair has a 365-day online exhibition: 365.cantonfair.org.cn. Before the fair, you can browse exhibitors and book meetings in advance. After the fair, you can keep in touch with suppliers you missed at the venue.

6. Plan Post-Fair Factory Visits

There are massive factory clusters within a 2-hour drive of Guangzhou — Foshan (ceramics, furniture), Dongguan (electronics, hardware), Zhongshan (lighting), Shenzhen (tech products). After reaching a preliminary agreement at the fair, book an on-site factory inspection.

Guangzhou Food Recommendations

Coming to Guangzhou and skipping dim sum is a waste of your trip. Here are some popular spots locals frequent:

• Dim Sum / 饮茶 yǐnchá: 点都德 Diǎndūdé, 广州酒家 Guǎngzhōu Jiǔjiā (Guangzhou Restaurant)
• BBQ Meats / 烧腊 shāolà: 太兴 Tài Xīng, 烧鹅仔 Shāo'é Zǎi
• Claypot Rice / 煲仔饭 bāozǎifàn: 超记 Chāo Jì, 民信 Mínxìn
• Rice Noodle Rolls / 肠粉 chángfěn: 银记 Yín Jì
• Late-night Congee: Available everywhere in Liwan District

Key Bilingual Phrases

Important Reminders

1. Weather: Guangzhou is hot and humid from April to May, with temperatures between 28-33°C. Pack light, breathable clothes and rain gear.
2. Safety: The Canton Fair venue has strict security, so personal safety is guaranteed. But take good care of your personal belongings.
3. Visa: Confirm your visa type allows you to participate in commercial activities. Attending the fair on a tourist visa may carry risks.
4. Currency: Prepare some RMB cash, but mobile payment is widely accepted. ATMs in the venue support cash withdrawal.
5. Internet: The venue provides free WiFi but it’s slow. We recommend using your own mobile data plan.

This article is written by the China With Me team. Jing is based long-term in Guangdong, if you need services including Canton Fair accompaniment, factory visit arrangement, supplier verification etc., feel free to contact us.

Contact: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +65 9832 4067

Need hands-on help? Jing is based in Guangdong — right next to Shenzhen and China's factory belt. [email protected]