The 139th Canton Fair 2026: Full guide for foreign visitors

The 139th Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is set to take place in Guangzhou, China in 2026. This prestigious event, held biannually since 1957, is China’s largest and most comprehensive international trade fair, attracting over 26,000 exhibitors and 200,000 global buyers from more than 200 countries.

Event Details

The 139th Canton Fair will be held in three phases:

• Phase 1: April 15-19, 2026
• Phase 2: April 23-27, 2026
• Phase 3: May 1-5, 2026
• Venue: Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily, including weekends

Canton Fair 2026 Overview

Each phase of the Canton Fair focuses on specific product categories:

Phase 1 (April 15-19, 2026)

• Electronics & Electrical Appliances: Consumer electronics, information and communication products, audio-visual and digital entertainment devices, batteries and power products, computer peripherals and network equipment, electronic security and business automation equipment, household appliances including kitchen appliances, refrigeration, air conditioning, washing and drying machines, small electrical appliances.
• Lighting & Illumination Systems: Lighting equipment, illumination system applications, electric light sources, decorative and functional light fittings.
• Vehicles & Auto Parts: Bicycles and electric scooters, motorcycles and special vehicles, complete vehicles, spare parts, tires, lubricants, fuel supply components, maintenance equipment, optimization products, and vehicle accessories.
• Machinery & Industrial Equipment: Power and electric machinery, general and small processing machinery, industrial components, measuring and camera instruments, printing equipment, sewing and weaving machinery, transport and vehicle repair equipment, construction and agricultural machinery, large-scale machinery and production lines.
• Hardware & Tools: Furniture and decoration hardware, locks and fittings, valves and water-heating equipment, castings, fasteners, welding materials, hand tools, electric and pneumatic tools, hydraulic and mechanical tools, measuring and farming tools.
• New Materials & Chemical Products: Inorganic and organic chemicals, agricultural chemicals, dyes, pigments, paints, plastics and plastic products, rubber and rubber products.
• New Energy & Smart Mobility: Solar photovoltaic products and systems, solar thermal equipment, wind power products and accessories, renewable energy components, new energy vehicle technologies and smart mobility solutions.

Phase 2 (April 23-27, 2026)

• Building Materials & Interior Finishes: General building materials, coatings and chemical materials, pipe fittings, tiles, wood flooring, ceilings, curtain walls, wallpapers, doors and windows, stone and glass materials, kitchen units and cabinets, washing basins, sanitary ware, and bathroom equipment.
• Consumer Goods & Housewares: Kitchenware and tableware, stainless steel and enamel containers, ceramics for household and hospitality use, household items, cleaning products, general housewares, personal care products, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, oral care, and nail beauty supplies.
• Gifts & Promotional Items: Clocks, watches and parts, optical products, spectacles and accessories, gift items and premiums, traditional crafts, jewelry, jade and bone carvings, marketing gifts, paper products and packaging, festival and party supplies.
• Home Decorations & Artware: Artistic and craft ceramics, glass artware and decorations, bamboo, wood, rattan and iron crafts, decorative candles and holders, paintings, frames, mirrors, wall and window decorations, artificial flowers.
• Gardening & Horticulture Products: Flowers and nursery stock, artificial and dried flowers, potted plants and landscapes, horticultural tools and supplies, plant accessories, decorative gardening items, ornamental fish, birds and animals.
• Outdoor Living & Landscape Decor: Stone and iron decorative products, stone sculptures, outdoor spa and swimming pool equipment, landscape accessories, and related spare parts.
• Furniture & Furnishings: Traditional Chinese furniture, residential furniture, hotel, office, school and hospital furniture, outdoor furniture, public-area furniture, semi-finished furniture, and furniture spare parts.

Phase 3 (May 1-5, 2026)

• Other Consumer Goods: Mother and infant products, personal care appliances, pet products and food, toiletries, bathroom products, and bath appliances.
• Toys & Children’s Products: Baby toys, remote-controlled and clockwork toys, action and educational toys, plush and cloth toys, dolls, ride-on toys, baby carriages, mini bicycles, musical toys, inflatable toys, and toy accessories.
• Textiles & Garments: Men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, eveningwear and bridal wear, uniforms and workwear, infant and maternity clothing, underwear and homewear, sports and casual wear, leather, fur, down and cashmere products, fashion accessories, home textiles, carpets, tapestries, textile raw materials, yarns and fabrics.
• Footwear: Men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, sports footwear, special-purpose shoes and boots, and semi-finished footwear products.
• Office Supplies, Bags & Leisure Products: Office supplies and stationery, paper products, labels, office automation equipment, daily-use cases and bags, briefcases, sports goods, travel and outdoor products, fishing and barbecue tools, musical instruments, board games, and recreational items.
• Medicines, Medical Devices & Health Products: Pharmaceuticals, traditional Chinese medicine, health supplements, medical devices, diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, home care and rehabilitation products, hospital equipment and furniture, laboratory instruments, telemedicine systems, and medical consumables.
• Food & Beverages: Cereals and oils, meat, dairy and aquatic products, fruits and vegetables, condiments, bakery and confectionery, food additives, beverages including tea, coffee, juice and alcohol, and food packaging products.

Registration and Attendance

Foreign visitors can register and verify their attendance through the official Canton Fair website. The process includes:

1. Online registration at https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index
2. Clicking on “Overseas Buyer” to complete the registration
3. Applying for an invitation and buyer badge at https://invitation.cantonfair.org.cn/Home/Index

Exhibitors list of Canton Fair 2026

To find the Canton Fair exhibitor list, visit the official platform at https://365.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US. Use the search bar to look up exhibitors, products, or keywords, or browse by the fair’s 13 main product categories and 55 exhibition sections. Filters allow you to refine results by product type, exhibitor name, or booth details, helping buyers quickly identify relevant suppliers and plan their visit efficiently.

New Features for Canton Fair 2026

• Increased focus on smart technologies, new energy vehicles, and sustainable products across all phases.
• Enhanced digital platforms for virtual participation and business matchmaking.

Tips for Attendees

• Budgeting: Be prepared for higher expenses during the fair. Costs for flights, accommodation, and food can range around $3000-$4000. Planning and budgeting are crucial for a productive visit.
• Language and Communication: Most exhibitors communicate primarily in English, and non-English speakers might face challenges. It is advisable to employ a sourcing agent or a translator for effective communication.
• Essential Items: Attendees should bring business cards, a digital camera, and a notepad to record supplier and product information. The Canton Fair website is a valuable resource for pre-researching potential suppliers.
• MOQ Considerations: Suppliers tend to have high minimum order quantities (MOQ). For those looking at lower MOQs, the Yiwu Market could be a more suitable alternative.

The 139th Canton Fair in 2026 promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for international businesses to engage with China’s vast manufacturing and export markets. With its comprehensive product range, cutting-edge innovations, and global networking opportunities, the Canton Fair remains an essential event for importers, exporters, and trade professionals worldwide.