Trade Fairs · Guangzhou
Canton Fair 2026: Choose the Right Phase for Your Products
Match your products to the correct Canton Fair 2026 phase, then verify the exhibition-section table before booking. Plan your trip now.
· 5 min read
Which Phase of Canton Fair 2026 Should You Attend?
First, match your products to the correct phase, then verify the current exhibition-section table on the official Canton Fair website. Do not choose a phase based on cheaper flights; ensure your target suppliers will be present.
The 140th Canton Fair in 2026 is divided into three phases, each with specific product categories. The fair is held at the No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335.
Dates and Phases for the 140th Canton Fair 2026
The 140th Canton Fair in 2026 is not a continuous 20-day event but consists of three phases with breaks in between:
- Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026 - Focus on electronics, machinery, vehicles, lighting, and hardware tools.
- Break: October 20–22, 2026 - No exhibitions, do not plan to visit during this time.
- Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026 - Focus on home goods, gifts, building materials, and furniture.
- Break: October 28–30, 2026 - No exhibitions, do not plan to visit during this time.
- Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2026 - Focus on toys, clothing, footwear, textiles, stationery, health and leisure, and food.
The fair is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Ensure you check the official schedule on the Canton Fair's official introduction page for the most accurate dates and times.
How to Verify Your Product Category and Phase
Follow these steps to confirm which phase and exhibition section your products belong to:
- Visit the official Canton Fair website.
- Navigate to the 140th Canton Fair's current exhibition-section table.
- Search for your specific product, not just the broad category.
- Confirm both the phase and the exhibition section before booking your tickets and accommodations.
For example, Building and Decorative Materials are in the second phase, not the first. Always refer to the current official table for the most accurate information.
Planning Your Trip: Hotels and Transportation
Book your hotel in the vicinity of the No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335. Use Amap (the map app almost everyone in China uses) to find the exact location. Search for 广交会展馆 (Guangjiao Hui Zhan Guan) to get the right pin.
For real-time hotel and train prices, use Trip.com. Check the prices for your specific travel dates, as they can vary.
If you plan to visit factories during the break periods, check the train schedules on China Railway's official English booking site. Confirm factory visits in advance and include the non-exhibition days in your itinerary.
Handling Multiple Product Categories
If your procurement list spans multiple phases, consider the following options:
- Attend only one phase: Prioritize the most important products and defer the others to the next fair if budget constraints prevent you from covering the break period.
- Stay for two phases: Include the cost of hotel nights during the break period in your budget if you need to see all the products in person.
- Plan factory visits during the break: If you have a list of factories to visit, schedule them during the non-exhibition days. Confirm the factory visits in advance and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Always start by screening exhibitors, categorizing them by phase, and planning your route within the exhibition sections. Reconfirm everything on-site to avoid any last-minute changes.
Key Reminders and Warnings
Do not book hotels and flights assuming the fair is a continuous 20-day event. The break periods are not exhibition days.
Verify the official exhibition-section table for the 140th Canton Fair before making any bookings. Do not rely on previous years' information or general categories.
Do not choose a phase based on cheaper flights. Attending the wrong phase means your target suppliers may not be present.
Building and Decorative Materials are in the second phase, not the first. Always refer to the current official table.
Use the correct address: No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335.
What it looks like
Frequently asked
How do I register as a buyer for the Canton Fair?
Follow the Canton Fair buyer registration steps on the official Canton Fair website.
What should I do if the invitation letter application is not available yet?
Check the Canton Fair invitation letter status fixes on the official Canton Fair website.
Can I visit factories during the break periods?
Yes, plan your Pearl River Delta factory visit using the official Canton Fair website's resources.
Where can I find the exhibitor directory for the Canton Fair?
Search the Canton Fair exhibitor directory on the official Canton Fair website.
What are the daily opening hours for the Canton Fair 2026?
The Canton Fair 2026 is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
On the ground in China
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About this guide
Written and maintained by the China Unboxed team from Shenzhen. We keep guides current and general on purpose — always verify prices and policies against official sources before booking.
Related in this series
- the 140th Canton Fair dates and the changeover days between phases
- the buyer registration walkthrough on the official system
- whether your passport needs a Chinese visa and an invitation letter at all
- what to do when the invitation application is not open yet
- the documents the badge desk asks for and where to collect
- what a buyer trip to the fair actually costs
- getting from Baiyun Airport to Pazhou and where to stay
- building a booth shortlist before you fly
- hiring an interpreter for booth negotiations
- our on-the-ground support during the fair
- the full service list with prices, from a paper check to a factory visit
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